GSBB Honored with Steven A. Novick Award for Child Advocacy

Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma is proud to celebrate Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) as the recipient of the 2026 Steven A. Novick Award for Child Advocacy, presented by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA).

The award recognizes an “unsung hero” in child advocacy and honors the legacy of Steven A. Novick, the attorney who led the landmark “Terry D.” lawsuit. This year, OICA selected Girl Scouts Beyond Bars for its ongoing work supporting children who have incarcerated parents.

Supporting Girls and Families Through Connection

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars is an initiative of Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma designed to support girls and families navigating the challenges that can come with parental incarceration.

Through Girl Scout programming and support services, GSBB creates opportunities for girls to build confidence, develop life skills and experience the power of connection and belonging. The program also provides opportunities for girls to maintain and strengthen relationships with their incarcerated parents.

For children experiencing incarceration within their families, those connections can be especially important. GSBB helps create a supportive environment where girls can continue to learn, grow and simply be kids while navigating circumstances that are often outside of their control.

Recognizing the Work Behind the Program

Receiving the Steven A. Novick Award for Child Advocacy is a meaningful recognition of the people who make GSBB possible—including staff, volunteers, community partners and the families who participate in the program.

While the award celebrates GSBB as a whole, its impact can be seen in the individual girls and families it serves. Every opportunity to build a new skill, make a connection, strengthen a relationship or discover a new possibility contributes to a girl's sense of confidence and belonging.

“For more than 24 years, I have had the privilege of serving children and families through GSBB. This recognition reflects the heart and dedication of our team, volunteers, caregivers, and community partners. I am grateful for everyone who helps us show up for these children and families.,” said Shannon Luper, Direct of GSBB at Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma.

Continuing the Mission

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars reflects what Girl Scouting can be at its best: a place where girls are supported, encouraged and given opportunities to discover what they are capable of.

We are grateful to the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy for recognizing GSBB and the importance of supporting children impacted by parental incarceration. Congratulations to Girl Scouts Beyond Bars on this well-deserved honor!