Girl Scouts Beyond Bars Expands Reach with Transportation Support

TULSA, OK — Children with an incarcerated parent are significantly more likely to face incarceration themselves. With Oklahoma having one of the nation’s highest incarceration rates, initiatives to disrupt this cycle are crucial. One such impactful program has recently enhanced its reach.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma’s Beyond Bars program offers mentorship and leadership development to girls whose parents are incarcerated.   A key component of the program involves transporting enrolled girls to visit their incarcerated parents, thereby strengthening family bonds.

A grant from the foundation of Oklahoma Natural Gas’ parent company and the Flint Family Foundation made it possible to purchase a second compressed natural gas van for the program. The first van was fully funded in 2023 by the Founders of Doctors’ Hospital, ensuring reliable transportation for participants.

“Transportation is essential to the program’s success,” said Shannon Luper, director of Girl Scouts Beyond Bars at Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. “Many of the girls we serve would not be able to participate without reliable transportation. This generous support from Oklahoma Natural Gas, the Flint Family Foundation, and the Founders of Doctors’ Hospital allows us to continue providing meaningful experiences that empower them and strengthen family connections.”

Since 2002, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma’s Beyond Bars program has served over 3,700 girls and families, with none of the participants facing incarceration themselves.

Two sisters, referred to as Jane and Jill to protect their privacy, have thrived in their Girl Scouts Beyond Bars troop despite significant challenges. With their mother incarcerated, they’ve relied on their father’s steadfast support and the troop’s nurturing community. Jane, who has faced mental health struggles, found the troop to be a sanctuary of understanding. Jill, the more outgoing sister, ensures Jane always feels included. From setting cookie season goals to finding peace at summer camp, the sisters have transformed challenges into opportunities for growth. Their story exemplifies the resilience, sense of belonging, and healing power of Girl Scouts.

David Williams, vice president of operations for Oklahoma Natural Gas, emphasized the company’s commitment to community impact. “The Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program is transforming lives, and we are honored to support its mission to strengthen families and provide mentorship to young girls.”