KFOR: A “positive” difference for children of the homeless

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Positive Tomorrows, an elementary school that specifically serves homeless children and their families in Oklahoma City. They also help homeless families with food, transportation, school supplies, medical care, and other necessities—absolutely free.

“I’ve had family that has experienced homelessness, and I know exactly what it looks like for me,” said Matt Vaugh, a volunteer with Positive Tomorrows, talking about why the Oklahoma City organization is so important to him.

Matt’s wife, Kaylea, had firsthand experience with the school when she was young and her family experienced some temporary homelessness, and remembers her time at Positive Tomorrows as a special experience.

“They gave me this backpack and it was full of crayons and a coloring book and toothbrush that looked way cooler than the one I already had,” remembers Kaylea. “And just all kinds of things that were mine, they belonged to me, I got to take them home with me, and that just felt very special.”

Her husband Matt agrees.

“Whenever I heard about Positive Tomorrows, and I heard about the gap they are really filling in our city, as it pertains to how they are serving the homeless community. I learned it looks really different from anything I thought it looked like. It’s not just they serve the students, they’re embracing this idea of serving the entire family. No matter what version of homelessness they are actually experiencing.”

And Matt says, since the majority of Positive Tomorrows’ funding comes from private donors and its mission is so critical for OKC, he thought the organization was a perfect fit for First Fidelity Bank’s Pay It Forward award and nominated the school.

After being presented the $400 prize from First Fidelity’s Zach Shirley, we surprised the school’s Director of Development, Sara Jacobson.

“Thank you so much, thanks you guys!” Sara said after accepting the money on behalf of the school.

Sara says her job is a labor of love.

“We’re 100% tuition-free for our families and kids who are experiencing homelessness. Just trying to make sure they have everything they need,” Sara told us. “So we’re restocking the classrooms to get the teachers ready and helping our family-support team to work with parents so they can have a fresh start, so they can have housing and all the support they need to make a really great life for their kids. It’s a great space to be in here, I really love it.”

Hugs all around for Sara and the mission they believe in to bring children a positive tomorrow.

See the full story on KFOR.