Redbud races through Nichols Hills for benefit of Wings

Redbud Classic Board member Christa Ball, Jodi Lewis and Morgan English prepare for the Sunday 5k. 2023 was the 40th anniversary of the weekend of philanthropy, fitness and fun. This year’s beneficiary was the Wings Special Needs Community.

Wings breaks ground on community for 75-acres special needs community

Wings Members, community leaders, volunteers and Thriving Together campaign supporters gathered for a groundbreaking on Oklahoma’s first privately-funded nonprofit community for adults with developmental disabilities that will become the future of Wings Special Needs Community.

Wings is an Oklahoma-City based nonprofit that exists to enhance the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through social, vocational and residential programs guided by principles of the Bible.

The groundbreaking was held at the future home, 1315 East Wilshire near Kelly and Wilshire in Oklahoma City.

“What a monumental day in Wings 19-year history,” said Brian Russell, board of directors vice chairman. “Today we officially break ground on a dream that has been in the hearts of many for nearly two decades.”

The 75-acre community is to be developed in phases with Phase 1 totaling $18 million and including the very first 8,000 square foot residential ranch home.

The project is funded entirely by the generosity of Oklahomans. Phase 1 also includes a 13,700 square foot chapel and community dining commons and 37,500 square foot program buildingwith a plan for additional ranch homes and a gymnatorium coming in Phase 2.

“I am convinced this community will serve as a beacon for likeminded families from across the state and region to come, plant roots and know that their adult child will be happy, safe and living life to the fullest as well as other communities nationwide who will benchmark their programs after ours,” said Wings Capital Campaign Co-Chairman and Wings parent Greg Price.

Speakers included Greg Olson, Wings parent and land donor and Wings Executive Director Cheri Weaver who helped to execute this capital campaign with precision. The event, also drew City of Oklahoma City, Mayor David Holt, speaking on what this new community will bring to Oklahoma City in the near future and his excitement about Wings moving within the Oklahoma City limits.

Carolyn Hansing, board member and campaign co-chairman stated her belief in the mission and the members of Wings,

“Everyday, I witness firsthand the impact our Members have on the lives of one another and the countless number of people in our community that their kindness, generosity of spirit and ministry touches. The members at Wings are Thriving by serving their surrounding Oklahoma City community through their meaningful work and volunteerism.”

She said that Wings currently has 15 families on the wait list. These families are in need of the services at Wings for their adult child to live an enhanced life full of purpose through the vocational opportunities and volunteerism that Wings provides. We all deserve a life filled with purpose. All of us!

Phase one of the project is set to be completed late 2024.