05/08/2026
Today we attended a wonderful luncheon at the NOUN hosted by Assistance League Norman !
I want to thank Assistance League Norman for hosting such a lovely event and for recognizing The Beacon Project as one of your valued community partners. We are honored to be included among so many amazing organizations, all doing the work and volunteering their time to make a positive impact in our community.
This year alone, Assistance League of Norman served and clothed 1,400 students through their Operation School Bell program. WOW! That’s what doing the work looks like! AND some of those served are also teens we serve through The Beacon Project. So many dedicated women working together to support the youth in our community. Thank you, ALN! We appreciate everything you do for our kids!
A special shoutout to Executive Director Kim Koop! Great job! Thank you for your leadership, your kindness, and for the trust and friendship we have built through our shared mission to serve youth in our community. As both a longtime member of ALN and the CEO of The Beacon Project, I’m thankful to be part of organizations that truly understand the value and spirit of nonprofit partnerships. Not as competitors, but as friends working together to make a difference where it’s needed most.
We loved being in a room filled with women who cheer each other on, lift each other up, and celebrate each other’s successes. There is something special about organizations and community partners coming together with mutual respect and a shared passion for serving others. It was great visiting with friends and supporters who attended, along with so many wonderful community partners we value and appreciate.
The highlight of the luncheon was listening to retired OU Women’s Basketball Coach Sherri Coale share her life journey and the road that led her to where she is today. Her message challenged us to rethink how we respond to obstacles, negativity, and distractions in our lives. One of the best quotes of the day...
“Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pig likes it.”
Coach Coale challenged us to really think about how we engage and respond to the negativity, distractions, and people who attempt to control or distract us from our purpose. She reminded us that there will always be individuals eager to pull us into conflict, but engaging only takes us further away from our vision and calling in life.
Another quote she shared really resonated with me and reflected the heart of The Beacon Project:
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure… He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing…” James A. Michener
That quote perfectly captures how we approach our work at The Beacon Project. Always pursuing our daily mission with excellence… serving, building relationships, creating opportunities, and walking alongside our teens… because we genuinely love what we do and are passionate about giving teens in need our best.
Thank you, Coach Coale, for sharing your story and reminding all of us that no matter what obstacles, distractions, or negativity cross our paths… “Press On!” Your words were such a good reminder to keep moving forward and stay true to who we are.
Thank you again, Assistance League of Norman, for a great time, for your continued partnership, and for the lasting friendships built along the way. Together, we are creating real impact and making the world a better place.
xoxo Angela & The Beacon Project Team
