The Beacon Project

06/19/2026

Norman Juneteenth

06/11/2026

💜 In Loving Memory of Gracelyn Ogden 💜

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Gracie, a beloved Norman High School student and member of The Beacon Project family.

Over the past several months, so many of you have walked alongside Gracie and her family through an unimaginable journey. Through your prayers, encouragement, financial support, and acts of kindness, you helped make it possible for Gracie to celebrate her 15th birthday, finish the school year, and create precious memories with those she loved most.

Just a few days after school ended, Gracie peacefully passed surrounded by family and loved ones.

Today, our hearts are especially with Gracie's mother, who is now navigating the heartbreaking loss of her daughter while caring for Gracie's three younger siblings. As a single mother, she is facing not only overwhelming grief but also significant financial challenges, including funeral expenses and the day-to-day costs of providing stability and care for her family during this difficult season.

The cost of Gracie's funeral is approximately $6,500. While $2,500 has already been raised, additional support is urgently needed. Beyond the funeral expenses, we hope to help ease the burden of housing costs, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other essential living expenses as the family begins to navigate life without Gracie.

We are asking our community to once again come together and surround this family with love, compassion, and practical support.

🎗️ Ways You Can Help:

💜 Donate through the family's GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Gracelyn-funeral-memorial

💜 Give through The Beacon Project's Beacon Blessings Fund:

Venmo:
(Please note "Beacon Blessings Fund - Gracie" in the comments)

Checks payable to:
The Beacon Project, Inc.
513 West Gray
Norman, OK 73069
(Please note "Beacon Blessings Fund - Gracie" in the memo line)

💜 Send flowers or expressions of support.
Gracie's favorite flower was the sunflower 🌻 and her favorite color was purple 💜.

💜 Provide practical support.
If you would like to help with meals, household needs, gift cards, groceries, or other assistance for the family, please contact us at [email protected].

The funeral home is Tribute Memorial Care - 4300 West Indian Hills Road, Norman, Oklahoma 73072.

Service Information:

Thursday, June 11, 2026
10:00 AM

Victory Family Church
4343 N Flood Ave
Norman, OK 73069

Gracie's life touched countless people throughout our community. Her courage, strength, beautiful smile, and unwavering spirit left an impact that will never be forgotten.

The Beacon Project remains committed to standing beside Gracie’s mother and siblings during the difficult days ahead. Thank you for helping us wrap this family in love, dignity, and support as they grieve the loss of their beloved Gracie.

Please continue to keep Gracie's family in your prayers.

Thank you,
The Beacon Project Team





🌻💜

05/16/2026

05/12/2026

Hey Friends!

We’re excited to announce that The Beacon Project has been selected by the Norman Board of Realtors as one of this year’s Impact Partners for their annual Community “LuDown” Fundraiser Auction! 🎉

This event supports local nonprofits making a difference in our community, and we are honored to be included among this year’s recipients.

📍 Hollywood Corners – Norman
📅 June 4th
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The evening will feature:
✨ Live & silent auctions
🎤 Open mic entertainment
🍔 Food & beverages
💙 Community coming together for a great cause

We would love for our friends, supporters, and community partners to join us!

A BiG THANK YOU to the Norman Board of REALTORS® PR Committee for believing in our mission and for investing in so many organizations serving our community.

We look forward to celebrating with everyone at the LuDown!

05/11/2026

THANK YOU again to Norman High School TIGERPALOOZA & Norman North High School SPUD for choosing The Beacon Project as your Crosstown Recipient! 🤩

We are so grateful for your generosity and for the difference you are making in the lives of your peers and throughout our community. 🙌🏽

THANK YOU!!!

05/11/2026

Dear Friends!

As promised I am sharing more exciting updates from The Beacon Project.

Just a few weeks ago, in April, we hosted our 2nd Annual All Stars Teen Talent Show fundraiser. We had so much fun!!! We love seeing our community come together to support our mission and show up for the teens we serve.

A special thank you to the talented teens who volunteered their time and talents in support of their peers in need. Your performances brought a lot of excitement and energy to the night - THANK YOU!! We were honored to showcase you on our stage.

We are also incredibly grateful to our generous SPONSORS and silent auction DONORS. You made this event possible! THANK YOU for believing in our mission and partnering with us. Your contributions help fund our programs that provide food and resources for the teens who need us most.

To our OU Work Study students, dedicated Team, and Board Members…. THANK YOU! Your countless hours, hard work, and dedication helped make this event a huge success. I am so thankful for each of you and value your passion for making a difference in the lives of our teens.

And to everyone who attended, encouraged, donated, and cheered us on throughout the entire process…THANK YOU!!! I appreciate you standing beside us and believing in the work we do. Because of your support, we can continue creating opportunities and empowering the teens we serve.

THANK YOU all for your support and for partnering with The Beacon Project. Together, we are lighting the way to a brighter future.

Xoxo Angela & The Beacon Project

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

05/06/2026

🎓✨ LET’S CELEBRATE OUR GRADUATING SENIORS! ✨🎓

The Beacon Project’s “Adopt A Senior” program is officially underway!

We are proud to celebrate 35 amazing graduating seniors as they prepare for their next chapter. We need your help making them feel supported, seen, and celebrated.

We’re collecting donations to fill fun graduation swag bags for 20 males and 15 females. Every contribution, big or small, is appreciated. 🙌🏾

Suggested Donations:
🎓 Journals
🎓 Wireless Earbuds
🎓 Insulated Water Bottles
🎓Snacks & Candy
🎓Fast Food Gift Cards
🎓Wallets
🎓 Socks
🎓Lip Gloss
🎓Body Sprays
🎓 YA Books
🎓Unique Graduation Gifts

📍 Drop Off Location: 513 West Gray The Beacon Project
🕥 Monday - Thursday | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
💸 Venmo:
📧 [email protected]
🎓Let’s make graduation special for our 35 seniors! 🎉

05/06/2026

Hello Friends!

It's that time of the year!! YAY!! We have lots of Graduates needing our support! Please consider donating to ensure 55 Dimensions Academy Seniors are ready to walk the stage on Graduation Day! #2026

Ways to Donate:
Venmo
thebeaconproject.org

In person - The Beacon Project 513 West Gray Monday - Thursday 10:30am - 4:00pm.