Safe Haven Oklahoma

09/30/2026

Calling a girl “troubled” does not make her less deserving of protection or give adults permission to dismiss her allegations of s*xual misconduct.

The Frontier reports that Mary Baerg says a teacher at New Lifehouse Academy placed his hands between her legs on at least two occasions. She says she reported him, but remained in his classroom.

The school says it had no record of her complaint and reported the information to Oklahoma DHS after questions from The Frontier. The teacher’s wife denied the allegations. The Frontier could find no record of the school reporting him to law enforcement.

These allegations demand an independent investigation and clear answers.

When adults control where a child sleeps, who she can speak to, and whether her complaints reach anyone outside the building, that child needs meaningful protection and a safe way to report misconduct.

A history of depression, self-harm, or behavioral struggles does not erase a child’s credibility. It increases our responsibility to protect her.

No school, ministry, or residential program should be beyond scrutiny. Religious affiliation should never shield an institution from accountability. A promise to help vulnerable children must come with safeguards that protect them when the concern involves someone on staff.

Oklahoma needs independent oversight, confidential reporting channels, and protection from retaliation for children in residential programs. Any investigation must examine both the alleged misconduct and how adults handled the reports.

At Safe Haven Oklahoma, we believe a child’s safety must come before an institution’s reputation.

Children should never have to prove they are “good” before adults take their safety seriously.

Read and share The Frontier’s reporting:
https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/oklahoma-boarding-school-promised-help-for-troubled-girls-students-say-they-got-punishment-instead/

New Lifehouse Academy markets help for depressed” and “self-destructive” teens. Former students say they found punishment, isolation, and physical restraint instead of treatment.

09/23/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GfoimxXfq/

TARGET OF OBN HUMAN TRAFFICKING INVESTIGATION ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE COUNTS BY GRAND JURY

In April of 2026, the OBN Human Trafficking Unit was contacted by the Purcell Police Department regarding a case involving the possible trafficking of a minor outside of their jurisdiction. The original information stemmed from a forensic interview of a minor after an omission was made to a guardian.

OBN began its investigation and it was discovered that between January of 2019 to December of 2022 a woman identified as Lorrie Lynn Kennedy (DOB 6/16/1978) commercially s*x trafficked, s*xually exploited, and neglected two juveniles in her care. During the times of the offenses, Kennedy’s victims were between the ages of 4 to 9 and the other between the ages of 10 and 12.

On September 16th, 2026, the investigation was presented to the Oklahoma Multi-County Grand Jury by Prosecutors with the Office of Attorney General. The Grand Jury returned a true bill after deliberation on the following:

• Count 1) Trafficking of a minor for commercial s*x between the ages of 10 and 12
• Count 2) Trafficking of a minor for commercial s*x between the ages of 4 and 9
• Count 3) Child Exploitation
• Count 4) Child Exploitation
• Count 5) Child Neglect

On September 17th, 2026, an Oklahoma County Warrant for Kennedy was issued for the above-mentioned counts. Agents with OBN’s Human Trafficking Unit located and arrested Kennedy later that same day at a residence in the Oklahoma City metro area.

“I am proud of the work by our Human Trafficking Agents and for the courage of these victims and witnesses to speak out,” said OBN Director Donnie Anderson. “The investigation involved countless hours reviewing data, numerous forensic interviews with the minors involved, and interviews with potential witnesses.”

Citizens and victims can get information, anonymously report suspected Human Trafficking, and access recovery assistance services by visiting OBN’s “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” human trafficking Resources page on the OBN website at https://www.obndd.ok.gov/programs-services/human-trafficking

08/18/2026

Children who fall through the cracks become adults who society blames for falling through the cracks.

08/12/2026

It's everywhere, a global epidemic!

A former Oklahoma School for the Deaf coach faces r**e and child po*******hy charges. See link below ⬇️

📸 SergeyChayko, Getty Images/iStockphoto

07/30/2026

Victims of human trafficking endure unimaginable suffering. On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, help the raise awareness of this exploitation and hold criminals accountable. Learn the signs of trafficking and how to report it at fbi.gov/humantrafficking.

06/14/2026

Would you force another adult to hug someone they didn't want to hug?

Then why do we force children to do it every day?

It dawned on me today while listening to a discussion about consent that we spend a lot of time teaching adults and teenagers about boundaries, body autonomy, and the importance of consent. But why do we so often ignore those same principles when it comes to children?

How many times have we seen a child clearly uncomfortable, hiding behind a parent, refusing a hug, or pulling away from a relative they barely know?

And what do we say? Don't be rude, give them a hug. You don't want to hurt their feelings do you?

I understand the intention. We want our children to be polite and respectful, but what lesson are we really teaching?

When we force a child to hug, kiss, or touch someone they don't want to, we are teaching them that other people's feelings matter more than their own boundaries. We are teaching them that they don't get a say over who has access to their body.

Children are not property. They are people. They feel fear, anxiety, discomfort, embarrassment, insecurity, and uncertainty just like adults do. The fact that they are young does not make those feelings less real.

We can teach respect without teaching submission.

A wave is respectful, so is a handshake or a high-five.

Consent should not begin at eighteen. It should begin the moment a child is old enough to understand that their body belongs to them.

Maybe it's time we stop telling children to ignore their boundaries for the comfort of adults.

~ Troy W. Green

Send a message to learn more

06/01/2026

There are many ways to support the mission of Safe Haven Oklahoma. Whether you volunteer, donate, advocate, or partner with us, every effort helps protect the vulnerable, support survivors, and strengthen our communities.

Learn more and get involved at SafeHavenOK.org.

06/01/2026

Safe Haven Oklahoma exists to protect children and victims of human trafficking, support survivors, and strengthen communities through investigation, rescue, and education. Our mission is rooted in awareness, advocacy, and hope for those who need it most. Learn more about their work or find ways to support at SafeHavenOK.org.

05/31/2026

Summer should be filled with sunshine, laughter, and the freedom to just be a kid. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and free to enjoy the season. Learn more at SafeHavenOK.org.

05/29/2026

If someone asks your child to keep a secret, it’s important to pay attention. That kind of request can be a warning sign and a conversation starter for parents, guardians, and caregivers. Stay informed, help protect children, and learn more about Safe Haven Oklahoma at SafeHavenOK.org.