LAWTON – To celebrate 50 years in the community, Marie Detty Youth & Family Services will host an anniversary bash Friday, August 13 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Dr. E.A. Owens Multipurpose Building, 1405 SW 11th Street.
Kerrie Mathews, who became the organization’s executive director last October, is excited to be part of the momentous occasion. She has been with Marie Detty for close to 20 years, serving as director for two vital programs during her tenure: Parker Point home for teenage girls and New Directions, which offers shelter and resources to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Initially, the late Ms. Detty, a supervisor for Child Welfare Services during the 1960s and ’70s, set out to provide shelter for Lawton’s at-risk youth. Over the past five decades the organization, a partnering agency of United Way of Southwest Oklahoma, has expanded services to the communities of Lawton and Duncan and offers statewide foster care resources. In addition to New Directions and Parker Point, Marie Detty’s programs include Children’s Emergency Resource Center, Community At-Risk Services, counseling, education and prevention services, and more.
Mathews said the event is not just for the organization, but to celebrate the accomplishments of the staff, residents, and clients whose lives have been transformed by Marie Detty over the years.
“To see clients and residents flourish and become stronger because they have a solid support system is spectacular. It’s rewarding,” said Mathews.
As for the viability of the organization’s programs, Mathews stated, “We’ve been here for 50 years now. It’s important to meet the needs of the community. And, if those needs are changing or evolving, we need to ask ourselves, ‘What can Marie Detty do?’”
Marie Detty’s family-friendly 50th-anniversary celebration will include door prizes, bounce houses, games, Bar-S hotdogs, Bella Nonna, and RedBone Indian Tacos food trucks. Vendors from Lawton High School Cross-Country, LHS Scream Team, Huey’s Heroes, J&M Lemonade-N-Snack Shack, Social Nutrition, Yellow Sun Soaps, Fully Loaded Women’s Organization, Infinite Grace Jewelry & Accessories, and Forever Young Kids’ Hair Studio. KLAW 101 and Magic 95 radio remotes and an acoustic performance by southwest Oklahoma’s own Cade Roth.
Admission is free and open to the public.
In addition, a limited supply of Tahiti blue t-shirts commemorating the anniversary is available at the administration office, 317 SW C Ave., for $15 a piece. Cash or check only. Proceeds benefit Marie Detty Youth & Family Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
For more details, contact Marie Detty Youth & Family Services via Facebook or call (580) 250-1123.