Bixby Outreach Center: A Lifeline for Local Families Amidst Ongoing Crises
During her seven-year tenure as the executive director of the Bixby Outreach Center (BOC), Missy Brumley has faced a barrage of challenges, each more daunting than the last. From the teacher walkout in 2018 that disrupted education across the state to the devastating floods in 2019, and then the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Brumley has navigated through unrelenting crises that seem to define her leadership. Now, in a world learning to adjust to the post-pandemic reality, Brumley shares that the struggles faced by the families seeking assistance at BOC are intensified by rising everyday costs.
“It’s just people trying to make ends meet,” Brumley explains, highlighting the plight of BOC’s clients. They include families living paycheck to paycheck, single parents managing tight budgets, seniors reliant on fixed incomes, and individuals grappling with unforeseen expenses. The BOC serves as a beacon of hope for these individuals, not just providing food and financial assistance but also fostering a sense of community and support.
Founded in 2006 as an independent entity, the Bixby Outreach Center initially emerged as an offshoot of Broken Arrow Neighbors. With a commitment to serving the local community, BOC established itself as a nonprofit and opened its doors to a new standalone facility at 77 E. Breckenridge Ave. in 2014. This welcoming center houses a well-stocked food pantry and offers limited financial assistance. It also plays a critical role during the holiday season, distributing food and gifts to those in need, as well as providing school supplies and backpacks come September. Remarkably, BOC serves around 3,600 families from Bixby and neighboring communities such as Jenks, Glenpool, Liberty Mounds, Haskell, and Leonard each year.
The necessity of BOC’s services cannot be overstated, particularly in these challenging times. Many families struggle not only with basic needs but also with the added pressures of inflation and economic instability. According to Brumley, the center has witnessed an ever-increasing demand for assistance since the onset of the pandemic. Many individuals are now facing food insecurity for the first time, a situation that highlights both the fragility of financial stability and the deep-seated need for community support.
Donations play a crucial role in the Bixby Outreach Center’s ability to meet the needs of its clients. The organization welcomes food and monetary contributions, as well as gently used or new items intended for resale at its thrift store, Thrifty Threads. Uniquely positioned as an affordable shopping option for the community, Thrifty Threads operates on a simple pricing model—nothing is priced over —making it easier for families to shop without breaking the bank.
Despite managing such an impactful organization alone as the only full-time staff member, Brumley is far from alone in her mission. She is supported by five part-time employees and a host of dedicated volunteers who share her commitment to aiding the community. In her own words, “We view everyone as our neighbor, and until we come together to take care of our neighbors, we won’t be as successful as we want to be.” This ethos underscores the collaborative spirit that flourishes at BOC, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in creating a more supportive environment for all.
As the Bixby Outreach Center continues to adapt to the changing needs of the community, it remains a vital resource for those navigating economic hardships. The ongoing efforts by Missy Brumley and her team, reinforced by the generosity of community members, offer a lifeline to families seeking stability in uncertain times.
For those interested in contributing to the mission of the BOC, whether through donations of food, monetary support, or gently used clothing and household items, the center provides a valuable opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families. In a world that can often feel overwhelming and isolating, outreach efforts like those spearheaded by Missy Brumley remind us that together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone.
