Sandra Beasley ILC

Community Newsletter June 2026

Welcome!

We are excited to share some updates and upcoming opportunities with our consumers and community members.

Open House Success

On June 5th, we hosted an Open House from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and it was a wonderful success! We were thrilled to welcome 21 visitors throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to tour the facility, learn about our services, and spend time with us. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving our community. We would also like to extend a special thank you to 4 Our Kids, Enid Counseling, Ivory & Tweed, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), Enid Street Outreach Services, our consumers, and our Board Members for taking the time to visit and support our Open House. Your presence helped make the event meaningful and successful, and we appreciate your continued partnership and encouragement.

Skills Training Classes Begin June 16

We are excited to announce that our Skills Training Classes will begin on June 16th. These classes are designed to help individuals build independence, develop practical life skills, and connect with others in the community. All services provided through the Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center are offered free of charge . To help us prepare materials and ensure adequate space, participants are asked to RSVP before attending classes. Please call our office at (580) 237 -8508 to reserve your spot and receive additional class information. Please see the attached calendars for this month and next month to view upcoming class schedules and activities.

Community Appreciation

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the following individuals for their generous donations:

• Enid Street Outreach Services for donating 6 classroom chairs that help make our skills training classes easier.

• Frieda and Kenny Kliewer -Dow for donating a table and desk that were greatly needed at our facility.

• Tom and Penny Tower for donating Tupperware to support our programs and activities.

• The Gargis Family for generously donating a new air fryer and a pots and pans set. These items will be a wonderful addition to our programs and help support skills training activities for our consumers. Your generosity helps us better serve our consumers and community. Thank you for your support!

Volunteer Opportunity -Cherokee Strip Parade Float

We are looking for volunteers to help with our float for the Cherokee Strip Parade on September 19, 2026. Volunteers are needed to assist with planning, decorating, assembling, and preparing the float for the parade. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center, connect with others in the community, and help showcase the importance of independent living services. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please contact our office at (580) 237 -8508. We welcome individuals, families, community groups, and businesses who would like to be involved.

Book Exchange

We are currently establishing a Community Book Exchange and would love your help. If you have books that you are no longer reading, please consider donating them. Books may be dropped off or mailed to : Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center 215 E. Randolph Avenue Enid, OK 73701 Your donations will help create a valuable resource that can be enjoyed by consumers and visitors alike.

Juneteenth:

A Celebration of Freedom This month, we will be observing Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Although President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, news of emancipation did not immediately reach many enslaved individuals in the South due to limited Union military presence. It was not until June 19, 1865, that Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, announcing that all enslaved people were free. This historic day became known as Juneteenth and was officially recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Juneteenth is also known as:

• Freedom Day

• Jubilee Day

• Black Independence Day

Fun Juneteenth Fact

A common Juneteenth tradition is enjoying red -colored beverages such as hibiscus tea, strawberry soda, or fruit punch. The color red symbolizes both the resilience and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors and reflects historical West African traditions in which red drinks were served during celebrations and special occasions.

Juneteenth Recipe Spotlight:

Strawberry Punch Red beverages are a traditional part of Juneteenth celebrations. The color red symbolizes resilience, strength, sacrifice, and joy. This simple strawberry punch is refreshing and easy to make for family gatherings and community events.

Ingredients

• 1 quart strawberries, washed and hulled

• 4 cups water

• ½ cup sugar (or to taste)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• Ice

Directions

Blend the strawberries and water until smooth.

Strain if desired.

Stir in the sugar and lemon juice.

Serve over ice and enjoy!

Strawberry Shortcake Cups

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 package shortcake dessert cups or pound cake, cubed

• Whipped topping

Directions

Combine strawberries and sugar in a bowl.

Let sit for 10 –15 minutes to create a sweet syrup.

Place shortcake or pound cake pieces into serving cups.

Spoon the strawberries over the cake.

Top with whipped topping.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming classes and events. Together, we continue to build opportunities for independence, growth, and connection. Remember, all of our services are free. Please call the Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center at (580) 237 - 8508 to RSVP for classes, learn more about our programs, donate books, or inquire about volunteer opportunities