The Oasis Youth Center of Kiowa, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation established by members of the Kiowa community and Kiowa High School students.  Its dedicated purpose is to combat drug and alcohol abuse among teenagers.  This is not a school thing, a city thing, or a church thing, but a community thing supervised by the churches (at the request of the students involved).  It is hoped that the churches of our community will rally together to help make this project a success.

Statistics show that rural areas are not immune to the problems faced by teens in urban areas. Community members must do more than just talk about the problems their teens face.  This is Kiowa’s chance at making a difference in the lives of our youth.   It will give our teenagers and middle school students an organization to plan and organize activities, so that they can congregate and have fun in a safe environment without negative influences.  Various types of activities will be organized until the youth project is financially able to build an Oasis building. It is hoped that the Oasis Youth Center of Kiowa can be a pilot program for other rural communities.  The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the general corporation law of Oklahoma.

The Oasis had its beginning in a computer application’s class during the 2004-2005 school year.  The class was asked to make a PowerPoint presentation that would make an impact on the community.  The students were to research the subject matter in order to make it informative and interesting.  As the project progressed, it was decided that the class should make their dream for our youth become a reality.  The students in the computer class established certain rules they wished to be a part of the operation, plus the penalties for breaking those rules.  Other rules were added from the Kiowa High School Handbook. 

The corporation’s establishment, operation, and management of the Oasis Youth Center of Kiowa shall be vested in a Board of Directors and a Youth Advisory Council.

Until the Oasis has a building, our youth will have the opportunity to participate in activities, events, and trips sponsored by the corporation.  Finances for the trips are being furnished by members of the Board of Directors and other community members.  We need your help in this endeavor.

It is hoped that the construction of a permanent building for Kiowa’s youth will be in the near future.  The building will provide the following:  pool tables, entertainment center, computers, homework area, lounge area, snack bar, etc.  Most of this will be offered to the youth free of charge.  Some things, such as the snack bar, will require minimal charges.

The Oasis Youth Center of Kiowa will accept contributions, donations of equipment, or other property.  All contributions and donations given  to  the Oasis Youth Center of Kiowa shall be subject to approval by the Oasis Youth Center of Kiowa Board of Directors and Youth Advisory Council.  We are asking area churches, organizations, corporations, community members, etc., to help with this project.  Also, the Oasis Youth Center of Kiowa, Inc., will apply for available grants.  We know this is a large undertaking, and we know it will not happen over night. Would you help us take a stand and work in a combined effort for our youth and the future of our community?

If you would like to help with this project, please contact Greg Shores or Deborah Weaver.  Any Kiowa student who has not filled out their membership application form may obtain one from Mrs. Weaver.  Kiowa students may join at any time.