Crossover Preparatory Academy

Counseling at Crossover Prep

by Jaron Shaw

We are committed to developing educated, godly young people who love north Tulsa.

Jaron with his wife and son

North Tulsa has always been a special part of my life, namely because I grew up here, but it was painful to watch as our community suffered from an infestation of gangs, drugs, over-policing, neglect, and a general lack of opportunity for those who aspired for more. My initial plan was simple, enter into the military for a few years and come back and work for the Tulsa Fire Department. I left in July of 1998 and returned 11 years later. While away, God developed my perspective, provided me with opportunities, and new experiences; then directed me to return home and help restore my community. Upon my return, I wondered what, if any, possible difference I could make. After working in healthcare for 13 years, I shifted careers and began working as a Peace Officer for the State of Oklahoma in Corrections. It was there God revealed to me that our community was in critical need of comprehensive restoration; and that engaging in one area alone, would not be enough or effective.

Jaron with his Army Brothers

Several studies have indicated that education is one the most important factors in reducing crime, undesirable behavior, and improving the quality of life of individuals in under-resourced communities, like mine. This is why I chose to become the Counselor at Crossover Prep Academy. After having attended Crossover Bible Church and having coached my son with the Crossover Lions, I knew that I wanted to be actively involved in changing the educational outcomes for male students in our community. Having an environment where scholastic achievement is praised as we help young men reach their God-given potential is the best way to address our community’s issues from my perspective. Significant life events such as graduating school, obtaining gainful employment, and family formation are directly related and interdependent. We have the opportunity to help young men experience these life events.

Ultimately, it is my desire to address the mental health needs of north Tulsa residents, which I believe are interconnected to the physical, economic, and spiritual needs of my community. I firmly believe that having professionals who grew up in and live in north Tulsa providing Christian counseling services to address the socioemotional and developmental needs of the community will be a game changer. This is why I can’t wait to become a provider for Crossover Counseling Services. However, Crossover Counseling Services alone would not be enough to effectively restore the community; but when combined with Crossover Bible Church (faith), Crossover Preparatory Academy (education), Crossover Community Impact (community development), Crossover Health Services (health care), and Crossover Sports Association (youth development), we can effectively address the Mind, Body, and Spirit of north Tulsa residents for community restoration.

Jaron Shaw is a man of action that develops his skills and abilities to match his passion for change. As the Counselor at Crossover Prep Academy, his care for others is seen in his desire for their best, and his work to address the socioemotional needs of people in north Tulsa through Crossover Counseling Services will be a great way to change mental health outcomes for individuals in the community he loves. He and his wife Latoya, have been married for 13 years, and they are so grateful for their little guy Josiah, and their little lady, Zyyah, who will make her entrance in February 2019!

If you would like to learn more about Crossover Prep Academy, please go to http://crossoverprep.org.

This article was written for the Fall/Winter 2018 Edition.