Crossover Kids The Crossover Kids Program will expand 300% because of the Crossover Community Center! We need your help to make this happen!
Pictured above: (Left) Keanna Maringa (Right) The Crossover Kids in action!
Relationship Building by Keanna Maringa
M
y name is Keanna Maringa, and I work at Oral Roberts University in Development and Alumni Relations. I was placed at Crossover at the beginning of the spring semester of my junior year as a practicum student. Being placed at a faith-based organization that aims to serve the North Tulsa community was the first significant aspect that I found intriguing about the organization. The mission and the intent behind the services offered through the many Crossover branches showed me how intentional and genuine the Crossover community is as a whole. Shadowing Elizabeth Holman, the Crossover Kids Director, and working alongside the college staff and the StreetLeaders at the Crossover Kids After-School Program was a rewarding experience for me as a practicum student. I was able to apply my Social Work knowledge from my classes, which allowed me to become more immersed in the relationships that I built with the staff and the students. Being a part of Crossover has significantly impacted how fellowship and community bring broken and diverse groups together. My first few days shadowing Elizabeth were very memorable for me as
I became more aware of the different communities and the needs presented in North Tulsa. Elizabeth took the time with me to walk around the various neighborhoods in North Tulsa, which allowed me to view the areas that Crossover serves with my own eyes. My time studying Social Work has opened my eyes to see meeting and advocating for the needs of underappreciated populations cannot be done successfully just from the outside looking in. I want people to know how genuine and authentic the ministry and mission of Crossover is. Being a part of this organization has been rewarding for me to see how impactful each member and student are as a community interacting with each other. Even though I only served as a practicum student, I always felt immersed and a part of the team every time I stepped foot at the after-school program at Hawthorne Elementary School. I think that I was able to contribute and gain a lot during my time at Crossover. The relationship that I shared with the Crossover Kids and the members of the organization will always be cherished. A great example of a time that I saw the heart behind Crossover’s mis-
Crossover Community Impact
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