Pretty in Purple COVER STORY

Story by Laina Smith/Staff Writer | Photos provided by Photography By Jess

The Survivor Resource Network is a nonprofit, United Way organization based in Ponca City, Oklahoma, benefiting survivors and families of those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

The agency was founded in 1979. It was initially a hotline for domestic violence and has turned into an agency and shelter since then. “In 1996, the shelter was actually built,” Executive Director Tara Tyler said. “It’s on 13th Street across from Executive Inn. It’s five bedrooms, but four people and cribs and stuff can be per room. It can actually hold up to like 25 if we need to.”

Since COVID-19, the crisis center has seen almost a 50% increase in calls, with 345 in 2020. The network’s shelter is almost always at capacity. In 2020 the shelter served 63 adults, 45 children and seven pets.

The shelter typically has a mixture of families and singles and a mix of men and women of all ages. It is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

“We were one of the first agencies in Oklahoma to do that,” Tyler said. “First shelter in Oklahoma to be inclusive, regardless of gender orientation, that type of thing.”

The shelter offers a fully stocked kitchen for residents to use. On top of that, residents with animals can also use the network’s kennel to house their pets.

The Survivor Resource Network offers not only a hotline and shelter but many other resources for victims such as counseling, case management, support groups for victims and children held on Monday and Thursday nights, an in-shelter attorney and more. “We have a full-time counselor that is at the shelter,” Tyler said. “She’s free. Her counseling services are free, which is a big deal. She assists those. She is domestic violence sexual assault and also children that have witnessed or experienced domestic violence or sexual assault.”

In addition to those services, the network provides a child advocacy program for those staying in the shelter or utilizing other programs and an on-scene advocate involved with the Ponca City Police Department. The on-scene advocate can transport from the scene to the shelter or provide safety planning.

“I’m really thankful for Chief Bohan and his commitment to serving crime victims,” Tyler said. “Because that’s what all of our victims are, crime victims.”

In addition to the PCPD, Survivor Resource Network works closely with the tribal nations in the community.

“We started this in 1979,” Tyler said. “Our Native American tribes and nations that are in our community, the six nations, their programs that they have been able to develop and open in terms of victim services. In terms of housing, it’s just made such a huge difference … We’re very thankful for all the tribes.”

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PURPLE Continued from page 6 The Network also offers help with finding employment and housing.

“We’ve grown since beyond just the shelter by adding different programs,” Tyler said. “We have a rapid rehousing program, and all these are usually paid through a grant; these additional programs are. The housing program, like we can pay the security deposit and three months rent for people. That’s also funded through United Way.”

The Survivor Resource Network organizes several fundraising events for the community to attend to keep the shelter and program running.

One of the network’s main events is the Purple Affair Fashion Show.

The fashion show is held at the Osage Casino in Ponca City. This year the show will be on Friday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Businesses from Ponca City, big and small alike, have a runway in the show. They will model pieces from their company, showcasing the new Spring trends as the seasons change. Initially focusing on Main Street businesses, the show has spread to boutiques and merchants all over Ponca.

“It’s a celebration of the new spring fashions by local merchants,” Tyler said.

The pieces businesses choose to model in the show are for sale and can be purchased through the showcasing merchants.

Tickets to the fashion show are $30 and are available for purchase on the network’s website. Included in the price are complimentary hors d’oeuvres of all varieties. In addition, drinks are available to purchase at the bar inside the casino.

“It’s just a variety,” Tyler said. “Italian, Mexican, all the yumminess.” The network also offers sponsorships for the show if donors or businesses wish to.

There are four levels of support starting at $150, including at least two tickets to the show and a mention in the show’s program. Higher levels of sponsorship include more benefits for the sponsor.

To find out exactly what’s included in each level of sponsorship or to become a sponsor, contact the network at admin@survivorresourcenetwork.org.

This year, the network’s budget has increased due to a grant from the Department of Justice. Along with the grant, the Network is trying to raise $110 thousand from the community.

“That’s what Purple Affair is to fund,” Tyler said. “That $100 thousand need that we have. That money that we raise in the Purple Affair goes toward the shelter functioning.”

The Fashion show also helps the network with crisis advocacy, safety planning, and shelter maintenance.

The shelter offers other ways for people to donate. A letter is sent out every July with options to choose from. Donors can also request certain funds be allocated to certain areas of the network when donating.

“Donations are great,” Tyler said. “Bedding, twin sheets bedding, pillows. People that want to help provide food, treats, snacks, come in and cook on Monday and Thursday Nights for groups, that’s appreciated.”

On top of the Purple Affair Fashion Show, the Survivor Resource Network also hosts the Ponca City Herb Festival on the first Saturday in June every year. All the proceeds from the vendor spaces go toward helping the network.

“That is our baby,” Tyler said. “It was gifted to us about five years ago. I think this is the 29th year.” The shelter is also organizing a Louis Vuitton raffle along with the festival. The prize this year will be a new Louis Vuitton purse.

Raffle tickets are available on the network’s website. The drawing for the bag will be at the Purple Affair Fashion Show. You do not have to present to win.

To purchase tickets for the show or the Louis Vuitton raffle or to find more information regarding the fashion show, you can visit the network’s support page https://www.survivorresourcenetwork.org/ support.html#/. You can also visit the website to find out more information about the organization and get involved.

If you need help, you can call the network’s crisis hotline at 580-762-2873. You can also contact the network’s 24/7 text line at 580-352-4255.

“Safer families means safer community,” Tyler said.