While the language has changed over the years, our mission at The Virtue Center remains unwavering: to provide help and inspire hope for those facing addiction and mental health challenges.
Today, we continue our commitment to breaking the stigma around alcohol and drug use disorder. When Richard Virtue founded the Norman Alcohol Center in 1972, he drew from his own journey with alcoholism and worked alongside business, religious, and civic leaders to treat addiction as a disease. This partnership approach was pioneering at the time.
Richard Virtue’s vision laid the foundation for what we are today, and his collaborative spirit remains at the heart of our work. More than 50 years later, we honor his legacy by continuing to build strong partnerships with our community. Energized by our new facility, we are more committed than ever to providing the help and hope that our clients need, every single day.
Lynne Miller - President Lauren Schueler
Chris Moxley - Immediate Past President Patrick Chesley
Amy Singleton - Vice President
Robert Castleberry - Treasurer
Jan Astani - Secretary
Rebecca Perot-Tripp
Susan Bussey
Carl Pendelton
Tiffany Vrska
Andrea Marler
S U S T A I N I N G O
U R I M P A C T
A M E S S A G E F R O M T H E B O A R D P R E S I D E N T
W h a t a n a m a z i n g y e a r o f g r o w t h f o r
T h e V i r t u e C e n t e r !
O u r b o a r d m e m b e r s a n d s t a f f w o r k e d
t o g e t h e r t o s e t a n d a c h i e v e h i g h g o a l s
f o r o u r s e l v e s a n d o u r o r g a n i z a t i o n . W e
r e c e i v e d n a t i o n a l A c c r e d i t a t i o n
f r o m T h e J o i n t C o m m i s s i o n a l l o w i n g
u s t o p r o v i d e s t a n d - a l o n e m e n t a l
h e a l t h s e r v i c e s .
W e i n c r e a s e d t h e n u m b e r o f c l i e n t s s e r v e d , w e p u r s u e d
a n d r e c e i v e d n e w s o u r c e s o f f u n d i n g a n d w e s t a r t e d n e w
p r o g r a m s . W e i n c r e a s e d c o m p e n s a t i o n a n d b e n e f i t s f o r
o u r c l i n i c a l t e a m , w h i c h a l l o w e d T h e V i r t u e C e n t e r t o
h i r e a n d r e t a i n t h e v e r y b e s t s t a f f . T h e l i s t g o e s o n , b u t
I h a v e a l w a y s b e l i e v e d s t o r i e s t e l l i t b e s t .
E a c h m o n t h T h e V i r t u e C e n t e r s e n d s o u t a n e w s l e t t e r ,
H e l p a n d H o p e M o n t h l y , a n d i n i t a r e s t o r i e s a b o u t o u r
c l i e n t s . T h e s e s t o r i e s a r e a t e s t a m e n t t o t h e a m a z i n g w o r k
t h a t g o e s o n a t T h e V i r t u e C e n t e r e v e r y d a y . T h e s e a r e
s t o r i e s a b o u t i n d i v i d u a l s , o f t e n w h o l e f a m i l i e s , t h a t g e t
h e l p d e a l i n g w i t h a n d r e c o v e r i n g f r o m t h e e f f e c t s o f
a d d i c t i o n a n d m e n t a l h e a l t h c h a l l e n g e s . M a n y t i m e s , i n
b o a r d m e e t i n g s w e h e a r a n i n s p i r a t i o n a l s t o r y a b o u t a
c l i e n t ’ s r e c o v e r y . O u r e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r w i l l o f t e n s e n d
u s a n e m a i l c i t i n g a b r e a k t h r o u g h f o r s o m e o n e i n
r e c o v e r y . I t ’ s e x c i t i n g t o k n o w t h e s e r v i c e s w e o f f e r ,
a l o n g w i t h t h e c o m p a s s i o n a t e c a r e a n d a t t e n t i o n f r o m
o u r t h e r a p i s t s , w o r k s .
T h e V i r t u e C e n t e r h a s a l o n g a n d p r o u d h i s t o r y . S o m a n y
p e o p l e h a v e c o n t r i b u t e d t o i t s s u c c e s s . I a m i n c r e d i b l y
p r o u d t o s e r v e o n t h e b o a r d a n d c o n t r i b u t e t o e n s u r i n g
o u r c o n t i n u e d s u c c e s s f o r m a n y y e a r s t o c o m e . I a m
g r a t e f u l t o o u r w o n d e r f u l , c a r i n g c o m m u n i t y t h a t m a k e s i t
a l l p o s s i b l e !
S i n c e r e l y ,
L y n n e M i l l e r
P r e s i d e n t , B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s
IMPACT AT A GLANCE
11,085 ,085 Adults received help and hope = = + +
Individuals and their families received help and hope Adolescents received help and hope 1172 72
11,257 ,257
Clinical Services Provided
117,898 7,898 97% 97% MAKING POSITIVE LIFE CHANGES
Individual, Group, Family Therapy
Education & Prevention
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Assessments & Individualized Treatment Plans
Peer Support & Case Management
Teletherapy
ADULT DRUG OF CHOICE
90% IMPROVED FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS ELIMINATION OR REDUCTION IN USE
CLIENTS REFERRED BY: CLIENTS SURVEYED REPORT
ADOLESCENT DRUG OF CHOICE
C U L T I V A T I N G C O M M U N I T Y
A M E S S A G E F R O M O U R E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R
T h e V i r t u e C e n t e r c o n t i n u e s t o
e x p a n d o u r s e r v i c e s t o b e t t e r s e r v e
t h e c o m m u n i t i e s w e r e a c h . I n
S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 3 , T h e V i r t u e C e n t e r
a c h i e v e d a n a t i o n a l A c c r e d i t a t i o n
t h r o u g h T h e J o i n t C o m m i s s i o n f o r
b e h a v i o r a l h e a l t h . A s w e s t r i v e
t o w a r d o u r v i s i o n t h a t e v e r y
p e r s o n a f f e c t e d b y a d d i c t i o n a n d
m e n t a l h e a l t h i s s u e s w i l l h e a l a n d
t h r i v e , t h e A c c r e d i t a t i o n p r o v i d e s u s
w i t h t h e m e c h a n i s m n e e d e d t o
p r o v i d e s t a n d a l o n e m e n t a l h e a l t h
s e r v i c e s .
O u r f u l l y l i c e n s e d t h e r a p i s t s a r e n o w i n n e t w o r k w i t h
B l u e C r o s s B l u e S h i e l d . T h r o u g h t h e s e e f f o r t s , w e w i l l
r e a c h m o r e p e o p l e w i t h h e l p a n d h o p e .
W e p r o u d l y c e l e b r a t e d o u r f i r s t y e a r i n o u r b e a u t i f u l l y
d e s i g n e d , t r a u m a - i n f o r m e d f a c i l i t y , m a d e p o s s i b l e b y t h e
g e n e r o u s s u p p o r t o f o u r c o m m u n i t y a n d f u n d i n g p a r t n e r s . W e e x p e r i e n c e d a r i s e i n t h e n u m b e r o f p e o p l e s e e k i n g o u r
s e r v i c e s , a n d w e r e c o g n i z e t h a t m a n y m o r e a r e s t i l l i n n e e d o f o u r h e l p .
T h i s y e a r , w e a r e w o r k i n g w i t h C l e v e l a n d C o u n t y t o p r o v i d e
B o t v i n L i f e S k i l l s T r a i n i n g i n r u r a l e l e m e n t a r y s c h o o l s a s w e l l
a s t o e x p a n d o u r f a m i l y r e c o v e r y p r o g r a m . W e a r e w o r k i n g
w i t h t h e C i t y o f N o r m a n t o c r e a t e a g r e a t e r d e g r e e o f
o p i a t e a w a r e n e s s a n d t r e a t m e n t . I n a d d i t i o n , w e h a v e
e x p a n d e d o u r p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h N o r m a n P u b l i c S c h o o l s a n d
w i l l t a k e o u r A d d i c t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n S e r i e s t o s c h o o l s f o r
t h e i r i n - s c h o o l s u s p e n s i o n p r o g r a m
W i t h o u r f o c u s o n p r e v e n t i o n i n e l e m e n t a r y s c h o o l s ,
i n t e r v e n t i o n i n m i d d l e a n d h i g h s c h o o l s , e x p a n d i n g a n d
e n h a n c i n g f a m i l y r e c o v e r y s e r v i c e s a n d o p i a t e a w a r e n e s s
a n d t r e a t m e n t , w e a r e e n c o u r a g e d T h e V i r t u e C e n t e r w i l l
h a v e a n e v e n g r e a t e r i m p a c t o n t h e m e n t a l w e l l n e s s o f
O k l a h o m a n s i n o u r a r e a W e h a v e m a d e p r o g r e s s i n l e a p s
a n d b o u n d s w i t h y o u r s u p p o r t a n d e n c o u r a g e m e n t .
T o g e t h e r , w e w i l l i m p a c t m o r e l i v e s .
S i n c e r e l y ,
T e r e s a C o l l a d o
E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r
T H E V I R T U E C E N T E R ’ S P R O G R E S S
1972
Richard Virtue establishes the Norman Alcohol Information Center (NAIC) from his home. Having lost everything to alcoholism, Virtue found his own recovery and devoted his life to helping others battling addiction.
1975
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health designates NAIC as the first outpatient treatment center in the state to receive government funding. This essential partnership continues to be our largest source of financial support.
2017
In honor of the organization’s 45th anniversary, NAIC is renamed The Virtue Center, recognizing the profound impact of Richard Virtue’s life and work. The board of directors votes unanimously for this name change.
2020
A capital campaign is launched to raise $4.3 million for a new building. This facility will support the expansion of The Virtue Center’s substance abuse and mental health programs, enhancing services for the community.
2023
With overwhelming support and generosity from our community, The Virtue Center proudly opens the doors to its new home, marking a new chapter in our mission to serve those in need.
2024
The City of Norman and The Virtue Center forge a collaborative partnership for local opioid abatement projects. This effort is supported by a conditional opioid abatement grant from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, aiming to make a meaningful impact in the fight against opioid addiction.
T H E H U M A N F A C E S O F
H E L P & H O P E
The Virtue Center offers hope and healing to hundreds of individuals each year, supporting them in overcoming substance use disorders as well as mental health challenges. Our clients’ journeys are filled with inspiring success stories, and many are eager to share their experiences Here, we highlight a remarkable transformation, with names changed to ensure privacy.
E C I D
Our client Andy recently celebrated a major milestone: graduating from his treatment court program with more than 18 months of sobriety and a fresh start in life. When Andy first came to The Virtue Center, he enrolled in our Intensive Outpatient Program but struggled to make changes outside of treatment. After experiencing a relapse and resisting the guidance of his treatment team, Andy was sanctioned to an Intermediate Revocation Facility.
Six months later, Andy returned to The Virtue Center with a renewed commitment to his recovery. He embraced a 12-step program, found a sponsor, and fully engaged in his treatment plan while working a full-time job. Around this time, Andy’s spouse gave birth to their baby, motivating him to become the best father he could. Andy’s dedication paid off: he excelled at work, earned a promotion to foreman, and took on the responsibility of leading a team. He demonstrated respect not only towards others but also for himself.
Andy’s journey is a powerful reminder that even the most challenging situations can lead to incredible growth and transformation. We are incredibly proud of Andy and all that he has achieved on his path to recovery!
The Virtue Center has partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) since 1975, becoming the first outpatient substance abuse treatment center to receive their contract.
ODMHSAS is committed to promoting healthy communities and providing high-quality care to enhance the well-being of all Oklahomans. In addition to operating 11 treatment centers, ODMHSAS collaborates with smaller nonprofits to offer community-based services, including financial assistance for those in need. They also fund recovery courts, offering treatment as an alternative to prison for non-violent offenders.
Through these partnerships, ODMHSAS builds the support infrastructure vital for the healing of individuals and communities affected by mental health and substance abuse disorders.
M C F A R L I N M E M O R I A L U N I T E D
M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H
When McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church learned that The Virtue Center needed snacks to support clients during therapy and group sessions, a meaningful partnership was formed.
Providing client snacks is a simple yet effective way to boost participation, cooperation, and collaboration, improving outcomes in individual and group sessions. McFarlin Missions continues to make a life-changing impact on our local community through strategic partnerships with local agencies like The Virtue Center, aiming to collaborate for maximum effectiveness and avoid duplicating services.
F I S C A L Y E A R 2 0 2 3 - 2 4
F I N A N C I A L O V E R V I E W
The Virtue Center remains committed to providing essential services to our community, despite financial challenges stemming from external changes in the funding landscape. As of June 30, 2024, The Virtue Center holds total assets of $1.03 million. However, we experienced a net deficit of $161,000 for the fiscal year, largely due to the loss of critical funding as well as recent cash flow issues caused by the April 1 implementation of state-mandated managed care for Medicaid. The Virtue Center, along with many other agencies across the state, did not receive its first managed care payment until mid-July causing cash flow disruptions and adding to the fiscal strain in FY24.
Through the support of donors and other investors, we did not experience any disruption in services. The Virtue Center remains vigilant in finding solutions to continue to provide services to our clients and community. We are focused on growing support from individual donors, business and corporate partners, and philanthropic organizations to ensure the sustainability of our services and to better navigate these funding challenges. By diversifying our funding sources, we aim to strengthen our ability to serve the community in the face of evolving financial landscapes.
For more information or to support our mission, please visit www.thevirtuecenter.org/donate.
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A L E G A C Y O F G I V I N G
Jann, who grew up in an alcoholic household with a mother who struggled with anxiety, experienced the healing power of recovery when her mother got sober during the last decade of her life. Lauren, an only child facing mental health challenges, used marijuana as a coping mechanism and tragically passed away from cancer in April 2021.
Reflecting on their journey, Jann wishes she had known about The Virtue Center sooner, believing it could have made a difference in Lauren’s life. In Lauren’s honor, Jann and Tom contributed to The Virtue Center’s Capital Campaign, hoping to smash the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders. Tom, a proud OKIE, learned early on the importance of giving back to his local community. With a long history of volunteer work, including with The Literacy Council of Muskogee, March of Dimes and Special Olympics, he continues to support his local community. Tom says “I’ve tried to direct my resources to those who are less fortunate and give them a hand up. ”
Tom retired from the University of Oklahoma in 2007, where he worked as the Campus Planner in Engineering and Architectural Services. Jann, a retired CPA and financial planner, enjoyed a successful 42-year career and now stays active with her church, First Presbyterian Norman, and the Assistance League of Norman. Having volunteered since high school, she’s served on many nonprofit boards, continuing her commitment to helping others. Jann shares “I had a wonderful, rewarding career. I loved my work, and I miss those relationships, but I love discovering so many new things in retirement.”
Together, Jann and Tom’s generosity honors Lauren’s legacy, helping The Virtue Center provide vital services and support for those in need. H O N O R I N
C O M M U N I T Y C O M M I T M E N
BancFirst's roots go back to the iconic 1889 Oklahoma Land Run, starting as a small group of community banks. Over time, it has grown into a trusted financial partner, serving more than 60 communities with more than 100 locations across the state. Established under H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt’s leadership, BancFirst was incorporated in 1984 and went public in 1993.
Today, its mission is to provide comprehensive banking services while fostering strong connections to the communities it serves. BancFirst believes that a strong community thrives on social cohesion, trust, civic engagement, economic vitality, and strong leadership. These values guide their commitment to investing in Oklahoma’s people, organizations, and future.
BancFirst supports The Virtue Center because of its alignment with their mission of community engagement and reinvestment. By partnering with organizations that combat substance use disorders and mental health challenges, BancFirst believes it can help build stronger, healthier communities and improve the quality of life for Oklahomans.
Thanks to the generous support from The Virtue Center’s donors, our clients are empowered to reach their full potential and lead meaningful lives. We extend our heartfelt gratitude on behalf of our clients, staff, and Board of Directors.
We donate to The Virtue Center for their long term commitment to the people of Norman and Cleveland and McClain counties. Their work in treating addiction and mental health, caring for people in all age groups, and ability to see people quickly for assessments is very important for successful treatment Additionally, the staff of The Virtue Center are the best at what they do.
Karen and Charles Powell
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF OUR ANNUAL SUPPORTERS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.THEVIRTUECENTER.ORG.
Annual Fund
– Provide essential operating support and enable us to fulfill our mission.
Corporate Partners
– Support our programs through your business, and receive recognition. Planned Giving
– Include us in your estate plans for long-lasting impact. Friends of Hope
– A club that changes lives with every monthly gift.
In-Kind
– Goods and services are as valuable and necessary as cash gifts.
NORMAN
2457 Wilcox Drive
Norman, OK 73069 (405) 321-0022
PURCELL
310 W. Washington St. Purcell, OK 73080 (405) 527-9562
