Staff Report

Impact Seminole, a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community well-being and educational excellence, hosted a well-attended “Evening of Impact” on Wednesday, Nov. 12, drawing significant support from community leaders, tribal members, educators, administrators, business owners, fellow nonprofit leaders, and elected officials. The evening was sponsored by 737 Duck Calls, Hinson Insurance, and Service-Master.

Since its founding in 2023, Impact Seminole has served the community through initiatives including an annual Back-to-School Bash, Community Thanksgiving, and numerous educational projects. The organization announced plans this week to significantly expand its impact by transforming the former Al & James Supermarket on Milt Phillips into a comprehensive nonprofit campus offering vital services to residents. The idea originated through the creative efforts of many community members including Belinda Cain, Larry Church, Ed Davis, Josh Edenborough, Casady Fletcher, Pam Fletcher, Tara Geist, Tyler Geohagan, Jenna Geohagan, Emily Heath, Dustin Jones, Krista Jones, Jacey Knox, Sassy Lindley, Daniel Matthews, Dana Miller, Cody Payne, Emily Payne, J.R. Robertson, Whitney Robertson, Pam Robinson, Steve Saxon, KC Schulberg, and Mashell Sourjohn.

“We’re addressing real challenges that affect our neighbors every day,” said Tyler Geohagan, Impact Seminole member. “Twenty-five percent of our children are experiencing food insecurity. Seminole County ranks 3,014th out of 3,143 counties nationwide in life expectancy. As a community, we are struggling. These statistics represent real people who deserve better opportunities for health, education, and stability.”

Over the past few months, they worked with AARP Oklahoma who sponsored a survey to identify the severity of food insecurity in our community.

“Food insecurity is a pressing reality for many Seminole County residents who participated in our countywide survey. Nearly 80% of local citizens reported knowing someone at risk of hunger, and more than half have personally experienced food insecurity in the past two years. The new Impact Center and its services will be vital lifeline for local citizens and will fill a real community need,” stated Mashell Sourjohn, AARP Oklahoma Senior Associate Director.

As a result of the survey data, the proposed nonprofit campus will house multiple integrated services designed to address these critical community needs. Central to the vision is a new partnership with Community Market of Pottawatomie County, who will provide a client-choice food pantry, where families experiencing food insecurity can select groceries at no cost, maintaining dignity while meeting their needs. They hope to build upon the outstanding foundation already established by the Interfaith and Community of Friends food pantries. The facility will also provide educational support programs for students and additional wraparound services designed to improve overall community well-being.

Impact Seminole is currently raising funds to purchase and rehabilitate the building. The project is estimated at $1.2 million, with generous commitments already received from BancFirst, AARP, and multiple individual donors. In a significant pledge of support, KC Schulberg has committed to match up to $50,000 in additional donations received before Dec. 31, 2025.

All contributions are tax-deductible. Donors contributing $1,000 or more will be recognized on a permanent donor wall within the facility, and all donations will be acknowledged on the organization’s website. Community members may donate at BancFirst or online at ImpactSeminole. com.

Impact Seminole meets on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home. The public is invited to attend.