A Decade of Connection: Community Renewal Celebrates 10 Years of Impact in Pottawatomie County

For 10 years, Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County has invested in a simple but powerful idea: communities grow stronger when people care for and connect with one another.

OFBCI Deputy Director Andrea Stasyszen recently had the honor of attending Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County's 10th Anniversary Luncheon, presented by the Avedis Foundation. The celebration recognized a decade of intentional community-building and the many people, organizations, and partners who have contributed to strengthening Pottawatomie County.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Brandon Dyer, Community Renewal has helped facilitate thousands of intentional neighbor connections, strengthened partnerships throughout the community, and supported fathers through leadership and training cohorts. The organization is preparing to graduate its 12th fatherhood cohort—another milestone in its continued investment in fathers and families.

The impact of Community Renewal can also be seen in its work with children and schools. What began with one mentor serving in a single local elementary school has grown into programming that has reached more than 2,000 children across multiple schools. Community Renewal reported that this work has contributed to a 79 percent reduction in reported school behavior issues.

The organization's whole-community approach is also reflected in broader community outcomes. Community Renewal shared that Shawnee has experienced a 35 percent reduction in major crime since 2018.

While the numbers are significant, the stories behind them may be even more meaningful.

Community Renewal works alongside schools, churches, nonprofits, businesses, and other local organizations because lasting change does not happen in isolation. By bringing people together and strengthening relationships across the community, the organization is helping create a network of support for neighbors, families, fathers, and children.

One of the most powerful moments of the anniversary celebration was seeing a room filled with people who have chosen to invest in their community and one another. The organization's simple mission—“We Care”—was evident in the stories shared and the lives impacted over the past decade.

OFBCI is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this important milestone and recognize the work Community Renewal is doing to strengthen Pottawatomie County.

Congratulations to Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County on 10 years of connection, collaboration, and community impact. We look forward to seeing how this work continues to grow and strengthen Oklahoma communities in the years ahead.