Tulsa County Detention Center Garden Creates Opportunity for Growth
What began with an idea and a few seeds is becoming an opportunity for women at the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center to learn new skills, build confidence, and prepare for life beyond incarceration.
A new community garden at the facility, made possible through the vision and generosity of Bergen Enterprises, recently celebrated its dedication with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The project brings together business, faith, community, and government leaders around a shared goal: plant hope and grow opportunity.
The garden initially welcomed seven incarcerated women who are learning hands-on gardening skills while developing responsibility, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. The project offers more than an opportunity to grow vegetables—it provides a meaningful environment where participants can learn skills and experience the value of working together.
Susan Bergen, founder of Bergen Enterprises, helped bring the vision to life, with Women for Tulsa providing leadership for the local garden project. The ribbon cutting brought together community leaders and supporters, including Sheriff Vic Regalado; Christy Rawlings, President of Women for Tulsa; Siane Howe of Women for Tulsa; Tulsa County Commissioner Lonnie Sims; and Jessica Bergen Elliott, Co-Owner of Bergen Enterprises.
Oklahoma Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives Director Brian Bobek and his wife, Toni, also joined Terry and Brenda Henshaw of CityServe Oklahoma and other community partners to celebrate the project. The initial planting included a time of prayer and encouragement for the women participating and for the opportunity ahead.
The garden is a powerful example of what can happen when people and organizations bring their resources, relationships, and ideas together to address a community need. Bergen Enterprises, Women for Tulsa, CityServe Oklahoma, OFBCI, and other partners each bring a unique contribution to an effort focused on restoration and opportunity.
OFBCI is grateful to Bergen Enterprises for recognizing an opportunity to make a difference and inviting others to help bring the vision to life.
Sometimes a meaningful opportunity begins with simply asking, “What can we do here?” At the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center, that question has resulted in a garden—and an opportunity to plant hope and grow opportunity for women preparing for what comes next.
