On Monday, May 6, 2024, in the late hours of the evening, a devastating tornado tore through the small community of Barnsdall, Oklahoma, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction, chaos and heartbreak.

Amid the rubble, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of dedicated employees from Oklahoma Human Services. This remarkable team dropped everything to provide immediate aid and support, embodying the spirit of resilience and compassion that defines the Hope Heroes series.

Georgiana Myers, a Field Manager whose deep roots in Barnsdall played a crucial role in the response, exemplified the urgent need for action. "My husband's family is from Barnsdall, and he's the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church," she shared. "Seeing the devastation and knowing people didn't have the means to seek help, I knew we had to do something." This personal connection galvanized the team’s rapid response.

Myers’ insights into the community informed their strategic approach. Marsha Gregg, Myers’ supervisor, noted, "Her local knowledge was invaluable. She directed us to places where other organizations were already set up, like City Hall and the main store in town, Dollar General. This ensured we reached those who needed us most."

The team, led by Field Manager, Denise McKinnon , included Katy Rushing, Marsha Gregg, Georgiana Myers, Jamie Domres, Daniel White, Jennifer Hartman, Janoa Ellis, Susan Hutchinson and Mallory Testa. They mobilized within hours, thanks to strong inter-agency collaboration. McKinnon highlighted the seamless coordination, "We bypassed [delays] because of our established relationships with the Oklahoma Department of Health and other state agencies. Within two hours, we were on the ground, ready to assist."

Their first day saw McKinnon and Rushing setting up at the Department of Health's table, armed with laptops, hotspots and sheer determination. McKinnon recalled a pivotal moment, "We didn’t worry about optics or formalities. We wanted the community to know we cared and were there to help immediately, even if it wasn't perfect."

One particularly touching encounter involved a family of six whose home was destroyed. Rushing remembered, "They had just stocked up on groceries the day before the tornado. We processed replacement benefits on the spot, allowing them to buy food immediately. Their relief was palpable."

Another profound moment came when McKinnon and Rushing ventured to a shelter in Pawhuska. "We helped families who hadn't slept since the storm. Their gratitude and resilience were overwhelming," McKinnon recounted.

The collective effort of Oklahoma Human Services and partnering organizations like the American Red Cross, Grand Lake Mental Health Services and Salvation Army showcased a robust support network. McKinnon emphasized the importance of this synergy, "Being able to share resources and information with the community reinforced the message that they weren't alone."

Daniel White, who assisted with door-to-door outreach, highlighted the community’s resilience. "People were dazed but grateful. One man was moved to tears, telling us how his sons showed up to help without being asked. It was a powerful testament to the strength and solidarity in Barnsdall."

Reflecting on the experience, McKinnon noted, "We've learned so much and will develop a collaborative model for future crises. Our partnership with the Department of Health and having someone like Georgiana, embedded in the community, are key elements."

The team’s efforts went beyond immediate aid. Jamie Domres shared, "Many assumed they wouldn’t qualify for benefits, but we encouraged them to try. Seeing their relief when they received support was incredibly rewarding."

The work of these Hope Heroes underscores a fundamental truth: Oklahoma Human Services is committed to more than just providing aid; it's about delivering hope. McKinnon, a veteran of the agency, reflected, "At our core, we are an agency with heart. We strive to be the human in Human Services, ensuring every interaction is a chance to connect and help."

Marsha Gregg echoed this sentiment, "We must always remember that our customers are human, not just numbers. Our role is to support them, especially in their darkest hours."

Through their extraordinary efforts, the team from Oklahoma Human Services not only brought immediate relief to Barnsdall but also demonstrated the profound impact of compassion and community. They are true Hope Heroes, inspiring all Oklahomans with their unwavering commitment to service and humanity.

Do you have a #HopeHeroes story you would like to share? Email it to HopeHeroes@okdhs.org.