ABOUT GROWING TOGETHER

Neighborhoods matter.
Research proves it.

Growing Together is known as a community quarterback. That means we guide and support community members, organizations and funders to create vibrant communities for children. To be a successful neighborhood, children must have the right conditions to live, learn and thrive. We work to change the fundamental conditions of a neighborhood to benefit kids, making it a more attractive, mixed income neighborhood for families and businesses.

But we don’t want to reinvent the wheel. Our job is to be the connection between businesses, non-profit organizations and other programs. Together, we can all improve our neighborhoods.

Learn more about the science and research of developing neighborhoods here. 

OUR MISSION

Eliminate inequalities that stand in the way for families in vulnerable neighborhoods to succeed. 

OUR METHOD

Working alongside community members in Tulsa to create the conditions that we all want for our own kids: great schools; quality, affordable housing; safe and amenity-rich public spaces, and are invested in the economic development and vibrancy of the community.

2011

  • The “Growing Together” collaborative was formed and the name created by neighborhood residents
  • Replaced Archer Park playground equipment and renovated pavilion
2011

2012

  • Remodeled Admiral Park: added new playground and converted tennis court to multi-use court and added pavilion
2012

2013

  • Launched partnerships with City Year, Reading Partners, Communities in Schools, CS, TDS
  • First phase of Capital Homes completed (10 homes)
  • West Park, Tulsa’s first mixed-income apartment community, completed 128 units
  • Kendall-Whittier park remodel completed
2013

2014

  • Growing Together became its own, independent entity solely focused on comprehensive neighborhood revitalization
2014

2015

  • Created a longitudinal data system to track student progress both in school and connected to Extended Learning Time activities
2015

2016

  • Recruited focused partnership of Tulsa Habitat for Humanity
2016

2017

  • Assisted obtaining a $7m commitment from Zarrow foundation for affordable housing to expand the capacity of Tulsa Habitat for Humanity
2017

2018

  • Launched Coffee with Parents
2018

2020

  • Partnered with the Tulsa Immigrant Relief Fund (TIRF) to support families that experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19.
  • Partnered with Elote to create Food for Families to provide weekly meal kits to families in need during COVID-19.
  • Launched the Mi Gente Loan Fund. This fund is is for Latinx small business owners and independent contractors who have been adversely affected by COVID-19. Mi Gente offers funds up to $15,000 with 0% interest and no collateral required.
2020

2021

  • Celebrated our 10th Anniversary
  • Continued COVID-19 support through the TIRF, Mi Gente Loan Fund, the RESET Grant and Food for Families
  • Launched the Community Leadership Institute
2021

Studies

National Maps Show How Neighborhoods Shape Children for Life

New Book Highlights Purpose Build Communities & Role of Nonprofits in Lowering Crime

Transformative Work of Purpose Built Communities Featured in New Book

A Chance to Succeed: A report by Selig Center for Economic Growth Transforming East Lake: A Case Study by America’s Promise Alliance

It Takes a Neighborhood: Purpose Built Communities and Neighborhood Transformation

Neighborhood News