Eastern Oklahoma Catholic July/August 2012 : Page 13
Then, in 1997, Mr. Conway accepted the posi-tion as executive director of Tulsa Boys’ Home. Today, Mr. Conway and Jennifer are active members of St. Patrick’s Parish. Mr. Conway recently served as the chair of the Parish Council and is on the Building Committee. Gregg and Jennifer live on the campus at TBH. While they have a home on the lake, they rarely leave the facility. “I love Tulsa Boys’ Home. I love being here and living here,” Mr. Conway said. It is no surprise that Mr. Conway considers his work at the Tulsa Boys’ Home a vocation, not a job. Although TBH is a secular organiza-tion, Mr. Conway firmly believes that his faith enhances the mission of TBH and impacts the lives of the troubled boys they serve. “Without sounding too pastoral or preachy or religious, the Lord’s hand is in this place. We see miracles happen here,” he said. “While we are a secular organization, the Boys’ Home was Presbyterian at its roots. So I think that men and women have prayerfully involved God in the establishment and ongo-ing execution of Tulsa Boys’ Home.” The Tulsa Boys’ Home was founded in 1918. Originally located on Boston Avenue across from First Presbyterian Church, the TBH served more than 130 troubled boys in its first two years of operation. The demand resulted in the TBH moving to larger facilities in 1921, and again in 1928. In August 1979, the TBH moved to its present location, a 158-acre site in Sand Springs. The Tulsa Boys’ Home started a major renovation of their campus in 2002 based on their Vision 2000 campaign. Although there is still much work to be done, the results of the renovation are remarkable. The landscaping is well-manicured, sculptures dot the campus and works of art hang on the walls of the clean, modern buildings. The boys have access to weights, a gym, basketball courts, hiking paths, fishing ponds and a pool. Some 30 re-tired thoroughbreds and quarterhorses live on the campus as part of their therapeutic equine counseling program. “We wanted to include art and things that are pleasing to the senses. The aesthetics help us heal. This is the nicest place that most of these boys have been in. The way the inside and outside looks is a priority. Directly, it influ-ences the boys. Indirectly, it helps retain staff and maintain a level of excellence here,” said Mr. Conway. The TBH has been recognized nationally for the success of its program. Mr. Conway at-tributes their accomplishments to three factors: The staff, the treatment model and the Board of Directors and volunteers. teach other people. We are producing train-Mr. Conway is amazed by the dedication ing manuals designed to teach other people and professionalism of the people who work how to use and implement this model.” at the TBH. They work with these troubled The third aspect of their success, accord-boys out of a sense of calling, not merely for ing to Mr. Conway, is their volunteer staff. a paycheck. Nearly 300 people volunteer their time at “We are blessed with all the right people TBH and another 47 serve on their Board of in the right positions,” said Mr. Conway. “We Directors. These volunteers serve as mentors, have, for what we pay them, Peace Corps type tutors, guides and fundraisers. The Women’s people. They are wonderful, passionate, and Association and Junior Women’s Associa-skilled in their ability to connect with these tion of Tulsa Boys’ Home provide food and guys on different levels to help them.” clothing, sponsor parties and fundraisers, The staff at TBH designed the treatment and schedule activities. The Nicholas Club, a model that they follow. Although it is a secular group of Tulsa professionals, visit TBH twice model, it is Christian at its foundation. In fact, a month and host a pizza party, usually fol-the root of the model is built on forgiveness. lowed by a sporting activity. “When you forgive somebody, the paradox “The synergy of the staff, treatment model is that the forgiver is set free. If I am harbor-volunteers, and our physical plant makes this ing some unforgiveness toward you, then you a powerful place,” stated Mr. Conway. may not know it, but it hardens the heart and “I am as excited now as when I got here. I binds up the unforgiver,” said Mr. Conway. think God has everything to do with it in my “All the kids have been hurt either inten-life. People think this must be a big sacrifice tionally or unintentionally,” he continued. (to work for such low pay). Quite the con-“Most of our boys are victims of neglect, usu-trary,” said Mr. Conway. “When you live a life ally the result or outcome of a parent who has doing something you are passionate about, a severe drug problem, substance abuse or then that is the real blessing. It is not a sac-mental illness.” rifice. When you are excited and passionate “The model begins with boys recognizing about what you do, then that is a blessing and their hurt and then working through their there is true joy.” particular issues.” For more information about Tulsa Boys’ Mr. Conway said, “The heart of the model is Home, or to consider ways that you might that we start at the same place with every kid. join their mission, contact Gregg Conway at We work them through the process. There are 918.245.0231 or gconway@tbhinc.org or visit clinical milestones and things we do to make their website at www.tulsaboyshome.org. them work them through it.” The last step before healing is forgiving those that have hurt them. “We know of no other pro-grams that have forgiveness at the core of its healing model … . It is only by God’s grace that a troubled youth can forgive someone,” said Mr. Conway. Mr. Conway believes that the lack of forgiveness is a reason that so many therapeutic models fail. “The recidivism rate is so high because treatment doesn’t include true inner healing. The puss in the wound is still there. It has not been healed.” The treatment model for TBH has been so successful that it is in the final stages of develop-ment so that it can be shared with other organizations. An equine therapy program at Tulsa Boys’ Home began under “We have a responsibility to the direction of Gregg Conway and has received national get this model out there and attention for its success. and doctor of the Church Aug. 20 | St. Pius X, pope Aug. 21 | Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aug. 22 | St. Rose of Lima, virgin Aug. 23 | Feast of St. Bartholomew, apostle Aug. 24 13
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