chelsey gained stability and hope

Chelsey Simpson

Chelsey Simpson, a recovering addict, got out of jail in February of 2018. Her mother had been taking care of her then-1-year-old daughter, Gracie, and wanted to retain custody. Without her daughter or anywhere to go, Chelsey went to the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter. She stayed there for a month and a half while she got back on her feet.

She worked at a diner for nine months, but it wasn’t a good fit and made staying sober a struggle. The Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter hired her on as a part-time worker in their thrift shop, and the week after, she was working full-time with the shelter.

She became a kitchen manager and worked with clients every day. “I like to help people that were in my situation at one point,” Chelsey says.

After she got hired, Executive Director Brenda set out to help Chelsey get custody of Gracie. Brenda helped Chelsey fill out all of the legal paperwork, paid for gas to go pick Gracie up and made sure that Chelsey had diapers and sheets and other necessities for Gracie. 

“Brenda goes above and beyond for anybody. She’s helped me with everything, from getting Gracie back to holding me accountable in my job and personal life.”

Chelsey has now moved on to other employment in Okmulgee, but she appreciates the support that she got from Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter during her stay and as an employee. “They give me, and all their clients, stability. A lot of us have never had this much stability in our lives,” she says.