Lilyfield just landed a game-changing boost: a $1 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation to fuel a major expansion of its Family Resource Center in south Oklahoma City. The planned $4.9 million project would add more than 11,000 square feet for counseling, classrooms, a commercial teaching kitchen and a multipurpose community space. Organizational leaders say the build is designed to cluster mental health, early education and family stabilization services right where the need is greatest.
According to Journal Record, the Mabee Foundation's $1 million gift is a challenge grant, which means Lilyfield must raise an additional $1,940,555 to unlock the full award. Gifts made before April 14, 2027 will count toward meeting the campaign goal. Holly Towers, Lilyfield's executive director, called the grant "more than a financial commitment; it is an invitation," and Katy Gustafson, the board president, said the campaign could "establish a legacy of support" for South Oklahoma City families, as quoted to the Journal Record. With fundraising momentum already building, Lilyfield told the paper it plans to break ground in fall 2026.
Planned space and services
Lilyfield is planning a broad program mix for the expanded Family Resource Center that will put counseling and mental health care side by side with parenting support, family stabilization services and early childhood education. The organization says the expanded campus will feature classrooms, counseling rooms, a commercial teaching kitchen and a large multipurpose space for gatherings and educational programs, according to Lilyfield.
Local partners and fundraising push
Local funders have already backed pieces of Lilyfield's neighborhood work. United Way of Central Oklahoma named Lilyfield a WayFinder Innovation Grant recipient in 2025, awarding $150,000 for a Strengths-Based Coaching pilot in the Will Rogers Courts public housing complex. Lilyfield leaders point to that place-based effort as evidence the group can concentrate services where they are most needed while it races to meet the Mabee challenge.
How to help
Lilyfield says it hopes to break ground in fall 2026 and is asking donors and civic partners to support its Community of Hope capital campaign. The organization notes that donor gifts made before April 14, 2027 will count toward unlocking the Mabee award. Details on naming opportunities and how to give are available on the capital campaign pages at Lilyfield.
