A domestic violence and human trafficking nonprofit plans to open its first dedicated headquarters in Sand Springs by early 2027, backed by a $575,000 challenge grant that requires the organization to raise matching funds within the next year.

The Spring, which provides emergency shelter, non-residential services and transitional living for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking and stalking, received the grant from the Mabee Foundation, according to KJRH. The nonprofit announced the award on its website on Aug. 6.

The grant carries a hard deadline. The Spring must raise an additional $575,000 by July 14, 2027, or the Mabee Foundation money does not come through.

Kedrick Nettleton of The Spring told KJRH the expansion is driven by surging demand. The nonprofit saw a 57% increase in clients served last year.

"Incredibly excited for a couple of reasons. I think one, the biggest thing obviously is, like, it's going to help us serve more people," Nettleton said. "That's why we exist."

What the new building will include

The project involves renovating an existing building in Sand Springs into The Spring's permanent headquarters. The facility will house administrative staff and provide dedicated space for non-residential services, which help survivors who need resources and support but do not currently need a place to stay.

It will also include a public donation center. The Spring's main campus must remain private and secure to protect the people it serves, which has made it difficult for community members to drop off donations. The Sand Springs location solves that problem by giving the public a separate place to contribute without compromising campus security.

How the challenge grant works

The Mabee Foundation, based in Midland, Texas, exclusively funds capital projects (construction, renovation or major medical equipment purchases) for nonprofits in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas. Under the foundation's guidelines, payment is not made until the fundraising challenge is satisfied and construction has started. The foundation also requires that 40% of a project's total cost be raised by other public donors before it will consider a grant request.

What's next

The Spring is targeting an early 2027 opening for the Sand Springs headquarters. Community members who want to contribute to the matching campaign can donate at thespringok.org/headquarters.