Lilyfield Nonprofit: Championing Families 

What started as a small adoption agency has grown into a multifaceted nonprofit supporting families across Oklahoma. For the past 25 years, as an Oklahoma-based nonprofit, Lilyfield has walked alongside women facing unplanned pregnancies, families navigating foster care, and children at risk of entering the child welfare system. 

“Our focus is on keeping kids stable within their families whenever possible,” said Executive Director Holly Towers. “Foster care is sometimes necessary, but it’s not without trauma. We want to intervene earlier, before separation becomes the only option.”

In 2008, Lilyfield expanded beyond private adoption to include licensing foster families and placing children in state custody. Over time, staff observed patterns – certain zip codes had disproportionately more foster care placements. That realization prompted a deeper shift in their work.

Lilyfield shifted its focus not only to where children go but also to where they come from. By partnering with DHS and community leaders, the team launched family resource centers in high-risk areas, one in South OKC and one in North Tulsa. These centers now provide early intervention, parenting programs, after-school care, and wraparound support for any family in need—biological, foster, grandparent-led, or otherwise.

“There’s no single picture of a family,” Holly shared. “What matters is that children have a safe, nurturing place to grow.”

Each Lilyfield location serves a unique role in that mission. The Edmond office offers mental health services for children and caregivers, while the South OKC and North Tulsa offices focus on front-end prevention work. Programs range from clinical counseling to early childhood support for pregnant women or parents of children under 3.

And the work isn’t possible without community involvement. Lilyfield consistently needs foster families, especially those open to sibling groups or older children. They also rely on volunteers. Whether it’s reading to preschoolers, helping with after-school care, or simply showing up to build relationships, volunteers play a vital role.

“The challenges our families face are the same ones we all face,” Holly said. “The difference is the resources available to meet them, and there’s something powerful about being part of someone else’s story.”

Lilyfield is opening its doors to the community for their 25th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, September 18th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lilyfield Exchange Office in South OKC. Learn more at lilyfield.org.

From the moment they came into our lives we just had a feeling that these boys were meant to be ours forever. Sure enough, July 31, 2020 was the best day of our lives! We got to adopt our twin boys and we became a forever family! —Josh & Michelle

Before EmpowerOKC, I was stressed and worried my kids would fall behind in school. I didn’t understand computers, and they weren’t getting the help they needed. Now, you help me a lot by picking them up from school, giving us groceries on Fridays. It’s such a relief. And the kids? They’re happier. Even when I’m off work on Fridays, they still want to come here! —Esther, Lilyfield EmpowerOKC client

This organization saved my life! The stability and mentors I had as a part of this program were just what I needed. I know future foster alumni will benefit from this newly revamped program and I cannot thank them enough. —Beatrize