Peaceful Family Oklahoma 

Nearly one in four Oklahoma children is impacted by addiction in their family. Behind that statistic are children facing challenges that often go unseen, carrying burdens no child should have to bear. Peaceful Family Oklahoma is working to ensure they don’t have to face them alone. 

The Edmond nonprofit provides free, research-informed programs designed specifically for children and teens affected by addiction in their families. It’s the only organization in Oklahoma dedicated solely to this mission. 

“One of the biggest breakthroughs is when kids realize they’re in a room with other children who have had similar experiences,” said President and CEO Lisa Reed. “Living with addiction in your family can feel incredibly isolating. Knowing you’re not alone goes such a long way.” 

The need remains significant. Each year, Peaceful Family Oklahoma serves about 1,000 children through day camps, school programs, family events, and ongoing support, all provided at no cost to families. With additional funding and community support, the organization hopes to reach even more children who need these services. 

Just weeks after purchasing a new building, the pandemic forced Peaceful Family Oklahoma to rethink how it could best serve children and families. Reed and her team turned to community partners, asking what needs had become most urgent. Those conversations led to an updated curriculum, expanded teen programming, and new family support opportunities that continue to shape the organization’s work today. Since 2020, PFO has grown from a staff of two to more than 10 mental health and education professionals. 

The organization’s day camps combine age-appropriate games, activities, and peer connection. Reed says children and teens process healing differently, so seemingly small details matter. Settling into a beanbag on a fluffy rug with a favorite snack can help create the comfort needed for meaningful conversations. “The snack table is often the first and last stop for all of the kids!” 

Peaceful Family Oklahoma fills a critical need by providing children affected by family addiction with a safe place to learn, grow, and heal alongside peers who understand their experiences. Along the way, they also strengthen relationships with the trusted adults in their lives. 

The support doesn’t end when a program concludes. Through monthly family support groups, special events, and ongoing activities, Peaceful Family Oklahoma helps parents, grandparents, foster families, and caregivers continue building healthy connections at home. 

Reed says healing doesn’t erase difficult childhood experiences, but it can build the protective relationships and resilience children need for the future. “Our work is healing for some, prevention for others, and strength-building for all,” she said. “When we talk openly about addiction, we reduce the stigma, and that makes it easier for other families to ask for help.” 

That mission will be celebrated September 17 during Peaceful Family Oklahoma’s annual fundraising event, where J. Blake Wade will receive the Heal Out Loud Award. 

Wade, a decorated Vietnam veteran, Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee, and respected civic leader, has also been a quiet but influential advocate for addiction recovery since beginning his own recovery in 1983. Through initiatives such as the FIRSTEP Recovery Program and his efforts to help establish Arcadia Trails Treatment Center, he has worked to expand recovery resources across Oklahoma while openly sharing his own story to encourage others to seek help. 

Learn more about the event or ways to join Peaceful Family Oklahoma’s mission at peacefulfamilyok.org.