Former Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter Interim Director Rose Lynch shared the following information announcing the new changes for the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter: It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my professional life to serve our community – especially our most vulnerable neighbors – through this work. What began as a shortterm commitment became almost two years of deep investment in protecting and strengthening this vital resource for Okmulgee County.

This transition of leadership under CREOKS Behavioral Health Services has been a thoughtful process spanning nearly a year. From the beginning, there was a shared understanding that CREOKS joins this work with the same dedication as our original founders – to serve our most vulnerable neighbors with integrity, compassion and accountability. I officially stepped down as Director in October 2025 and have truly appreciated watching this careful and intentional transition unfold.

Over the past several years, we have faced both meaningful victories and significant challenges. There were seasons when maintaining services felt, at times, seemingly hopeless. Yet, as always, Okmulgee came through. Through generous donations of time, funding and steadfast encouragement, our community ensured that this vital resource – Okmulgee County’s homeless shelter – remained open and right here at home where it belongs.

I am thrilled to see the transition of directorship to CREOKS Behavioral Health Services. This shift represents an important leveling of accountability in both financial and administrative oversight, strengthening the foundation for long-term sustainability. I have truly loved watching the process unfold as CREOKS has taken the lead.

CREOKS has now hired a dedicated Shelter Coordinator, and I am confident in the skills and compassion that Hillary Woods brings to this role. Her leadership will help ensure continued stability and growth for the shelter and those it serves.

I am incredibly proud of the work we accomplished at OCHS with what was often a skeletal crew. Together, we assisted more than 100 individuals and families in finding greater stability in housing and vocation. These outcomes were made possible not only through the joined support of Workforce Okmulgee and CREOKS, but through local businesses whose partnerships were instrumental in helping our neighbors move toward self-sufficiency.

Finally, this transition allows me to continue forward in my field as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I look forward to serving our community in this capacity with faith and hope for our shared future.

Thank you, Okmulgee, for your trust, your generosity, and your heart. It has been a privilege to serve.

With gratitude, Rose Lynch