‘It’s Totally Different’: High School Students Raise Thousands For Norman Youth Center's Renovations

A Norman nonprofit unveiled major renovations to a shelter housing runaway and homeless youth.

The renovations were made possible through community donations, including thousands brought in by a group of high school students.

Crossroads Youth and Family Services officials said they strive to be a safe and comforting home for those who need one.  

“[These are] kids that have been exposed to domestic violence, trauma, abuse,” Crossroads Youth and Family Services director of shelter operations Ty Lewis said. “We get kids from a lot of different circumstances.”

Old carpet and blank walls have been turned in to colorful murals and hardwood flooring. The once outdated and commercial bathrooms are now modern and homey.

A building addition allowed staff to move classroom space from a room now being used as a resource pantry.

Crossroads hopes big changes to their space can make a big difference. Lewis said the changes better fit Crossroads’ purpose.

“We made the best of what we had,” Lewis said, reflecting on the old space. “But seeing the changes, for sure, it’s totally different.”

The changes were made possible in part by the efforts of Norman North High School students. Sydney Marler is one of them.

“I mean it was a lot of work, but for sure, worth it,” Marler, now a graduate of the school, said.

Marler co-chaired a student led group called Students Performing Unselfish Deeds.

Over six months her senior year, she and her peers helped raise $75,000 for the shelter’s renovations.

“It looks incredible,” Marler said. “It looks like things in my own home that I would want in my room, which is important because these kids are just like us.”

Marler believes people often see a problem, but don’t know how to help. In this case, students chose to do whatever it took to make a difference.

“There are ways to help. Like the littlest things can make a huge difference,” Marler said. “If you ask the people at Crossroads, they’ll tell you that.”

When asked what his favorite part of the renovation is, Lewis didn’t choose the new playground, art room or furniture. He chose a mural with three words, “You Matter Here.”

“Everyone needs to know that they matter, you know what I mean?” Lewis said. “That someone cares for them. So just those three words right there. That’s probably my favorite part.”

The shelter also received large donations from local businesses and community members.

Staff members said the new space is just another way to show these kids that they matter in a safe and comforting home.

If you would like to learn more about the shelter’s mission, click here.