Some of the brightest lights in the city by Micah Paul

The City Lights Foundation of Oklahoma got its start in Tulsa in 2013 with the fundamental idea that there were people who needed love and empowerment. They implemented this idea with a radical service idea in downtown Tulsa called Night Light. Every Thursday, under the bridge at 202 Maybelle St., volunteers would gather and serve the homeless people of that area. How they did that work and how it would eventually grow is what makes City Lights Foundation a game changer for serving those who might have need in the city of Tulsa.

From the beginning their motto has been “loving individuals, giving hope, and touching souls.” They’ve implemented those values in their weekly outreach program, Night-Light. Every Thursday at 6:30 individuals from all walks of life gather together with one goal; serving others in need. As volunteers flood in, they set up their stations and gather for a quick orientation. At that point, volunteers have chosen a service area. Tasks range from serving food to painting nails, or even giving out clothes. Night-Light welcomes anyone in need to participate in their outreach.

They go even farther than that! On the last Saturday of each month City Lights Foundation throws a huge cookout to celebrate their community. This time is purely for community building, whereas Night-Light focuses on service and outreach. To me, this shows that City Lights Foundation truly focuses on the community and its development.

City Lights Foundation is clearly dedicated to the people of our great city. From serving an underserved demographic in Tulsa, to celebrating that same community, they do a fantastic job of being inclusive. It’s not hard to get invested in what they’re doing. Show up at 6:30 on a Thursday night and they will put you to work.