Business Spotlight

July 2025

Panhandle Services for Children

PAST:

An optimistic crew of professionals banded together help keep our Panhandle kids in the Panhandle by developing a youth shelter. Due to financial limitations and restricted space, they soon realized the way to make a greater impact was to move forward with a Youth Service Agency. A partnership with the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs generated a lasting partnership to meet the needs of youth and families in the Oklahoma Panhandle. 

To make this dream a reality, the community stepped up with generous contributions of sweat equity, domestic donations, and monetary support. The little building on NW 5th Street opened for services in July 2012 as Panhandle Services for Children (PSC).

PSC initially offered mental health, prevention, host homes, and foster care services throughout the Panhandle at no cost to families. As a foster care subcontractor, PSC began recruiting and assisting families with credentialing processes, training, and provided 24/7 support. Through the years, PSC saw many placements and adoptions and provided numerous hours of services in Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas Counties. 

PSC is supported by the generosity of our community! We have received donations from churches, individuals, foundations, clubs, and organizations. We have received funding through grants and from the physical labor of our friends and neighbors. As a 501(c)(3), all donations to PSC are tax deductible!

PRESENT:

Currently, PSC provides mental health services, we have expanded our prevention and education services, are a partner to the Successful Futures Initiative, and provide information and training to the community, schools, organizations, parents/caregivers, professionals, and businesses. A commitment to help youth in crisis situations has supported these opportunities for at-risk youth, District Attorney’s Office, and our area schools. PSC uses evidence-based curriculums in all our prevention education classes.

Our administrative staff keeps everything running smoothly and everyone in compliance. Our Executive Director, Jessica Martinez, wrestles the contracts and keeps our services going and doors open. Perla Hernandez is invaluable at answering the phones and filing, submitting, and organizing. Judy Stedje, Clinical Director, has been with PSC since the beginning; she is the steady hand that guides us.

PSC’s Prevention Specialist, Yarelli Villa, and Community Youth Coordinator, Irydian Zavala, set up Kids Care Club and Positive Action sessions during school breaks to make sure kids can take advantage of these programs. They also facilitate Life Skills, Anger Management, It’s My Life, Love Notes, Worry Warriors, Tobacco Education, Truth About Drugs, and many others!

Counselors Becky Becker and Jada Breeden provide individual and family mental health services to children and youth up to 19 years old. Each counselor brings their talents and experiences to help youth navigate anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, social skills, effective communication, and much more. They work to give skills and tools for young people to become successful adults.

PSC engages in the community. Staff members are involved with public projects, events, and celebrations. One of our recent project ideas, Make A Masterpiece, won an award at the Main Street Guymon Awards Banquet! This project collaboration with the City of Guymon and Kristy Patterson was submitted for the Oklahoma Main Street Awards Banquet this year. Our staff members volunteer for civic groups and are active members of community development organizations. PSC can be found participating in the annual Children’s Health Fair, Career and College Fair, Reality Check, 4th of July in the Park, Cimarron County Family Fun Night, and Beaver County’s Back to School Bash.

Due to the conversations in public gatherings, we implemented a monthly Lunch & Learn series. On the third Thursday of each month, we offer education and discussion on a topic of community concern; we provide lunch for the participants - with the help of sponsors. We encourage providers, caregivers, educators, business partners, and anyone interested in learning more about these topics to join us. There is no registration or participation fee, we just kindly request registration to prepare enough food for the participants.

FUTURE:

We are excited for future partnerships and collaborations with the Panhandle communities to continue offering these valuable services for free. Donations of resources and monetary support will be invaluable to ensure one of the most vulnerable populations in our communities are equipped to live independently as successful adults.