The Southwest/Central District of GFWC Oklahoma met in Sulphur, Oklahoma at the Chickasaw Cultural Center on September 19, 2026. District President, Donna John, presided over the meeting with assistance from Vice-President, Anita Akin; Treasurer, Melody Hemingway and Secretary, Ginger Fitzgerald.
Former State President, Patty Noel Burkhead, presented the thought for the day and members of the local VFW chapter presented the colors. The highlight of the day was the presentation from Bobby and Jennifer Allison, founders and directors of Kehila Park, Inc. a Foster Care Community in Sulphur. The project was also the recipient of the items furnished by attendees as the “Done in a Day” project. Bobby Allison talked about his and Jennifer’s vision for the foster care community when it was complete and the fact that they had three houses in the complex complete and occupied by foster families.
The group enjoyed lunch of Indian Tacos provided by the Chickasaw Nation. Prior to lunch the group picked their excursion. The group could walk anywhere in the complex and see native dancing, a native art gallery, and a native gift shop. The group enjoyed the ability to see various features of the Cultural Center.
After Lunch, Monica Bartling, GFWC Oklahoma State President, presented an update on the Scottsdale Convention in June, and presented the state’s strategic plan for the next two years and a branding and social media campaign that has already launched. The branding campaign features programs and statistics from the annual reports submitted each January with the purpose of bringing those numbers to life and showing the activity and engagement of our clubs at the local level. President Bartling talked about the brand for the next two years and officers and some members in attendance wore their “Riding for the GFWC Brand” that each attendee received at the State Convention in April of 2026. Bartling also talked about Let’s Talk Oklahoma, GFWC Oklahoma’s, Signature Project where communities present panel discussions in a public venue to shine the light on Domestic Violence in Oklahoma.
Each Club president reported on highlights of the previous year and some upcoming events. A nominating committee was named for next year. The Duncan Owl Club, Waurika Sorosis Club, Anadarko Philomathic Club and Sulphur Sorosis Club were in attendance at the meeting.