J127 Ministry hosted Sweet Faith | Journey with J, a community fundraising event last month, and the event raised $64,424.20.
J127 is a transitional home for young women who have aged out of the foster care system and the event included a live and silent auction, community desserts, fellowship, testimonies, tours of the residential shelter, and updates regarding ongoing improvements and expansion efforts at the ministry.
Jon Hazell, vice president, of the J127 board, opened in prayer and he spoke about a word that he said is probably one of the most misused and misunderstood words in society today.
“And as I say this prayer, I would like you to keep that in mind and it’s the word love and most people nowadays use that word to describe things that kind of really mean anything but love and the biblical definition of love is this: The biblical definition of love is a willingness to do something for somebody else that has been official or charitable even if it costs you something,” Hazell said.
“The biblical picture is in 1 John 316 he says this is how we know love, that Jesus Christ gave his life for us on the cross and that’s what the heart of this ministry is. It’s doing something for others that cannot do for themselves and sometimes it costs you something to do that, but Jesus said what it means it’s more blessed to give than it is to receive, and so the heart of this ministry is true love. Helping those that are in need and doing something for somebody else even if it does cost you something.”
J127 fills a gap for children and young women who have phased out of foster care and are searching for purpose in life.
“We offer hope to the vulnerable in this next generation,” said Connie Pettitt, LPC and executive director of J127. “What that means is we’re a transitional home here at J127.”
Pettitt said the women go through four different phases and that advocates work with them weekly on accountability and graduations are held on a quarterly basis.
“One of their first phases and their first goals is to get a job,” Pettitt said. “Maybe it’s that they want to go to school, so those are the kinds of tracks that we get them on.”
Testimonials of the women were presented and one of them was this: “I was very unsure about what my future would hold because I was moving into a place where I didn’t know anyone and that was very scary.”
The woman’s relationship with the Lord became stronger than ever and she learned that feeling safe means somewhere where there are people who love her and get her through her struggles and hardships.
Oklahoma State Sen. David Bullard and State Rep. Cody Maynard attended, and two proclamations were read recognizing Foster Care Awareness Month and the work of J127 Ministry, one from Gov. Kevin Stitt and another proclamation from the City of Durant.
Pettitt, in an email after the event, said the evening was truly a community effort with all hands on deck.
She said the event brought together community members, churches, businesses, volunteers, elected officials, first responders, donors, and supporters for a behind-the-scenes look at the mission and impact of J127 Ministry and the young women the agency serves.
The following was raised:
• Sponsorship support: $60,100
• Silent & live auction proceeds: $7,487
• Total revenue generated: $67,587
• Event expenses: $3,162.80
• Net proceeds supporting the mission: $64,424.20 “One of the most remarkable aspects of the evening was the tremendous community support that allowed expenses to remain exceptionally low,” Pettitt said. “Local businesses, churches, volunteers, board members, staff, family members, and community partners donated countless hours, services, supplies, food, auction items, and resources to help make the evening successful. We would not have experienced the success we did without the incredible community that came alongside us in support of this mission.”
J127 Ministry is continually working to strengthen and expand services to help young women transition toward stability, independence, and long-term success, according to Pettitt, who said the organization is grateful for every donor, sponsor, dessert maker, auction contributor, volunteer, and community partner who helped make the evening so special.
Among organizations involved were Balloon Shenanigans, Chosen Stones Ministries, Roma Italian Restaurant, Chicken Express, Pearl Snap Auctioneer Don Hyde, WIN Texas staff members, Gather Round Rentals, Brantley Flowers & Gifts and Three Rivers Amish Store.
There were many other people who contributed, and each played an important role in making the evening possible, including staff members and volunteers who worked to make sure every detail came together successfully, according to Pettitt.
Pettitt presented updates on J127 Ministry.
“One of the most significant investments in our ministry this year came through the Clark Associates Charitable Foundation, which provided $50,000 to help improve and transform our facility,” Pettitt said. “Through those funds, we were able to update flooring, complete painting projects both inside the house and outside, enhance security, and begin re-imagining our industrial pavilion into a functional community gathering and life skills space.”
The pavilion now provides opportunities for cooking and grilling classes, community gatherings, life skills training, and outdoor fellowship. J127 was able to add a fire pit, seating areas, dining space large enough for residents and guests, a basketball goal, and room for exercise and wellness activities, according to Pettitt.
“These improvements represent far more than physical upgrades,” Pettitt said. “They create safe, welcoming spaces where young women can learn, heal, build relationships, develop life skills, and prepare for independent living. J127 Ministry is funded through the generosity of our community members and local foundations, making this level of support both humbling and essential to sustaining our work with young women ages 17–25 who have experienced foster care, homelessness, abuse, instability, failed placements, trafficking risk, or other significant life challenges.”
Since opening in 2020, J127 Ministry has served more than 65 young women through safe shelter, life skills education, mentorship, advocacy, educational support, employment readiness, and trauma-informed care, according to Pettitt.
“What made the evening special was not simply the dollars raised, but seeing an entire community come together around the belief that vulnerable young women deserve hope, opportunity, and a chance to build a different future,” Pettitt said. “The success of the evening was not simply measured in dollars raised. It reflected partnership, service, generosity, and hope. Every sponsor, donor, volunteer, mentor, board member, staff member, church, business, and community partner helped make a difference.
“We remain incredibly grateful for the community that continues to rally around this mission and invest in the lives of vulnerable young women throughout our region.”
