Upward Transitions

Community outreach program - this program provided 3,956 persons with transportation assistance, government approved identification cards/replacement drivers licenses, rental assistance and utility assistance.transportation assistance was provided to those who do and do not own their transportation. For those who do own their own transportation and can show proof of a driver's license and auto insurance, we will issue gas cards for social service and medical appointments and/or those who have recently secured employment and require assistance to purchase fuel until they receive their first paycheck. Gas cards were issued to 31 clients during fy23. For those without their own transportation, we issue bus passes. Bus passes were issued to 614 clients for job interviews, social service and medical appointments, and transportation to and from work. Transportation assistance is also provided to persons who are stranded and those who are victims of domestic violence or human trafficking. Those with their own transportation are issued gas vouchers and those without are provided with bus tickets to their destination; thereby reconnecting them with their support systems.many of the clients served come to Upward Transitions (ut) to obtain birth certificates or government identification credentials. 1,338 birth certificates were ordered, 1,130 were received and 908 were picked up by clients; a 80.4% pick up rate. 1,524 government identification cards or replacement driver licenses were authorized and 900 clients picked them up; a 59.1% pick up rate. This is an important first step in accessing housing assistance, employment, and public assistance.ut's rental assistance program paid the first month's rent making it possible for three (3) households with 9 people to obtain housing and paid past due rent for 657 people living in 256 households to halt eviction. Ut's rental deposit program made it possible for 83 people in 44 households to obtain public housing and 23 people in 8 households to obtain private housing. Ut's utility assistance program preserved or restored electricity, gas and/or water for 183 people living in 61 households.

Travelers aid - this program operates information booths on the lower and upper levels of will rogers world airport to offer travelers friendly, prompt and accurate assistance. Ut recruits and trains volunteers to provide visitors with general airport and area information; help visitors obtain social service assistance including transportation or shelter for stranded travelers and victims of domestic violence and human trafficking; and aid visitors requiring special assistance including hearing and visual impairment assistance and wheelchair assistance. Typically, 30 volunteers staff the booths from 10am to 10pm 365 days a year, spending 5,931 hours serving 133,305 visitors in fy23.