Sobriety Support Program | Recognition Campaign (Jan–Feb)

My name is Stefanie Ward, and I am the Founder and Program Director of the Sobriety Support Program.

I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people leave jail without support. I’ve also seen how dramatically outcomes change when preparation starts before release.

Inside the Pittsburg County Jail, I meet men and women who are sober but unprepared for what comes next. Often there is no job, no transportation, and no plan. Without structure and support at this critical point, many return to jail within a short period of time.

One participant told me, “Every other time, I just got out and winged it.” Just weeks into the program, he said, “This is the first time anyone helped me figure out what to do when I got out.”

In partnership with the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Department, the Sobriety Support Program begins inside the jail and continues after release. Participants receive help securing housing, finding employment, arranging transportation, and building accountability so they can meet expectations once they return to the community.

The program’s work has received public recognition and media attention. On January 12, 2026, ABC 8 Tulsa aired a segment taking a deeper look at the program and its partnership with the Sheriff’s Department. On January 13, 2026, the program received a mayoral proclamation from the Mayor of McAlester. On February 18, 2026, Governor Kevin Stitt proclaimed Sobriety Support Program Recognition Day, recognizing the program statewide. A Fox 23 Tulsa segment filmed inside the Pittsburg County Jail is scheduled to air in March 2026.

Proclaimed by the Governor and recognized by the State of Oklahoma, we are running a Recognition Campaign from January 20 through February 19. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to support the Sobriety Support Program during a critical period of growth and increased demand. Funds raised will support program operations, coordination, accountability measures, transportation, and reentry support that allow this work to continue and expand.

This work is focused on outcomes: housing, employment, accountability, and reduced repeat incarceration.

Thank you for supporting work that prepares people to succeed after release.