Catholic Charities seeing big growth in Bartlesville

Tulsa, OK, December 12, 2017 -- A leader in the Bartlesville nonprofit community, Mary Martha Outreach, will be joining the fold of Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma in January. Currently in its 19th year of operation, Mary Martha Outreach (MMO) distributes millions of pounds of fresh, quality food and produce to those in need each year.

Mary Martha Outreach was founded in 1998 in Bartlesville by several community activists. Jamie Wood, Executive Director and one of these original founders, said, “It has been an incredible blessing to serve those in need in our community. The decision has been made to join MMO with Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma. I am so happy that this compassionate organization is taking over the helm. I have full confidence that their leaders' hearts are passionate and grounded in faith and love.”

In 2016, Mary Martha Outreach distributed 4.5 million pounds of food, primarily fresh produce, to their clients in need and to 50 other nonprofit agencies in the area. A majority of this food is donated from the Walmart Distribution Center just outside Bartlesville. With the help of 150 volunteers, they also equip families with clothing, haircuts, diapers, and needed household items and furniture.

MMO will continue its strong local presence under Catholic Charities, serving the same people, counties and agencies. Money raised in Bartlesville will stay with MMO, including those funds raised through the United Way. Catholic Charities will continue to collaborate with local agencies and intends to expand its services in the area. The current board of Mary Martha Outreach will continue in an advisory capacity. In addition to Fr. John O'Neill, pastor of St. John Parish in Bartlesville, an MMO representative will reside on the Catholic Charities' Board of Governors. 

"The overall goal is to keep Mary Martha Outreach sustainable for a long time. Catholic Charities knows how to run a distribution service like this," said Mark Haskell, Vice Chair for MMO. "It is a great fit for both organizations. We have a similar mission - to serve those in need."

In an effort to reinforce their expansion of services throughout Eastern Oklahoma, Catholic Charities recently changed its name from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Tulsa to Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma. "Our plan is for every person in our diocese to be within 75 miles of the help they need," said Dcn. Kevin Sartorius, Executive Director. "We must be present where the people are in need. Our expanded presence in Bartlesville is a step toward this goal."