Eastern Oklahoma County Resource Center breaks ground in Choctaw

Nonprofit works to prove the community is ‘better together’

By Ryan Horton
Choctaw Times

The Choctaw Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the EOC Resource Center. (PHOTO BY RYAN HORTON)

June 2 the Choctaw Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eastern Oklahoma County Resource Center, to be located east of Harper Road on NE 20th Street in Choctaw.

EOCRC is an established nonprofit and has been actively serving the area for nearly a decade.

Since inception, the group of volunteers have been operating out of the Choctaw Road Baptist Church, but the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is not the project of a single church and has grown to unite many groups throughout the region.

Organizers say EOCRC is a movement to unite the entire community in assisting those struggling in the region, and organizers hope the upcoming standalone location will help encourage even more area churches, organizations and individuals to join in on their mission.

That mission is to minister to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the hurting in eastern Oklahoma County.

A standalone structure for the nonprofit effort has been a longtime coming with many fundraising efforts over the past years, and now organizers are excited to see work begin.

“Thank you for helping make our vision a reality as we break ground on our new facility. Because of the support of local churches, community organizations, businesses, and individuals, we are making a difference,” said Rick Sowell, senior pastor at Choctaw Road Baptist Church.

“Thank you, eastern Oklahoma County! We truly are better when we work together!”

Despite not having a standalone location, the dedicated group has managed to unite several local churches and volunteer groups behind a unified mission to improve the community.

“One of the many reasons we’ve chosen to get involved with EOCRC is the team work and community involvement that it represents,” said Steve Eden, lead pastor of Grace Church. “There’s really something powerful about unity in the body of Christ and people coming together for a common cause. We’re delighted to be a part of it.”

Organizers hope the new structure will allow for additional events and services to assist those most in need throughout the Choctaw, Harrah and Jones areas of eastern Oklahoma County.

Local churches, civic clubs and individuals are encouraged to join in and help the growing effort.

“It has been an absolutely fabulous experience being able to serve the community around us and build relationships with people and meet those basic needs,” said Rebekah smith, family pastor for

First Church of the Nazarene. “It is a team experience. With all of us together we can do so much more and meet so many more needs. We have enjoyed not having to take on everything ourselves, and being in it together with other churches meeting those needs.”

For more information you can contact the Eastern Oklahoma County Resource Center at EOCRC.org or carol@eocrc.org. Or P.O. Box 1513, Choctaw, OK 73020.

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