KOCO: Oklahoma City nonprofit set to expand services to empower lives
By: Meghan Mosley
Date: May 9, 2025
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OKLAHOMA CITY —
Expanding services and empowering lives, that’s what a local nonprofit says they’ll be able to do after breaking ground on a big expansion on Friday.
Palomar officials broke ground on where their new home will be and where they’ll be able to double their services.
Officials say even with federal cuts impacting a third of their staff, they’re going to keep working to find ways to push through those gaps.
“While it was devastating, our board is committed and unwavering in providing services to meet the needs of our community,” said Kim Garrett-Funk, the founder of Palomar.
Palomar, Oklahoma City’s family justice center, isn’t letting federal cuts stand in the way of its new expansion.
“We are already working to find alternatives and appeal the federal cuts. It’s too important,” Garrett-Funk said.
It’s very important because the work they do helps heal lives.
They provide services to victims of trafficking, sexual assault and domestic violence.
“I know that my story can be the blueprint for another woman,” said Tara Currin, a survivor of domestic violence.
Currin knows the value of those services. In March 2022, her ex-boyfriend shot her 8 times in the parking garage of Integris Hospital.
Because of Palomar’s services, she’s able to keep telling her story.
“I’ve been really busy advocating for women speaking. Knowing that my story has power. And that I have to recover out loud because my story was so public, but that’s how I had to recover,” Currin said.
A new $42 million facility, funded through MAPS 4, will more than double their space, adding 24-hour support, a client shop and more.
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“We know that domestic violence isn’t 8 to 5 Monday through Friday. This building will offer help for women 24 hours a day, even on the weekends,” Currin said.
Officials expect construction to be complete by 2027.