“Parenting is tough—especially for teen parents, single parents, and grandparents raising grandchildren. When Legacy was just an idea, our vision was simple: provide support and tools to help parents not only navigate the challenges but truly thrive. We believed that by strengthening families, we could help create stable, nurturing homes where children could grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.

One of the first major milestones in bringing that vision to life was receiving a grant from the Avedis Foundation. That funding was a turning point—it gave us the ability to open our doors and begin making a real impact. We were (and still are) deeply grateful to Avedis for believing in what we set out to do.

Our first main program was called "Earn While You Learn." Parents would come in and watch video-based lessons covering everything from parenting strategies to child development. For each completed session, they earned "Legacy Bucks," which could be spent in our on-site store. The store was stocked with essentials like diapers, clothing, car seats, and cribs—offering families both practical resources and a sense of encouragement as they worked to grow their skills and confidence.

Some of the most memorable and meaningful moments came from watching parents shop in that store. There was a visible sense of pride and joy as they redeemed the Legacy Bucks they had worked so hard to earn. Those moments were beautiful reminders of why we started this in the first place.

Looking at Legacy Parenting Center today, it's truly incredible to see how far it’s come. From the beginning, I believed in the potential of the program, but it has grown into something far beyond what we imagined. Lacey has done an extraordinary job leading Legacy—her passion, heart, and commitment, combined with the tireless work of her team, have transformed the center into a life-changing resource for families. Seeing the lasting impact Legacy continues to have is, without a doubt, a dream come true.” - Kylie

"My family moved to Shawnee in 2012. I had just been volunteering at a pregnancy /parent education center in Ada and was very surprised we did not have one in Shawnee.

Kylie Teape and I begin dreaming and talking about it. We spoke to one the ladies at Avedis and she loved the idea. It was really just a need and Kylie and my hearts desire to see parenting education for Shawnee

Originally we wanted the Earn While you Learn program implemented. Lacey Holt took me to tour the Infant Crisis Center in Oklahoma City and my vision changed to include helping families with basic skills, budget, meal preparing on a budget, job preparation, anything that would take the added stress off the parents. My vision, thus the name Legacy, was to help parents stuck in a cycle to be able to create a new legacy for their families.

We wrote a grant to the Avedis foundation for the initial start up cost. We partnered with Frontline Shawnee and had some private support. Of course, we took material donations for the store.

Kylie and I shot for the moon for funding. We were turned down for our initial grant, but we were encouraged to rewrite the grant proposal and ask for specific funding for education and materials. The second attempt was successful. I think the first 2 years was hard, because I felt like we were always asking for money. I wanted to get going on the rest of the program.

Our first and only client for the first 6 months was a mother of 5. She came faithfully every week and were able to help her tremendously. There was a good year after I handed over the reigns to Lacey that I could not read about how things were going, because, Lacey was a right person for this position and God moved mightily. It was really hard at first to see my seed grow. But God told me that planting the seed it the first thing that has to happen to see him grow. Now I can look at the center and am so proud of the work that is being done. I feel like a proud momma that gets to see the successes and the reach that Legacy has made in the Shawnee community, as well as, our state. Legacy is more far-reaching than I ever asked or imagined.

My advice, God always has a plan, you just need to be obedient in your part of it!!" -Georgiana