New Executive Director Joins PAC Board

Parents Assistance Center, a local non-profit organization that helps prevent child abuse and neglect, welcomes Laura Gamble as the new Executive Director. Gamble replaces the recently retired Char Carter.

Laura Gamble comes to PAC from The Education and Employment Ministry, where she was the Associate Director of Operations and Development Director. At TEEM, Gamble was responsible for fundraising, public relations and the administrative and operational functions of the organization.

“I am so excited about this opportunity to lead Parents Assistance Center into the next phase of their growth. PAC is a wonderful organization and serves a critical need in our community,” says Gamble. “PAC is a place where all families, whether in crisis or not, can find a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on, and education to become stronger and healthier.”

The Parents Assistance Center staff is excited to have Gamble as a part of their team. They look forward to the expertise and experience she will bring to the organization.

Batterer's Intervention Program

This class is certified by the office of the Attorney General. It is a 52 week groups as specified in the Oklahoma state statute. 


Groups are offered for male and female clients separately. Topics include personal responsibility and the effects of violence on others, issues of power and control, beliefs that promote domestic violence, and tools for healthy relationships. 

AmeriCorps Member 2011-2012

The staff at Parents Assistance Center is happy to welcome Jessa Olson as the new Public Relations/Volunteer Coordinator.   Jessa will be responsible for all the Public Relations activities as well as coordinating the Volunteer program.   With a degree in Marketing and Journalism from Iowa State University, Jessa brings a new perspective and energy for Parents Assistance Center.

Jessa’s position is partially funded through a grant from Oklahoma Community Service Commission and she is a part of the AmeriCorps Oklahoma in Action Capacity Building Program.   AmeriCorps members serve in nonprofit organizations to fill the service gap created by budget declines and decreased financial donations due to the economy that have resulted in program cuts and staff lay-offs.  Parents Assistance Center is one of twenty-four host sites across the state.

“AmeriCorps is a wonderful program and we are very lucky to have this program in our state.  We would not be able to fully fund this position without the AmeriCorps grant.  Public Relations is a critical need for any non profit in order to stay on top of the ever changing technology and social media.”

Teen Parenting Skills

The Teen Parenting Skills class is the same curriculum as our Nurturing Parenting Skills and Compassion Workshop but geared to the teen-age parent. The interactive, group setting encourages full participation and includes hands-on activities, videos and group discussions. 


Included are topics specifically for teenagers such as dating, safe sex, and birth control. Emphasis is placed on learning to accept the adult responsibilities of being a parent.