Changed Lives: A History of Sunbeam Family Services
The story of Sunbeam Family Services is a living scrapbook about community, changing destinies, and miracles of the heart. It is about changed lives. For more than a century, one common thread has tied together countless acts of compassion: Sunbeam’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the poor and working poor.
As one of Oklahoma City’s oldest volunteer-led and supported non-profit social service agencies, Sunbeam’s story traces its roots to 1907, the year of Oklahoma statehood. The first decade of the 20th century was an exciting time for unbridled economic opportunity for many citizens—but not everyone shared in the prosperity.
Poverty, hunger, abuse, neglect, and homelessness exacted an appalling and demoralizing toll on the least and the lost. The most vulnerable of this group were the alarming number of orphans. What was missing was a great idea. What was needed was leadership. Fortunately, a group of caring women, led by Mrs. L.D. “Lizzie” Swisher, offered both. These charitable women recognized the urgent need for children without families or a home. They also clearly understood that while they could not do everything, they could do something.
Motivated by unconditional love, their inspiration soon materialized into an organization dedicated to provide a loving, safe home for orphan children—and Sunbeam Family Services was born. Over the first century, Sunbeam has evolved to meet ever-changing needs of the community to provide services to children and families. Today, Sunbeam’s core mission focuses on four distinctive areas of service: counseling, early childhood services, foster care, and senior services.
Sunbeam’s success would not be possible had it not been for a compassionate group of women brainstorming around a kitchen table in 1907. To their legacy, we dedicate this historical account of the results of their passion and hard work.