Oklahoma City residents have the opportunity to honor mothers while supporting individuals transitioning out of homelessness through Curbside Flowers, an initiative by Curbside Enterprises.
Curbside Enterprises, affiliated with the Homeless Alliance, encompasses various supportive employment programs, including Curbside Flowers, which provides employment opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Expanding its offerings beyond the Curbside Chronicle magazine, Curbside Enterprises now includes locally designed wrapping paper, a full-service flower shop (Curbside Flowers), and a screen-printing shop (Curbside Apparel).
For Mother’s Day, Curbside Flowers is producing bouquets crafted and sold by homeless or at-risk florists. These individuals undergo training and receive payment for their work, honing skills such as teamwork, communication, and adherence to detailed instructions. Profits from sales are reinvested into the program, funding crucial services like case management for participants transitioning out of homelessness.
Ranya Forgotson, Chief Social Enterprise Officer at the Homeless Alliance and Co-Founder of Curbside Enterprises, emphasized the dual benefit of purchasing from Curbside Flowers: supporting individuals striving to overcome homelessness while receiving a quality product.
Curbside Chronicle offers four bouquet sizes and potted plants, available for pre-order on CurbsideFlowers.org until May 8. Purchases can be collected from the shop located at 522 N. Classen Boulevard in time for the holiday. Proceeds from sales contribute to the organization’s mission of empowering individuals transitioning out of homelessness in Oklahoma City.
Forgotson highlighted the inclusivity of the initiative, expressing, “We want to help our community celebrate all motherly figures, from moms to stepmoms, grandmoms, and mothers-at-heart. Motherhood takes various forms, and these flowers symbolize appreciation for those who have supported us, while also demonstrating care for those in our community facing homelessness.”
The campaign receives support from sponsors like Fowler Automotive and Citizens Bank of Edmond, making it possible to extend its impact.