C.R.E.W. Program

A Path from Challenge to Opportunity

Every young person deserves a chance to grow, to belong, and to believe in their future. For many youths in the juvenile justice system, safety, stability, and a steady meal are not guaranteed. With survival as the daily focus, it’s hard to imagine brighter days ahead.

At the Oklahoma County Juvenile Bureau, this reality is far too common. That’s where the Lynn Institute’s CREW Program steps in, a life-changing initiative, designed to help youth on probation move from instability to empowerment.

What is CREW?

CREW stands for Character, Responsibility, Education, and Well-being. Launched in 2023, the program provides a consistent, supportive environment where youth complete civic engagement requirements while gaining essential life skills and confidence for the future. Each 90-minute weekly session follows a trauma-informed, hope-centered curriculum focused on:

  • Workforce readiness and skill development

  • Goal-setting and problem-solving

  • Personal growth and mentorship

Rooted in Hope

CREW is grounded in research. Psychologist Rick Snyder’s Hope Theory defines hope as the mental ability to plan for and achieve goals. Studies show that a young person’s level of hope is a stronger predictor of success than test scores. Through guided reflection and real-world learning, CREW participants develop resilience, optimism, and willpower, turning setbacks into steppingstones.

The heart of the CREW experience beats within the Lynn Institute Community Garden at Expand Energy, where lessons of growth become tangible. Youth learn about:

  • Planting and harvesting

  • Nutrition and food preparation

  • Giving back through food distribution and care kit assembly

By nurturing plants and helping others, participants discover purpose and pride in contributing to their community.

Impact at a Glance

Since its launch, the CREW Program has:

  • Served 500+ youth

  • Generated 5,000+ volunteer hours

  • Earned recognition from Juvenile Bureau judges as a first-choice civic engagement option

With support from the Arnall Family Foundation, CREW is expanding to include:

  • Full-scale cooking and nutrition classes

  • CPR certification courses

  • A leadership track for graduates

  • Opportunities for youth outside the justice system

CREW Connections: Empowering Young Women

In October 2024, the Lynn Institute launched CREW Connections, a specialized version for girls currently detained in the Oklahoma County Juvenile Detention Center. This branch focuses on emotional wellness, self-worth, and healing, featuring:

  • Art therapy and creative expression

  • Goal-setting workshops and mock interviews

  • Physical activity and mindfulness practices

The Lynn Institute provided raised garden beds and worked with 360 Painting to add murals and positive messages within the facility’s recreation space to offer inspiration and growth—literally and figuratively.

Join the Movement

The Lynn Institute’s mission to build healthy, hopeful communities depends on collaboration. Whether through volunteering, partnership, or sponsorship, you can help cultivate a brighter future for Oklahoma’s youth. If you are interested in supporting the CREW program, please contact Dollie Sherrill at dsherrill@lynninstitute.org.