Calm Waters Center for Children and Families received a $150,000 grant from JE Dunn Construction earlier this month.
Founded in 1992, Calm Waters is dedicated to helping children, adults, and families in their grief journey after a death, divorce or other significant loss. The organization provides free support, private pay counseling and consultations, parenting seminars and workplace crisis services and trainings to over 8,000 individuals annually.
“We are honored and humbled by JE Dunn’s generous support of Calm Waters and the individuals, children, and families we serve,” said Chief Executive Officer Linda Maisch. “This grant will allow us to begin building a state-wide safety net to ensure anyone suffering a significant loss has multiple places to turn for support.”
The Oklahoma City-based nonprofit will use the donation to expand staff capacity with specialized trauma training for therapists, provide community-wide grief education workshops, equip the center to handle increased demand, and strengthen the volunteer and donor network for sustained program delivery.
“We know the need is significant in our state,” Maisch added, “but, with the support of JE Dunn and our community, we will ensure that no one has to grieve alone.”
The grant is part of JE Dunn’s Cornerstone Campaign, which expands the company’s existing annual giving by donating an additional $1 million+ each year. Charities across the United States were selected by employees and vetted by JE Dunn’s Community Impact team and national Cornerstone Committee.
JE Dunn employees chose “Access to safe and supportive spaces for kids in need” as the focus for the 2025 Cornerstone Campaign.
“We are thrilled to launch this new, employee-driven philanthropic strategy as part of our Community Impact. Our employees resoundingly chose to support organizations that create safe and supportive environments for kids in need,” said Nancy Phelps, JE Dunn Community Impact Director. “What an incredible honor to partner with our local communities in shaping a brighter future for the next generation.”
JE Dunn and its employees work to support the creation of safe spaces like community centers and youth clubs where children can socialize, develop, and engage in extracurricular activities. These efforts aim to reduce bullying and youth violence while fostering mental well-being and personal growth.
Calm Waters Center for Children and Families provides support services for children and families on their grief journey caused by death, divorce, or other significant loss. Since beginning in 1992, Calm Waters has impacted more than 76,500 Oklahomans. For more information about Calm Waters and their services, visit www.calmwaters.org or call 405-841-4800
