Positive Tomorrows, Inc. Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Positive Tomorrows, Inc. is Oklahoma's only private elementary school and social service agency dedicated specifically to children and families experiencing homelessness. Established in 1989, the organization provides a comprehensive, tuition-free education for children from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, while simultaneously offering support services to their families to foster self-sufficiency and stability. The mission of Positive Tomorrows is to partner with homeless families to educate their children and create pathways to success.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: To partner with homeless families to educate their children and create pathways to success.

• Vision: To break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by providing education, support, and hope for homeless children and their families.

Primary Area of Focus

Positive Tomorrows focuses on delivering a differentiated, trauma-informed education to children experiencing homelessness, while also addressing the immediate and long-term needs of their families. This dual approach aims to remove barriers to learning and promote self-sufficiency among families.

Industry Significance

As the only organization of its kind in Oklahoma, Positive Tomorrows plays a critical role in addressing the educational and social service needs of homeless children and families, thereby contributing significantly to the community's efforts to combat homelessness and poverty.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Educational Excellence: Provide a high-quality, trauma-informed education tailored to the unique needs of homeless children.

• Family Support: Offer comprehensive support services to families, including case management, housing assistance, and employment support, to promote self-sufficiency.

• Community Engagement: Collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and community impact.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Trauma-Informed Education: Implement teaching strategies that acknowledge and address the effects of trauma on learning.

• Comprehensive Family Services: Provide holistic support encompassing housing, employment, and health services.

• Extracurricular Programs: Offer after-school and break camp programs to enrich students' educational experiences.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Educational Tools: Utilize digital platforms and resources to support personalized learning.

• Case Management Software: Employ specialized software to coordinate and track family support services.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Homeless Children and Families: Focus on children from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade who are experiencing homelessness, and their families.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• Total Funds Raised: Approximately $4.3 million in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

Recent Funding Rounds

• Grants Received: In 2024, Positive Tomorrows received 70 grants totaling $1,602,252 from various foundations and organizations.

Notable Investors

• Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust: Provided unrestricted general support amounting to $422,486.

• Frank K Spain Foundation: Contributed $100,000 for the Homeless Children Education SPT program.

Intended Utilization of Capital

• Program Expansion: Enhance educational and support services for an increasing number of students and families.

• Facility Improvements: Upgrade facilities to accommodate growing needs and provide a safe, supportive environment.

• Staff Development: Invest in training and professional development to maintain high-quality services.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• Educational Programs: Development of new curricula and teaching methods tailored to the needs of homeless children.

• Family Support Services: Expansion of case management and housing assistance programs to serve more families.

Stages of Development

• Curriculum Development: Ongoing refinement of educational programs to incorporate best practices in trauma-informed teaching.

• Program Scaling: Gradual increase in the number of families served through enhanced support services.

Target Conditions

• Educational Disparities: Address learning gaps and educational challenges faced by homeless children.

• Housing Instability: Provide resources and assistance to families struggling with housing insecurity.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

• Curriculum Implementation: New educational programs are expected to be fully implemented in the upcoming academic year.

• Service Expansion: Plans to increase family support services are set to commence in the next fiscal quarter.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Customized Learning Platforms: Developed in-house to cater to the specific educational needs of homeless children.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies: Incorporation of research-based methods to support students affected by trauma.

AI-Driven Capabilities

• Data Analytics: Utilization of data analysis tools to monitor student progress and program effectiveness.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

• Margaret Creighton: President and Chief Executive Officer. Margaret leads Positive Tomorrows with a focus on expanding services and securing financial stability.

• Jessica Nolte: Director of Finance and Operations. Oversees financial management and operational efficiency.

• Amy Thorgenson: Early Head Start Director. Manages early childhood education programs.

• Kelli Clark: Director of Education. Leads curriculum development and instructional strategies.

Leadership Changes

• Retirement of Susan Agel: Former CEO Susan Agel retired in 2022 after over a decade of service, during which she expanded the organization's capacity and impact.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

• Market Size: The nonprofit sector addressing homelessness and education in Oklahoma City is substantial, with numerous organizations working to alleviate homelessness and support at-risk children.

• Growth Potential: There is a growing recognition of the need for integrated services that address both educational and social service needs of homeless families.

• Industry Trends: Increasing emphasis on trauma-informed care and holistic support services for homeless populations.

Competitor Analysis

• Sunbeam Family Services: Provides a range of services including early childhood education, counseling, and family support.

• Community Council Health Systems: Offers health services and support for individuals and families in need.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• Local Nonprofits: Collaborates with organizations like City Rescue Mission to connect families with housing resources.

• Government Agencies: Partners with state and local agencies to enhance service delivery and advocate for policy changes.

Operational Insights

• Strategic Considerations: Focus on expanding capacity to serve more families while maintaining program quality.

• Competitive Advantages: Unique dual approach of providing both education and comprehensive family support services.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

• Program Expansion: Increase the number of students and families served through enhanced facilities and resources.

• Community Engagement: Strengthen partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders to broaden impact.

Future Business Directions

• Service Diversification: Explore additional services such as vocational training and mental health support.

• Advocacy: Engage in policy advocacy to address systemic issues contributing to homelessness.

Opportunities for Expansion

• Geographic Reach: Consider expanding services to other areas in Oklahoma with high rates of homelessness.

• Program Development: Develop new programs targeting older children and adolescents experiencing homelessness.

Current Strengths Positioning Future Objectives

• Established Reputation: Strong community trust and recognition as a leader in serving homeless families.

• Comprehensive Approach: Integrated services that address both educational and social service needs.

Contact Information

• Official Website: www.positivetomorrows.org

• Social Media Profiles:

• Facebook: Positive Tomorrows

• Twitter: @PositiveTomorrows

• Instagram: @positivetomorrows