About | Center of Family Love

Man cannot fully find himself, except through a sincere gift of himself.” – Pope John Paul II

A Message from the Director

At Center of Family Love, we celebrate the value and dignity of every human life! Our core principles are guided by the social teachings of the Catholic Church. We believe that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. Through those teachings, and by continuing the mission started by the Knights of Columbus, we are enriching the way adults with intellectual and physical disabilities live. Center of Family Love is a place where individuals grow, thrive and succeed in all aspects of their lives.

At Center of Family Love we have five values that define who we are – teamwork, respect, integrity, compassion and kindness. By implementing those values in the care we provide, and committing ourselves to serving God, we are answering the call to serve those in need.

Serving as Executive Director of Center of Family Love is an honor – and it is a great blessing from God. His calling led me here and having the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way is an amazing gift that I cherish with all my heart. I am sincerely grateful to be a part of something so incredible.

Yours in Christ,

Debbie Espinosa
Executive Director

Our History

1970 – today

Beginning With A Dream

Oklahoma Knights of Columbus members had a dream – a warm, loving environment where adults with disabilities could thrive. In the 1970s, most people with developmental disabilities were living in nursing homes or state operated facilities. They knew firsthand there wasn’t a place specifically suited to meet the needs of the intellectually disabled community, and that weighed heavily on their hearts. In 1975, they set a plan in motion and took the first step toward the establishment of Center of Family Love.

The Dream Becomes Reality

In 1981 the facility was ready for the first 48 residents. The new 20 acre campus consisted of an administration building and two residential halls. Through a grant from the Mabee Foundation a gymnasium and classrooms were added. Eventually, more foundation grants were received to expand capacity with two new group homes at the Center, a 6-bed facility in Yukon and two group homes in El Reno along with vocational centers offering job opportunities for residents.

Growing Through the Grace of God

In 1986, the Kristy Wittrock Memorial Greenhouse opened as a memorial gift by the Wittrock family. In 2000, Center of Family Love opened a 16-bed Loosen Geriatric Center. The Loosen Center is the only geriatric nursing center in the State of Oklahoma specifically designed for adults with intellectual disabilities. In 2012 two new Intermediate Care residential buildings were opened on our campus, Salatka Hall and Columbian Hall with another opening in 2016 named St. Andre’s. In 2016, Center of Family Love dedicated their gift shop and greenhouse in honor of Kristy Wittrock by naming the business Kristy’s Flowers & Gifts.

Knights of Columbus

principles & mission

At its inception and throughout its 35-year history, the Knights of Columbus have remained an integral part of Center of Family Love. The Oklahoma Knights of Columbus recognize this mission and through their faith in God they are compelled into action.

The Knights of Columbus operate on 4 core principles:

Charity

Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.

Unity

None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.

Fraternity

The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.

Patriotism

Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.