It was Lynda Powell’s experience as a struggling single mother that led her to dedicate her life to provide opportunities for others. Lynda founded the Bethel Foundation in 2004, with the mission of making single mothers more productive citizens. She works daily to help alleviate the roadblocks that keep single mothers from taking steps to provide a better life for themselves and their children.
Her foundation provides support through mentoring, rehabilitation and quality housing options designed to help struggling single mothers get back on their feet. The Foundation offers assistance through a home ownership program, scholarship funds, cooking classes, educational conferences, access to clothing and food, and free summer camps for children of single mothers. Lynda believes that changing lives—one mom at a time—makes for stronger families and a stronger America.
Here’s more about how this 60-year-old mother (daughter Cassie is 29 and son Joseph is 23) and grandmother (to 6-year-old Kayle and 2-year-old Lily) works to support single mothers in the OKC metro:
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I attended Woodstock in 1969 and was a rebellious teenager.
What are you passionate about?
Living and enjoying life to the fullest and not wasting a minute We never know when our last minute will be.
How has motherhood changed you?
As a single mom for many years, it was a struggle for me to provide for my family. However, as “Nana,” I have been able to enjoy with my grandchildren what I missed as a mother.
How do you banish stress?
I do something creative, like seasonal decorating.
What inspires you?
My husband, J. R.—he’s my sounding board and grounding force.
Along with your job as a mom, what do you do?
I am the founder of the Bethel Foundation in Oklahoma City. It’s amazing how I started [the organization] on a desk in my home and now, in our eighth year, we have our own building on five acres. In 2011, we provided services to over 9,500 women and children through the various programs that we offer.
What do you like most about your job?
Each day is different. I never know what or whom God is going to send our way, so it makes the day exciting.
What is on your wish list?
More family vacations!
What are you most proud of?
That God chose someone like me to do a big mission for him.
Advice for other moms?
To realize you are worthy and that your life matters. To remember that all difficult situations do pass.
What motivates you?
Knowing that each day I’m given, I can make a difference in another person’s life.
How do you find balance in your life?
That is difficult for me, however, I try to keep order in my spiritual walk. Then, everything else falls into place.
Where are you from originally? What brought you to Oklahoma?
I was born in Durant and raised in Antlers. Over my life, I have lived in Oregon, Missouri, Florida, North Carolina and New York City, but Oklahoma is home.
What’s the biggest challenge in your life?
Remembering to take time off—I’m a workaholic.
What is your parenting style?
As a single mom, I was strict—but as Nana, I’m such a softie!
Favorite advice about motherhood?
Tell your children that you love them daily. I learned it late, but now realize that love really does conquer all.
Quick Facts About Lynda
- What are five words that describe you? Faith, believer, passionate, loyal and driven.
- What’s your favorite meal to cook for dinner? Turkey chili and cornbread.
- What’s your favorite movie? Sleepless in Seattle and Titanic. I’m a diehard romantic!
- What’s your guilty pleasure? Bling! I love all jewelry, real and fake.
- Coffee or tea? Flavored coffee
Editor’s note: For more information about the Bethel Foundation, call 405-286-3700 or visit www.bethelfoundationusa.com.
Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.
