TAKE 2 GRADUATE STORIES

September 2025 | Peyton

When Peyton first came to Take 2 Café, she was stepping into something brand new—her very first job. With no work history, she wasn’t sure what to expect, but she quickly discovered what makes Take 2 special: the care, encouragement, and belief that she could go farther than she ever thought possible.

“This was my first job I’ve ever had, and so far I’ve come a long way,” Peyton shared. “I wouldn’t have made it if they wouldn’t have helped me as much as they did.”

From the start, Peyton set meaningful goals for herself—staying sober, growing in confidence, and finding her place in helping others who are still on their recovery journeys. Today, she proudly says she is “almost fully confident in my life, and myself.”

Her progress has not gone unnoticed. Dawn and Tom, leaders at Take 2, saw her growth firsthand:

“Peyton came to Take 2 with no work history. She quickly picked up on her job responsibilities and became a valued part of our team. Peyton has learned to work on her own without much direction and will be a valued employee wherever she lands.”

Her case manager, Jerra, also reflected on the transformation she witnessed:

“We met Peyton while she was in HWR. She was very quiet and reserved at first. She constantly made me pinky swear that we would pick her up and bring her to our housing. She was very timid at the café at first but soon enough found her voice. Even when faced with challenges, she focused on her recovery and program. Peyton has handled everything thrown at her with grace. She regularly attends self-help meetings and is always willing to go the extra mile. We are sad to see her go but excited for her next steps.”

Peyton’s story is one of resilience, courage, and growth. She came into the program nervous but determined—and is leaving confident, sober, and ready for what comes next.

Congratulations, Peyton! We are so proud of the progress you’ve made and can’t wait to see the amazing future ahead of you.

August 2025 | Brittany

Help Resonance Center for Women celebrate Brittany, our most recent Take 2 Cafe graduate! The program helped her overcome social anxiety and learn to work in a fast paced, busy environment. She says, “I have made changes in myself mentally, physically, and emotionally…and I couldn’t have done it without the stability and confidence that this program has given me.”

Brittany completed Resonance’s Helping Women Recover program while incarcerated and moved into our transitional living homes after release. When she struggled to find employment, she was able to move to the Take 2 program, quickly mastering every position in the restaurant. Brittany mentored everyone who came into the program after her. She enjoyed watching them grow in confidence every day.

Since being at Take 2, Brittany has met all of the goals she set for herself. When asked which accomplishment she is most proud of, she responded, “All of them. From getting my teeth fixed, to passing my welding test, to being a positive team member and friend, to overcoming my social anxiety, to reuniting with my family.”

Brittany is currently seeking employment in the welding field and is sure to secure an awesome job. She has a bright future ahead of her and we wish her love and luck on her journey!

August 2025 | susan

After her release from ODOC, Susan entered another transitional living program, but soon realized she needed more support. A few months later, she reached out to Take 2—and never looked back. Facing transportation challenges and seeking stability, Susan made the move into our program with determination and hope.

Since joining Take 2, Susan has grown tremendously. She quickly became a leader—training new team members, helping others get settled, and leading by example. Her commitment to her recovery journey, including active participation in Celebrate Recovery and step study, reflects her dedication to lasting change.

During her time with Take 2, Susan has achieved many personal milestones: gaining financial independence, restoring relationships with her daughters and grandchildren, obtaining her driver’s license, and building the confidence to plan for her future. She’s proud of her sobriety, independence, and the ability to set and achieve meaningful goals.

Susan is now preparing to move into Kirtley House and pursue her Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) certification. Her dream is to work in the social services field, helping others see the potential in themselves—just as she has discovered her own.

jULY 2025 | sTACIE

Stacie is a joy and a true go-getter! While working at Take 2 during the day, she took on a second job working at the BOK Center during events. She has guided and supported new staff members and is always willing to help where she is needed. In her words, “We all look out for each other, keep each other accountable, and truly want each other to succeed.”

After completing the Regimented Training Program at Eddie Warrior, Stacie came directly to Resonance. Her biggest goal was to complete the Take 2 program, and she has certainly accomplished it! She’s proud to be graduating with the “lifelong friendships” she’s made here.

Stacie is focused on her next steps and securing full time employment. We’re excited to have her living at HOUSE as she keeps working toward independence, one day at a time. Stacie’s parting words for the Take 2 Café? “Thank you for this opportunity. I appreciate everything and everybody.”

Stacie, we’re so proud of you, and confident you are on your way to a new and wonderful life!

May 2025 | Teari

Always smiling and full of positive energy, it’s easy to see why we call her Cheery Teari. From day one, she’s shown up on time, worked hard, and never missed a shift. Teari chooses to focus on the positive—even when things get tough—and her attitude is as inspiring as her determination.

After graduating from RTP, Teari came to Take 2 ready to stay on track and “never look back.” She recently completed Tulsa Tech’s Industrial Maintenance Program through our partnership with Prosper and also earned her Forklift certification—adding more tools to her belt, just like she set out to do.

She says her favorite part of Take 2 is “improving my measures of opportunities” as she transitions back into society. For Teari, Take 2 has been about finding direction: “door openers and path guiders” that have helped her move forward with purpose.

Now, she’s focused on reuniting with her children and showing their grandparents just how far she’s come. What’s next? “Learning to love deeper, take more chances, and make a change.”

We’re so proud of you, Teari!

May 2025| April

Congratulations to April, who graduates today from the Take 2 Café program! She shared, “Working at Take 2 has been a blessing for me. I never thought I would be where I am today and have the support system I have. I’ve been able to build healthy relationships with not only everyone here but everyone in my life.”

When she arrived at Take 2, April’s goals were to pay off some of her court fines, stay sober, and build healthier relationships. She was able to accomplish all of this and more! April mastered Take 2’s scratch Caesar dressing, using her eye for detail to become a talented salad maker. A natural leader, she is always there to provide guidance and support for our other Take 2 program participants.

April says she is most proud of “keeping my sobriety, actually working towards accomplishing my goals, and not giving up.” She is serious about recovery and creating a better future for herself. In fact, she will soon earn her certificate as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, using her journey to help others. April will be moving into Elwood House while she attends welding school and secures further employment.

April has been an absolute joy and we will miss her at the Take 2 Café!

mARCH 2025 | Laquesha

Laquesha is our most recent graduate of the Take 2 Café program! She shared, “My favorite thing about Take 2 is having the unity of my roommates and coworkers. It’s the best feeling knowing that we all have each other’s backs, not only at work but at home too.”

In the program, Laquesha’s confidence grew daily, and she quickly rose to the position of line lead. She was often the first to clock in, was a team player, and was always ready and willing to help wherever needed. She said, “Having to learn all the positions was very productive. It made me feel like I could accomplish anything. Now I know I can work with a team and also be a leader.”

During her time in the program, Laquesha was able to make huge strides in her recovery journey. She reconnected with her family and now sees her children regularly, and earned her forklift license. She is moving into Resonance’s Kirtley House next while she starts a new job, attends welding school, and continues earning money toward a place of her own!  She is always so welcoming to new participants in the program and acts as a wonderful mentor. It's been an honor to watch her come out of her shell and blossom. 

Laquesha will be greatly missed at the Take 2 Café, but we are extremely proud of her and know she will accomplish great things!