THE SAVILLE CENTER RECEIVES FUNDING FROM IDEAL HOMES & NEIGHBORHOODS TO SUPPORT COMPANION DOG

STILLWATER, OK – When Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods hired Ronda McKown in their first Outreach Ministry position this year, she jumped at the chance to better support the communities in which Ideal builds. 

“I started in my role by asking our employees what causes were important to them and I found an overwhelming passion to support both children and animals. When we learned about the Saville Center in Stillwater and their companion dog, Maria, I knew this organization was something we wanted to support.”

Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods gave $10,000 to the Saville Center to sponsor Maria’s doghouse inside the medical cottage and support the center’s mission to treat and comfort children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

“We really appreciate the generosity and support that Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods has given,” says Kelsey Proctor, Executive Director of the Saville Center. “They wanted to give back to the community in a way that would support both children and animals and I feel that we offer a unique opportunity to do both. We serve many children who are going through traumatic experiences and Maria’s impact on those children is crucial to what we do.”

Children who experience abuse in Payne and Logan Counties are supported by the integrated services and support offered through the Saville Center. Children who are neglected, abused, witnesses to violent crimes, or even trafficked, are referred to the Saville Center by DHS or law enforcement to support the child through their trauma. This can be a very difficult process for children, but Maria helps bring comfort. 

Maria came to the center four years ago from Canine Companions, a service dog training program in California. Maria provides comfort and support for children during difficult or upsetting questioning or testimony, counseling sessions, and much more. McKown felt strongly that Maria was a perfect opportunity for Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods to give back. 

“I was blown away with the impacts that the Saville Center makes within our community,” said McKown. “We are thrilled to be able to help the center continue to grow and make such an impact in Stillwater.”

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About Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods: Founded over 30 years ago, Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods has consistently set the standard for innovative homebuilding and been nationally recognized for the quality of its products and processes. Now Oklahoma’s leading homebuilder, the company is locally owned and operated and is the winner of the premier America’s Best Builder Award, from “Builder” Magazine, the prestigious National Housing Quality Gold Award from the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, and has been named national Builder of the Year. Ideal Home& Neighborhoods is a member of the National Association of Home Builders. The company has developed and builds in communities throughout Stillwater and the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, including Blanchard, Choctaw, Deer Creek-Edmond, Guthrie, Moore, Mustang, Norman, Piedmont, and Yukon.