SemGroup Trouble Extending To Charities

Troubles at SemGroup are having a ripple effect across Oklahoma, impacting jobs and other companies in the energy business. SemGroup was also known for its commitment to Tulsa charities. News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports a North Tulsa group was counting on a pledge from the company to help with a project in the works to keep kids out of trouble.

Where most people see just an empty lot with tall grass, Reverend W.R. Casey sees promise.

"The youth center will probably sit right along in here," said Rev. Casey.

The Christian Ministers Alliance plans to build a Youth Center and Daycare.

"We have a lot of crime in this area, we have drugs, gangs and we need to help our kids," said Rev. Casey.

Overall the project is $7.3 million.  But the first step is buying this parcel of land at North Lewis and Apache.

$45,000 has been raised through donations, but another $25,000 is needed to seal the deal. SemGroup had pledged a corporate donation of $25,000, but that was before recent trouble for the energy company.

"We were counting on that.  That was going to help us buy this land, but that has fallen through and we need help," said Rev. Casey.

So the group will have to get the money another way.

Nina Mays hopes it will happen.  She's spent her entire life in North Tulsa and it breaks her heart to see kids going down the wrong path.

"We've got to get them while they are young.  And to train them and let them know that gang violence and gangs are not the way.  That they can have another outlet.  There is another option," said Mays.

Despite the SemGroup setback, organizers believe the project will get the support it needs from other companies, churches and individual donors. The goal is to finish the facility in a year.

"I think the Lord still will make a way," said Rev. Casey.

Because of their faith that donations will come in, the Christian Ministers Alliance will move forward with a groundbreaking for the Youth Center and Daycare.

The groundbreaking is set for August 31st.