Our History

The Beginning

In 1920, a dedicated group of Oklahoma City church women recognized the need to house some of our community’s most desperate families. They opened Wesley House (still operating today), where individuals of various backgrounds and races lived and worked together for a brighter future.

In 1939, as the Dust Bowl ravaged Oklahoma and the Depression devastated the nation, a similar group of woman responded to the health care needs of Oklahoma City’s poorest citizens. They created the Bethlehem Center, providing health care services, nutritional counseling and hand-made infant clothing for families in poverty. 


A New Era

By 1969 these two programs had developed a steadfast tradition of excellence and innovation. Realizing they were serving many of the same populations, they determined that collaboration was the key to future success. These early visionaries combined their resources, along with a third organization, and created Neighborhood Services Organization, Inc. (NSO) to meet the needs of these populations more effectively and efficiently.

NSO has received, and still receives funding and support from key organizations:

Several ministries of the United Methodist Church, including:

  • The United Methodist Women
  • The General Board of Global Ministries
  • The Oklahoma Annual Conference and local United Methodist Churches
  • The United Way of Central Oklahoma
  • Other public and private grantors and philanthropic supporters

Today, NSO enjoys an outstanding reputation for innovation and dedication in serving the needs of Oklahoma City’s poorest citizens. We provide housing, health services and monetary assistance to thousands of Oklahoma City’s poor and homeless each year.

An 87-year tradition of excellence is not enough for us to rest comfortably. Our founders were visionaries, unafraid to boldly challenge preconceived notions of poverty in society. Their model and their inspiration continue to drive us forward into the future.