Neighborhood Services Organization celebrates 100 years with a time capsule

In celebration of 100 years of operation, Neighborhood Services Organization decided to honor their long-standing history and contributions to our community with a time capsule project. They welcome anyone interested in participating in this unique opportunity to purchase a caplet, fill it with memorabilia, and leave a legacy for individuals to uncover in 2121.

“It was just something that we thought was a cool and unique idea. We have so many people that are stakeholders at NSO, so we thought—what a cool way to preserve our history,” said NSO’s Executive Director, Stacey Ninness. “Once you buy a caplet, you’ll receive something from us in the mail—a die cut capsule of the exact dimensions of the box. There is a description with it, which suggests items to include or not include. Letters are encouraged, among other items.”

When the idea to make a time capsule came about, Stacey reached out to several individuals for their input and expertise. Two played a largely significant role in the design and engineering of the monument. “An architect named Curtis Wilson and a Steve Ford, structural engineer collaborated to build the capsule,” said Ninness. “They have both been wonderful supporters of NSO. We tasked them to build something that would stand the test of time and preserve the integrity of the capsule.”

Steve Ford became involved with NSO about ten years ago when they were still in their old building. “I am a structural engineer, and I got a call to see if I could have a look at their building. It was originally a church that had been added onto multiple times. There had to be seven or eight different floor elevations,” said Ford. “The building was potentially dangerous, and to NSO’s credit, in two weeks, they evacuated that building and began plans for their existing facility. Stacey always introduces me as ‘the person that condemned their old building.’”

Ford’s care for the organization didn’t end after he helped encourage them to build a new facility. He was asked to serve on their board and remained a dedicated board member for six years. His Sunday school class also became involved in supporting NSO’s mission. They furnish one of the apartments in NSO’s transitional housing for women. Women who are homeless move into the housing when they are pregnant or with children. They are allowed to take furnishings with them when they on from the program.

When the idea for time capsule project began, Ninness casually passed it to Ford. “Stacey came to me and said, ‘Oh, by the way we are going to do a time capsule, is there anything we should know?’ And I said ‘Oh, yeah there is.’ My world is designing structures for building, so I sketched up something that could house the time capsule and protect its contents. The concrete will be very dense and as watertight as possible,” said Ford. “Curtis came in to help provide the aesthetic.”

“Steve Ford and I have worked together professionally, and it has been great to work on this project together. It has been a balance of design, structure, and of course managing costs,” said Curtis Wilson. “The design is not really about the monument, but the content.”

The ZFI Engineering Co. structural engineering drawing for the time capsule

Like Ford, Wilson has been involved with NSO for multiple years. The two men currently serve on NSO’s building and grounds committee together. “NSO has served thousands of clients in its 100 years, and the buildings are a large part of it. I find it rewarding to be able to guide them with that part of their mission.,” said Wilson. “The natural progression to being on the Leave a Legacy committee allowed me to work with a great team of committee members who also believe in the mission.”

Ford has been involved in multiple building renovations throughout his career and sometimes finds pieces of the past as walls are torn down and previous construction is exposed. “What always gets you are things that make you think about what life was like at the time. It could be as simple as old tobacco cans or newspapers,” said Ford. “It’s people’s trash that gives you a little slice of the life at the time.” He plans on placing a Forever stamp, among other items in the caplet he has purchased with his wife.

In addition to avid supporters of NSO, several notable Oklahoma City leaders have chosen to participate in the time capsule project. Mayor David Holt said, “I placed a Key to the City, a #1 OKC pin, and a handwritten note inside my box.”

Debby Hampton, CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma, had her staff contribute to her caplet’s contents. “In visiting with our staff on what should go in our time capsule, we determined it should be documentation of board and staff leadership over the last 98 years, when United Way and NSO became partners,” said Hampton. “We’ll include the board minutes approving the decision in 1969, and how much we have funded NSO in those years. Possibly a photo or two of United Way and NSO.”

NSO became a partner agency of United Way as soon as they became an entity in 1969. The original agency was called Neighborhood Clubs, renaming itself as Neighborhood Centers from 1958-1969 before it claimed its name as Neighborhood Services Organization.

“NSO is a great organization, and one with an amazing history, having contributed to our city for a century now.  A city needs nonprofits that are working to serve all our residents,” said Mayor David Holt. “Those needs change over the decades, but there is always a need, and it is heartening to think that NSO has always been there to fill it.”

“NSO assists our most vulnerable citizens in a caring and compassionate way,” said Hampton. “The leadership at NSO is stellar in every way, they are accountable to our stakeholders, engaged and ensure the programs at NSO are making a significant impact for our community.”

“Years from now, the time capsule will provide an opportunity to reconnect and think of people’s lives. Think back to 1920, what was going on then, and what has survived 100 years. It gets really hard. If you think about who is going to be around when this is open, it will be my grandchildren’s grandchildren,” said Ford.

There is still time to take part in the project. You can buy a caplet or time capsule sponsorship here. The deadline to purchase caplets and sponsorships is September 24^th. Each caplet is $200 and sponsorship costs $1,000, which includes a caplet and a bronze plaque in recognition of your contribution. The unveiling event will be held on November 4.