Newsroom | 2026 News Releases
More Than a Basketball Court: Chet Holmgren, BCBSOK and NSO Create Place to Belong for Young Men Rebuilding Their Lives
Oct. 7, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY — A new outdoor space at Neighborhood Services Organization’s Carolyn Williams Center is giving young men experiencing homelessness more than a place to play. It’s giving them a place to connect, recharge and build community as they work toward independent futures.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Neighborhood Services Organization celebrated the opening of the new space and basketball court Saturday alongside residents and community members.
“Health is about more than what happens inside a doctor’s office. It’s also having a safe place to live, people who support you and opportunities to connect,” said Stephania Grober, BCBSOK President. “We hope this court gives these young men a place to have fun, build friendships and know their community is rooting for them.”
Holmgren toured the facility and joined residents on the new court following the ribbon-cutting .
“Basketball has given me so much beyond the game itself. It brings people together and gives you a place to belong,” Holmgren said. “I hope this court becomes that kind of place for the guys here and reminds them there are people across Oklahoma City in their corner.”
The Carolyn Williams Center is a 24-month transitional living program for unhoused young men ages 18 to 23. Residents receive one-on-one case management and wraparound services to help them develop the skills needed to live independently.
“Our residents are working hard to create stability and build what comes next in their lives,” said Stacey Ninness, NSO President & CEO. “They deserve a place where they can have fun, connect and simply be themselves. We’re grateful to BCBSOK and Chet Holm gren for investing in them and creating something they can enjoy every day.”
The outdoor area will remain a place where Carolyn Williams Center residents can step outside, clear their minds and spend time together while continuing to work toward their individual goals and independent living.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
For over 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to meeting the health care financing needs of Oklahomans. As the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provides health care benefit plans for more than 810,000 Oklahomans. Blue Cross and B lue Shield of Oklahoma is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About Neighborhood Services Organization
Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO) has been providing vital direct services to the Oklahoma City community for more than 100 years. NSO offers life-changing programs to Oklahoma neighbors who are on the edge of homelessness or in transition. These programs include permanent and transitional housing for unhoused adults and children, a full service low-cost dental clinic, the state’s largest independent women, infants and children’s clinic, and a brand-new tenant advocacy and eviction prevention program. Through these and other valued partnerships, we are transforming lives and encouraging independence through safe, healthy homes, dental care and nutrition. For more information visit www.nsookc.org.