Walking With Them

Apr 15

An Advocate Spotlight: Felicia B.

Felicia Brandon first heard about Tulsa Girls’ Home through family, but it didn’t take long for her to realize the mission was something she deeply connected with. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a calling.

“I had always wanted to become a foster parent,” Felicia shared. “When I learned about Tulsa Girls’ Home, it felt like a place where I could be part of the solution.”

Felicia brings more than dedication to her role as an advocate — she brings empathy. Having experienced trauma in her own life, she understands how deeply pain can shape a young person’s identity and relationships. That lived experience allows her to meet the girls with compassion and patience, especially during their most difficult moments.

“When the girls begin sharing their pain, I knew I was in the right place,” she said. “An environment where healing can begin is exactly what I wanted to be part of.”

Working closely with girls who have experienced abuse, instability, and repeated rejection requires a steady presence. Felicia knows that trust doesn’t appear overnight — it grows slowly through consistency, boundaries, and showing up again and again.

“In the worst moments, emotions can flare up,” she explained. “Things get broken, voices get loud, and frustration is high. That’s when it’s most important for us as advocates to stay calm and present. Even when a child feels out of control, they need to know we won’t give up on them.”

For Felicia, some of the most powerful moments come after those storms pass — when a girl begins to accept love and encouragement for the first time.

“There are these incredible moments after a breakdown when the girls finally feel safe enough to accept redirection and support,” she said. “Watching that transformation from sadness to laughter feels amazing. It’s like rescuing someone from a burning building.”

Felicia believes building trust is one of the most important parts of her work. She focuses on creating clear boundaries while reminding the girls they are valued and capable.

“I never want them to see me as another adult who is letting them down,” she said. “Encouraging them when they doubt themselves and noticing their progress shows them that I really do care.”

One moment in particular stands out in her memory. A girl was overwhelmed with sadness and began escalating emotionally. Instead of rushing the moment, Felicia simply sat with her and listened.

“She needed to let it out,” Felicia recalled. “I reminded her she was no longer in the environment where she had experienced abuse. I told her she was worthy of love and that she was beautiful and smart. Eventually, the tears turned into laughter.”

Moments like that are what sustain Felicia through the emotional highs and lows of the job.

“The work pulls at your heart,” she said. “There are really high highs and really low lows. I pray a lot and ask God to guide me in how I can help these young women.”

Outside of work, Felicia makes sure to refill her own emotional cup by spending time with family, reading, walking, and enjoying quiet moments near the water.

For her, the mission of Tulsa Girls’ Home goes far beyond the walls of the campus.

“I know Tulsa Girls’ Home is important for our community,” she said. “When girls are given the chance to heal, they can grow into healthy adults who build strong families and contribute to the world around them.”

Every day, advocates like Felicia show the girls something many of them have rarely experienced — consistency, patience, and someone who refuses to give up on them.