Transformed Through Christ: Stephanie Gray's Inspiring Journey From Oaks Resident To Board Secretary

Stephanie Gray is an example of the way the miracle that transforms residents at the Oaks of Righteousness also transforms the program. She came as a resident after leaving prison and graduated in 2022.  Then she took a staff position at the Oaks, becoming our program director for two years while also going back to school. 

Education is an important part of Stephanie’s story – In the past, women didn’t take outside classes as residents. However, Stephanie went back to school as a test case to see if residents could balance the requirements of the Oaks program, jobs and school.

It wasn’t easy, but in December, she received her associate’s degree in business. She left her job with the Oaks to become the office manager for RBG services, which does electrical work in Houston.

However, her involvement with the Oaks didn’t end there.  In February, she was elected to our Board of Directors as Board Secretary.

Recently she talked about her newest chapter and what it means to be able to bring her experience to the board.

How’s life?

Great. Amazing!   I’m learning new things every day. I’m also using a lot of the skills I picked up during my time at the Oaks, things like patience, grace, organizational skills and being able to speak directly with people. Oaks really taught me how to be a part of a team.  

Even though my morning commute went from a fifteen-minute drive to the Oaks to an hour to the office in my new job, I even love going to work!

What challenges have you found?

Everything is new and there is a steep learning curve, but I’ve been blessed that the two partners in RBG have a strong faith background. In many ways we come from the same place, we respect each other and it’s amazing to see the way God leads us and the people he puts in our path.

Life can be full of setbacks. How did your time at the Oaks prepare you for them?

Most of that is relying on God.  Hiccups like car trouble are going to happen. I just remind myself that God has a plan and that if life seems difficult, there are people who care and I can talk to.  I don’t work at the Oaks anymore, but it is still a source of emotional and spiritual support.

One thing I have found is that my job at the Oaks was very emotionally demanding.  I’m kind of enjoying being in a service industry where I can focus on helping customers and organizational tasks.

I always knew Oaks was a season for me. I’m grateful for the opportunity I had, what I learned and the deep relationships I built. But I also knew that I eventually wanted to work in a different industry where I could focus on other skills.

Has your experience been a journey from something or a journey to something?

Most definitely it is a journey to something.  When people hear about the residents at the Oaks, they immediately think about their past, what prison was like and how it impacted them. But as they learn more about the women they realize where they go in the future is more important than where they have been. 

One of the things the residents at the Oaks learn is that our past doesn’t define us.  However, it is still important.  If I had not gone through what I have gone through before I got to the Oaks, I don’t know if I would have been as open and as eager to have the relationship with Christ that I have today.

It's pretty rare for someone who has been a client of a nonprofit to hold any position on its board, much less an executive-level position. What’s the value of having someone with your experience on the board?

Because I was a resident and share the background of the women at the Oaks, I have a perspective I can share with other directors who didn’t have our experience. I also have a personal understanding of where the ministry has been and the needs it may be able to fill in the future.

What about the value to the residents to see that you are on the board?

I hope they see me as a role model. The women in the Oaks have faced so many struggles in their lives, it can make it hard for them to imagine how much they can accomplish. 

The fact that I went back to school is really important and it encourages them to pursue degrees. I really believe in the value of education. We live in an economy where, without an education, it is hard to rise above minimum wage jobs that keep you on your feet all day.  It opens the door to a career and stability. Earning a degree while working full time wasn’t easy, but I feel like it demonstrates to the residents that, if you are willing to put in the work, God provides.