CREOKS to Take Over Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter

Former interim director Rose Lynch announces transition of leadership to CREOKS Behavioral Health Services

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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After serving as the interim director of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter for nearly two years, Rose Lynch is stepping down and transitioning the leadership of the shelter to CREOKS Behavioral Health Services. CREOKS has hired a new dedicated Shelter Coordinator, Hillary Woods, to oversee the shelter's operations and continue providing stability and growth for the facility and the individuals and families it serves.

Why it matters

The Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter has been a vital resource for the community, providing assistance to over 100 individuals and families in finding housing and employment stability. This transition to CREOKS, a local behavioral health services provider, aims to strengthen the shelter's financial and administrative oversight to ensure long-term sustainability.

The details

Rose Lynch served as the interim director of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter for almost two years, guiding the shelter through both victories and challenges. After a year-long transition process, CREOKS Behavioral Health Services is now taking over the leadership and operations of the shelter. CREOKS has hired Hillary Woods as the new dedicated Shelter Coordinator to oversee the facility's continued stability and growth.

  • Rose Lynch officially stepped down as the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter director in October 2025.
  • The transition of leadership to CREOKS Behavioral Health Services has been a thoughtful process spanning nearly a year.

The players

Rose Lynch

The former interim director of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter, who is now stepping down to continue serving the community as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

CREOKS Behavioral Health Services

A local behavioral health services provider that is taking over the leadership and operations of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter, providing improved financial and administrative oversight.

Hillary Woods

The new dedicated Shelter Coordinator hired by CREOKS to oversee the continued stability and growth of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter.

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What they’re saying

“It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my professional life to serve our community – especially our most vulnerable neighbors – through this work.”

— Rose Lynch, Former Interim Director, Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter (henryettafree-lance.com)

“I am thrilled to see the transition of directorship to CREOKS Behavioral Health Services. This shift represents an important leveling of accountability in both financial and administrative oversight, strengthening the foundation for long-term sustainability.”

— Rose Lynch, Former Interim Director, Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter (henryettafree-lance.com)

What’s next

CREOKS has hired a new dedicated Shelter Coordinator, Hillary Woods, to oversee the continued operations and growth of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter under the organization's leadership.

The takeaway

The transition of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter's leadership to CREOKS Behavioral Health Services aims to strengthen the shelter's financial and administrative oversight, ensuring its long-term sustainability as a vital community resource that has assisted over 100 individuals and families in finding housing and employment stability.