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 nearly two years as the interim director of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter, Rose Lynch is stepping down and transitioning the leadership to CREOKS Behavioral Health Services. CREOKS has hired a new dedicated Shelter Coordinator, Hillary Woods, to oversee the shelter's operations and continued growth. Lynch is proud of the work accomplished during her tenure, assisting over 100 individuals and families in finding housing and employment stability through partnerships with local organizations.

Why it matters

The transition of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter to CREOKS Behavioral Health Services represents an important step in strengthening the shelter's financial and administrative oversight, ensuring long-term sustainability of this vital community resource. CREOKS' involvement brings additional expertise and resources to support the shelter's mission of serving the area's most vulnerable residents.

The details

Rose Lynch served as the interim director of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter for nearly two years, overseeing the shelter's operations during a challenging period. Through partnerships with local organizations like Workforce Okmulgee and CREOKS, the shelter was able to assist over 100 individuals and families in finding greater housing and employment stability. After a year-long transition process, CREOKS Behavioral Health Services has now taken over the leadership of the shelter, hiring a new dedicated Shelter Coordinator, Hillary Woods, to manage the facility's day-to-day operations.

  • Rose Lynch stepped down as interim 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

Former interim director of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter, who is now transitioning to a role as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the community.

CREOKS Behavioral Health Services

The organization that has taken over the leadership and management of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter, bringing additional expertise and resources to support the shelter's mission.

Hillary Woods

The new Shelter Coordinator hired by CREOKS to oversee the day-to-day operations 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 (yourokmulgee.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 (yourokmulgee.com)

What’s next

CREOKS Behavioral Health Services has now hired a dedicated Shelter Coordinator, Hillary Woods, to oversee the continued operations and growth of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter.

The takeaway

The transition of the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter to CREOKS Behavioral Health Services represents an important step in ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of this vital community resource, which has been a lifeline for the area's most vulnerable residents.