Discover how Nana's Closet OKC supports grandparents raising grandchildren with clothing, beds, school supplies, hygiene products, and hope. Watch the Truth in Health Podcast and learn how you can help.
Episode Timestamps
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Health Begins with Community
00:34 Meet Leela Baker & Nana's Closet OKC
01:45 What Is Nana's Closet?
04:01 The Biggest Misconceptions About the Organization
05:11 The Personal Story That Started It All
07:11 Becoming Emergency Guardians Overnight
08:09 A Granddaughter's Fight for Life
09:24 Addiction, Adoption & Never Giving Up
10:49 Seven Years of Recovery and Hope
11:46 "God Will Make Your Mess Your Ministry"
12:34 Oklahoma's Growing Kinship Care Crisis
13:31 Starting a Nonprofit from Scratch
14:36 Back-to-School Season & The Greatest Needs
15:17 Why Monetary Donations Matter Most
16:44 How Families Qualify for Assistance
18:29 The Hidden Financial Burden of Kinship Care
19:22 How $10 a Month Can Change a Child's Life
20:42 The Most Needed Donations Right Now
22:30 Nana's Christmas Sharing Program
24:17 Why Nana's Closet Needs a New Home
26:03 The Item That Disappears First
26:31 How Businesses Can Partner with Nana's Closet
27:19 Final Thoughts & How You Can Help
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When Heartbreak Becomes Hope: How Nana's Closet OKC Is Changing the Lives of Children and Grandparents
Truth in Health Podcast | Community Spotlight
When we think about health, we often think about nutrition, exercise, or healthcare. While those are certainly important, true health extends far beyond physical wellness.
A healthy community is one where children have a safe place to sleep, clothes that fit, school supplies that help them succeed, and caring adults who remind them they are loved.
That's why we're honored to spotlight Nana's Closet OKC in the latest episode of the Truth in Health Podcast. Founder Leela Baker joined us to share her family's deeply personal journey and how it inspired a nonprofit that's now changing lives across Oklahoma.
From Family Crisis to Community Ministry
Leela never imagined that one day she would become a full-time parent again.
After years of watching her daughter struggle with addiction, Leela and her husband unexpectedly became guardians—and eventually adoptive parents—of their granddaughter.
"It was one of the hardest seasons of our lives," Leela shared.
But through that pain, God planted a new purpose.
As her family navigated guardianship, court hearings, NICU stays, and the emotional challenges of raising a grandchild, Leela realized something heartbreaking: there were very few resources available for grandparents suddenly raising children.
Rather than asking why, she began asking, "How can we help the next family?"
That question became Nana's Closet OKC.
More Than a Clothing Closet
Despite its name, Nana's Closet is much more than a place to find clothes.
The organization serves children entering kinship care—children who are being raised by grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, or other relatives after experiencing family crisis.
Many children arrive with nothing more than the clothes they're wearing.
Nana's Closet helps provide:
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Beds and bedding
- Toys
- School supplies
- Hygiene products
- Christmas gifts
- Encouragement and hope
Each child gets to "shop" for items they choose themselves, restoring a sense of dignity and normalcy during an incredibly difficult transition.
Breaking the Cycle
One of the most powerful moments in the interview came when Leela shared her vision for every child who walks through Nana's Closet.
She doesn't simply want to meet their immediate needs.
She wants them to understand that their circumstances do not define their future.
By surrounding children with encouragement, practical support, and caring adults, Nana's Closet helps them believe they can break generational cycles and build lives filled with hope and opportunity.
The Hidden Challenges of Kinship Care
Many grandparents become caregivers overnight.
One phone call can completely change the course of their lives.
Along with the emotional weight comes unexpected financial pressure.
Clothing.
Beds.
School supplies.
Shoes.
Hygiene items.
Even families who were financially stable often struggle to absorb these sudden expenses.
Leela also shared something many families don't realize: after obtaining guardianship, grandparents often lose access to financial assistance they expected would be available, making community support even more important.
The Greatest Need Right Now
Although clothing donations are always appreciated, Leela emphasized that monetary donations have the greatest impact.
Financial support allows Nana's Closet to purchase exactly what children need when they need it.
She explained how monthly giving creates lasting change:
- $10/month helps provide hygiene essentials like shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and toothbrushes.
- $25/month helps purchase shoes, clothing, or school necessities.
- $50/month can help provide a child with a brand-new bed, mattress, bedding, and pillow.
One of the biggest surprises from the interview?
The item that disappears the fastest isn't clothing.
It's hygiene products.
A Growing Need for a New Home
As Nana's Closet continues to grow, the organization has outgrown its current location.
Leela shared that they're searching for a larger building where children can continue to enjoy the boutique-style shopping experience that makes them feel valued and cared for.
For many children, shopping at Nana's Closet is the first time they've been able to choose clothes, toys, or school supplies just for themselves.
That experience matters.
How You Can Help
Whether you're an individual, family, church, or business, there are many ways to support Nana's Closet:
- Become a monthly donor
- Donate hygiene products
- Donate new or gently used children's clothing
- Provide school supplies
- Sponsor a child or family
- Volunteer your time
- Partner as a business sponsor
- Share their mission with others
Every act of generosity helps remind a child that they are seen, valued, and loved.
Connect with Nana's Closet OKC
If you'd like to support Nana's Closet or learn more about their mission, visit:
🌐 https://www.nanasclosetokc.org
There you can:
- Apply for assistance
- Become a monthly supporter
- Volunteer
- Donate
- Explore sponsorship opportunities
- Learn about Nana's Christmas Sharing
About Truth in Health
Truth in Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting individuals and families with trusted wellness professionals, nonprofits, educational resources, and community organizations working together to improve health across Oklahoma.
Because healthier communities aren't built by one person—they're built by all of us.
View Full Transcript
Truth in Health Podcast Transcript
A Conversation with Leela Baker, Founder of Nana's Closet OKC
Introduction
Cindy Paul:
Welcome to the Truth in Health Podcast. I'm Cindy Paul, and today we're highlighting a nonprofit that's making an incredible impact in Oklahoma.
When people hear the word "health," they often think about nutrition, exercise, or healthcare. At Truth in Health, we believe health is much broader than that. A healthy community is one where children have safe places to sleep, clothes that fit, caring adults who support them, and hope for the future.
That's exactly what Nana's Closet OKC provides.
Today I'm joined by founder Leela Baker, and we're going to talk about the mission behind Nana's Closet, how it began, and how each of us can help children and grandparents facing unexpected challenges.
Leela, thank you so much for joining us.
Meet Leela Baker
Leela Baker:
Thank you for inviting me. I'm excited to share our story.
Cindy Paul:
I'm excited too.
There are so many wonderful nonprofits throughout Oklahoma, but Nana's Closet fills a need that many people don't even realize exists.
For those who may not know, Nana's Closet serves children who are being raised by grandparents or other family members through kinship care.
I actually have a personal connection to that because my grandmother helped raise me and many of my cousins. She stepped into that parenting role when our family needed her.
Not everyone understands how quickly life can change for a grandparent. Sometimes a single phone call changes everything.
Could you tell us exactly what Nana's Closet does?
What Is Nana's Closet?
Leela Baker:
Absolutely.
Nana's Closet serves children who enter kinship care. That means they're being raised by grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, or other relatives instead of their parents.
Many of these children arrive with almost nothing.
Sometimes they have only the clothes they're wearing.
Our goal is to help meet those immediate needs while also restoring dignity.
Families can come to Nana's Closet and shop for children's clothing, shoes, toys, school supplies, diapers, hygiene products, beds, bedding, and many other essentials.
Each child receives seven complete outfits, shoes, pajamas, underwear, socks, and other necessities.
We also help provide beds because many children arrive without one.
Children are able to "shop" instead of simply receiving a bag of donations. We want them to experience the joy of choosing things that belong to them.
It's important that they feel loved, valued, and cared for during a very difficult season of life.
More Than Meeting Physical Needs
Cindy Paul:
I love that you allow children to shop.
There's something powerful about giving children choices instead of simply handing them whatever happens to be available.
Leela Baker:
Exactly.
Many of these children have experienced trauma.
They've been removed from everything that's familiar to them.
When they come to Nana's Closet, we want them to have an experience that's encouraging rather than overwhelming.
It's not just about clothes.
It's about helping children know they're important.
Some of these kids are bullied at school because they don't have nice clothes or proper shoes.
Others have never owned a brand-new backpack or picked out toys for themselves.
We want them to know they matter.
Just because they've experienced difficult circumstances doesn't mean their future has to look the same.
We want them to believe they can grow up, succeed, and break those generational cycles.
A Story That Became a Mission
Cindy Paul:
Your granddaughter was really the reason Nana's Closet came into existence.
Would you share your family's story?
Leela Baker:
I'd be happy to.
Years ago, our pastor often said,
"God will make your mess your ministry."
At the time, I didn't fully understand what he meant.
Then our family went through one of the hardest experiences we've ever faced.
Our daughter became addicted to drugs as a teenager.
She overdosed for the first time when she was only sixteen years old.
Thankfully, she survived.
Later, she entered rehabilitation and discovered she was pregnant.
We were hopeful.
For a while, it looked like things were turning around.
Unfortunately, she relapsed.
Eventually she was living on the streets.
Then in 2017 we received a phone call telling us she had gone into labor.
Meeting Evelyn
Leela Baker:
When our granddaughter Evelyn was born, she looked perfectly healthy.
The next morning everything changed.
She was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit because she had been born addicted to heroin.
As grandparents, watching your grandchild go through withdrawal is heartbreaking.
We knew our lives were about to change forever.
We immediately stepped in to care for her while our daughter continued battling addiction.
That began a journey we never expected to take.
Becoming Parents Again
Cindy Paul:
I can't imagine how emotional that must have been.
One day you're grandparents, and the next you're making life-changing decisions for a newborn.
How did that experience affect your family?
Leela Baker:
Everything changed overnight.
We weren't expecting to raise another child. We had already raised our own family, and suddenly we were learning how to be parents all over again.
There were doctor's appointments, court hearings, paperwork, and all of the responsibilities that come with caring for a newborn.
At the same time, we were watching our daughter continue to struggle with addiction.
It was heartbreaking because we loved her, but we also knew our granddaughter needed stability and safety.
Eventually, we became Evelyn's legal guardians and later adopted her.
She became our daughter in every way that mattered.
Discovering the Need
Cindy Paul:
When did you begin realizing there was a much bigger need than just your own family?
Leela Baker:
As we walked through the guardianship process, we started meeting other grandparents.
Their stories sounded just like ours.
Many of them had received a late-night phone call asking them to come pick up their grandchildren.
Some children came with absolutely nothing.
No toothbrush.
No pajamas.
No shoes that fit.
No backpack for school.
Nothing.
Many grandparents were living on fixed incomes and suddenly had to provide everything a growing child needs.
We realized this wasn't an isolated situation.
There were hundreds of families experiencing the same challenges.
The Financial Reality
Cindy Paul:
I think that's something many people don't realize.
People assume that once grandparents receive guardianship, everything is taken care of.
But that's really not the case, is it?
Leela Baker:
Not at all.
Many grandparents expect financial assistance that's either delayed or unavailable.
Some retirements suddenly have to stretch to cover diapers, formula, school clothes, shoes, sports equipment, and all the unexpected expenses that come with raising children.
Even families who were financially comfortable can quickly become overwhelmed.
Children grow so fast.
They outgrow shoes.
They need winter coats.
They need school supplies.
Those expenses add up very quickly.
"God Will Make Your Mess Your Ministry"
Cindy Paul:
Earlier you mentioned something your pastor used to say.
I thought that was such a powerful statement.
Leela Baker:
He always said,
"God will make your mess your ministry."
For years I didn't really understand that.
Looking back now, I do.
Our family walked through addiction.
We experienced heartbreak.
We experienced uncertainty.
But God took those painful experiences and used them to help other families.
If we hadn't gone through everything with our daughter and granddaughter, Nana's Closet probably wouldn't exist.
Now we're able to encourage grandparents who feel overwhelmed because we've lived it ourselves.
Sometimes people simply need someone who understands.
The Birth of Nana's Closet
Cindy Paul:
How did Nana's Closet officially begin?
Leela Baker:
It started very simply.
People began hearing about our story and started donating children's clothing.
Before long, our garage was full.
Then another room filled up.
Eventually we realized this was becoming much bigger than helping one family.
God kept opening doors.
Volunteers came alongside us.
Donations continued to arrive.
More grandparents found us.
More children needed help.
Eventually we established Nana's Closet as a nonprofit so we could continue serving families throughout Oklahoma.
Today we help children from many different communities, and every year we see more families needing assistance.
More Than Clothing
Cindy Paul:
One thing I love about Nana's Closet is that it isn't just a clothing ministry.
You're helping restore hope.
Leela Baker:
That's exactly our mission.
Yes, children need clothes.
Yes, they need beds.
Yes, they need school supplies.
But what they also need is someone to look them in the eye and tell them they're loved.
We want every child who walks through our doors to leave knowing they're important.
Their circumstances don't define them.
They have value.
They have purpose.
And they have people who care about them.
Sometimes that's the greatest gift we can give.
How Families Qualify for Assistance
Cindy Paul:
If someone is watching today and they're a grandparent or family member raising a child, how do they know if they qualify for Nana's Closet?
Leela Baker:
We primarily serve children in kinship care, meaning they're being raised by grandparents or other relatives instead of their parents.
Families complete a simple application, and we verify the placement before scheduling their shopping appointment.
We want the process to be welcoming and respectful because many families are already carrying an emotional burden.
They're doing the best they can during an incredibly difficult season.
Our goal is to remove stress, not add to it.
A Boutique Experience
Cindy Paul:
One thing I think people should understand is that Nana's Closet isn't just a room full of donated items.
You've intentionally created an experience for these children.
Leela Baker:
We have.
Children don't simply receive a bag of clothes.
They get to shop.
They walk through the boutique, choose outfits they like, pick out shoes, select toys, and gather the things they need.
That experience gives them dignity.
Many of these children have already experienced so much loss.
Giving them choices helps restore confidence and reminds them that they're worthy of something special.
Supporting Families Throughout the Year
Cindy Paul:
This isn't just a one-time visit, is it?
Leela Baker:
No.
Families are welcome to come back throughout the year because children grow so quickly.
They need new shoes.
They outgrow clothes.
School supplies have to be replaced.
Needs change as children get older.
We're here to help families through those transitions whenever we can.
Nana's Christmas Sharing
Cindy Paul:
One of my favorite programs is your Christmas Sharing event.
Tell everyone about that.
Leela Baker:
Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year for grandparents raising children.
Many are already struggling to provide everyday necessities.
Buying Christmas presents simply isn't possible for some families.
Our Christmas Sharing program allows community members, churches, businesses, and organizations to sponsor children.
Donors purchase gifts from each child's wish list, and our volunteers create a special shopping experience so families can celebrate Christmas with dignity.
It's one of the most rewarding things we do each year because you get to see the excitement on the children's faces.
Those moments are unforgettable.
What Does Nana's Closet Need Most?
Cindy Paul:
People always ask, "What can I donate?"
What's the greatest need right now?
Leela Baker:
We appreciate clothing donations, toys, school supplies, diapers, and children's items.
But honestly, our greatest need is financial support.
Monetary donations allow us to purchase exactly what a child needs when they need it.
If someone needs a twin mattress, we can buy one.
If a teenager needs clothing in a certain size, we can purchase it.
Financial gifts give us flexibility to respond immediately.
Monthly Giving Makes a Difference
Cindy Paul:
I loved hearing how monthly donations create such a big impact.
Can you explain that?
Leela Baker:
Absolutely.
Even small monthly gifts add up.
For example:
- Around $10 a month helps provide hygiene essentials like shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and toothbrushes.
- $25 a month helps purchase clothing, shoes, or school supplies.
- $50 a month can help provide a child with a bed, mattress, pillow, and bedding.
When people commit to giving every month, it allows us to plan ahead and serve more families consistently.
Hygiene Products Are Always Needed
Cindy Paul:
I don't think people realize how quickly hygiene products disappear.
Leela Baker:
They really do.
Toothpaste.
Soap.
Shampoo.
Deodorant.
Toothbrushes.
Those everyday essentials are some of the fastest-moving items in our organization.
They're not glamorous donations, but they're incredibly important.
Families need them every single day.
Looking Toward the Future
Cindy Paul:
As Nana's Closet continues to grow, what's next?
Leela Baker:
We've outgrown our current space.
We're praying for a larger building that will allow us to serve more families while keeping the boutique atmosphere children enjoy.
We don't want children walking into a warehouse.
We want them walking into a place that feels welcoming, joyful, and filled with hope.
That's the experience we want every child to have.
How Businesses Can Make a Difference
Cindy Paul:
One of the things we love sharing through Truth in Health is that businesses can make a tremendous impact in our communities.
What opportunities are available for local businesses to partner with Nana's Closet?
Leela Baker:
Businesses are incredibly important to what we do.
Some sponsor events.
Others organize donation drives.
Many provide financial support or encourage their employees to volunteer.
We've also had businesses collect school supplies, hygiene products, diapers, and Christmas gifts.
Every partnership allows us to reach more children.
Whether it's a large company or a small local business, everyone has something valuable they can contribute.
Volunteers Make the Mission Possible
Cindy Paul:
I imagine volunteers are a huge part of keeping everything running.
Leela Baker:
Absolutely.
We couldn't do this without volunteers.
People help organize clothing, prepare shopping appointments, stock shelves, wrap Christmas presents, greet families, and assist during special events.
Some volunteers come every week.
Others help during seasonal programs like back-to-school or Christmas.
Every hour someone gives helps us serve another child.
A Message to Grandparents
Cindy Paul:
There may be grandparents listening today who suddenly find themselves raising grandchildren.
What would you want them to know?
Leela Baker:
First, you're not alone.
I know it can feel overwhelming.
You may wonder how you're going to make it financially.
You may be exhausted.
You may feel like no one understands what you're experiencing.
But there are people who care.
There are organizations that want to help.
Don't be afraid to ask for support.
Accepting help doesn't mean you've failed.
It means you're doing everything you can for the children you love.
That's exactly what good grandparents do.
Community Is Part of Health
Cindy Paul:
That's such an important reminder.
At Truth in Health, we talk about wellness in many different ways, but healthy communities require people who care for one another.
Sometimes improving someone's health begins with making sure a child has a bed to sleep in, clean clothes to wear to school, or someone who believes in them.
That's exactly what Nana's Closet is doing every single day.
How You Can Help
Leela Baker:
If you'd like to support Nana's Closet, there are many ways to get involved.
You can:
- Become a monthly donor.
- Volunteer your time.
- Organize a donation drive.
- Donate children's clothing, shoes, school supplies, or hygiene products.
- Sponsor a child during our Christmas Sharing program.
- Share our mission with others.
Every act of generosity makes a difference.
No gift is too small.
Every child deserves to know they are loved and that someone in their community cares about them.
Final Thoughts
Cindy Paul:
Leela, thank you for sharing your story today.
Your family's journey is incredibly powerful, but what's even more inspiring is how you've taken one of the hardest chapters of your life and turned it into hope for thousands of other families.
That's what community is all about.
Thank you for saying "yes" to this calling and for reminding all of us that sometimes the greatest acts of health begin with compassion.
Leela Baker:
Thank you so much for having me.
We're grateful for the opportunity to share our mission, and we hope more people will join us in supporting children and grandparents throughout Oklahoma.
Learn More
To learn more about Nana's Closet OKC, volunteer, donate, or become a monthly supporter, visit:
https://www.nanasclosetokc.org
Thank You for Watching
Thank you for joining us for another episode of the Truth in Health Podcast, where we connect you with the people, organizations, and ideas helping build healthier communities.
If you enjoyed this conversation:
- Subscribe to the Truth in Health Podcast.
- Share this episode with someone who would be inspired by Leela's story.
- Leave a review to help others discover these important community conversations.
We'll see you next time.
