A unique assisted living community is redefining what it means to age with dignity, purpose, and spiritual connection. Baptist Village – affiliated with the Oklahoma Baptist state convention – is more than just a place to reside; it is a vibrant ministry that encourages its residents to continue serving others while enjoying independent and assisted living options. “The good years when you hit 60 are just getting started.” In an exclusive interview, Matthew Wood, the campus director for Baptist Village in Okmulgee, shared his personal journey, the philosophy behind the ministry, and exciting plans for the future.
— A Personal Calling to Serve “I grew up a Baptist pastor’s son here in Oklahoma,” he recalls, describing his early life immersed in church community values. His path was anything but linear. After high school, he spent four years “working at a small oil company” doing “everything from roughneck work to working on wells and tank trucks.” Despite his diverse early career, Wood found himself drawn to serving older adults – noting how the wisdom and compassion of the older generation influenced him from a young age. An influence that eventually led him to Baptist Village.
Seven years ago, an unexpected opportunity led him to apply for a management position at a Baptist Village campus near Lake Texoma. Soon after, Wood transitioned to lead the Okmulgee campus completing an assisted living administrator’s license along the way and even earning his college degree with the help of the organization’s Educational Assistance Fund. Now a dedicated campus director, Wood lives onsite with his family. “I joke that my nine‐month-old might be the youngest resident in Baptist Village history, She may be the youngest retirement center resident in the state,” he says with a smile. His personal life intertwines with the community’s fabric; his daughter took her first steps right on the village grounds, and she celebrated her first birthday nearly alongside a resident’s 100th birthday. “It’s wonderful watching my girls grow up here among their ‘more grandmas than anyone else in the world,’” Wood adds.
— A Ministry with a Mission
Baptist Village is not your typical senior living facility. As an affiliate of Oklahoma Baptist, it embraces a ministry-focused mission – enhancing lives by serving God, serving residents, and serving together. “We want our residents to serve with us,” Wood explains. In a culture where retirement is often synonymous with withdrawal, Baptist Village actively empowers its seniors to engage in meaningful service, whether by managing the community library, mentoring others, or simply sharing their life experiences. This philosophy not only enriches the lives of the residents but also challenges the ageist notion that life ends at 60. “Some of our residents have 30, 40, even 50 years of ministry left in them,” Wood confidently states.
— Independent, Assisted & Enhanced Living Baptist Village in Okmulgee offers both independent and assisted living options. The campus is divided into two distinct areas:
• Independent Living: Designed for seniors who may still be capable of self-care but wish to free themselves from the burdens of home maintenance, independent living here offers the comforts of a home without the hassles of upkeep. Residents enjoy access to housekeeping, dining services, and a robust calendar of activities coordinated by an enthusiastic activities director.
• Assisted Living: For those who need a little extra help but still desire maximum independence, the assisted living program provides support with medication management, personal care (including assistance in bathing and grooming), three nutritious meals daily, and a nurse available around the clock. “Assisted living is designed to keep a person from having to go to a nursing home,” Wood explains, highlighting the tailored approach that meets individual needs.
Baptist Village is also pioneering an “Enhanced Living Neighborhood” – an intermediary solution between independent and assisted living. This innovative model offers additional services like commercial-grade dining, wellness checks, and housekeeping, all at a more affordable rate than traditional assisted living. This is especially important in a county where “there are no state programs that pay for assisted living.” Wood emphasizes.
— A Legacy of Service Across Oklahoma
Founded in 1958 by Will and Nora Baskin in Hugo, Baptist Village has grown from humble beginning-where Nora “provides eggs for the residents in the dining room from her farm” and “tears up her feather bed to make pillows for the first nursing home residents” – to being the largest not-for-profit provider of senior housing in Oklahoma. With 12 campuses statewide spanning communities from Broken Arrow to Owasso, from Oklahoma City to Elk City, and even into Miami and Grove. Additionally, a regional home health agency extends care to over 1,100 Oklahomans. Despite its deep roots in the Southern Baptist tradition, Baptist Village welcomes residents of all denominations and backgrounds.
— Community Support & Capital Campaign The Okmulgee campus is currently undergoing a significant transformation through an ambitious capital fundraising campaign. “We’re raising just over $800,000 to put back into our community here,” Wood shares.
These funds will be used to upgrade essential infrastructure – from new transportation vans and installing magnetic door locking systems to renovating apartments with walk-in showers and modernizing common areas. “The majority of our funding will be turning our independent living area into an enhanced living neighborhood,” Wood explains. Such updates are critical not only for the comfort and safety of residents but also to ensure the sustainability of a community that relies on generous donations rather than government funding.
Baptist Village also offers financial assistance through the Adams Assistance Fund, ensuring that cost is not a barrier for those in need. “We’re not an income-based facility, but the assistance fund can lower rent significantly for eligible residents,” Wood notes, inviting community members to contribute or volunteer in any capacity.
— How the Community Can Get Involved Matthew Wood welcomes community involvement, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word about Baptist Village’s mission. “Even small amounts can make a huge difference,” he says, underscoring the importance of community support in keeping the doors open and the services accessible.
For those interested in learning more about Baptist Village or exploring volunteer opportunities, Wood encourages a direct conversation: “Call me or contact our office if you’re interested in getting involved.”
— A Community of Purpose & Possibility Baptist Village in Okmulgee stands as a testament to the idea that life after retirement can be vibrant, active, and full of purpose. With its blend of assisted and independent living options, its focus on service and ministry, and its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors, Baptist Village invites Okmulgee residents to rethink aging. For more information or to arrange a visit, contact Baptist Village in Okmulgee at 918-756-5377. Join the community where every resident is both cared for and empowered to care – and where every life has endless potential for ministry and service.
