Additional space allows for new WIC Café and expanded participant services


SHAWNEE, Okla. – Citizen Potawatomi Nation has moved its Women, Infant and Children program to a new 4,000 square foot building. The additional space will allow CPN WIC to continue to provide supplemental food and nutrition services to participants in a more comfortable and confidential atmosphere.

The program was previously located in 1,500 square foot office in the corner of FireLake Discount Foods, which limited the services and confidentially for participants.

“We have expanded our services, but have never expanded our office space,” said Shelley Schneider, director, CPN WIC. “This new building will allow us to keep our existing services, introduce additional services and increase participant confidentiality,  and that will be beneficial for the mothers and children in our communities.”

The new location includes a larger waiting area with a play room, a private breastfeeding room, WIC Café and additional office and storage space.

“This new location will make my appointments so much easier,” said Madison Long, WIC participant. “The extra room in the waiting area and the play spaces make it more comfortable and easy, especially when you have an active child.”

Additional educational services and nutrition counseling services will be offered because of the new WIC Café and confidential meeting rooms.

“We tried to have WIC Café in the previous location and didn’t have the space. It was dangerous to do cooking demonstrations in such a small area,” said Cheryl Richardson, nutrition and breastfeeding coordinator, CPN WIC. “We have a full size kitchen now and that will allow us to educate participants on better food choices and show them different meal options with WIC approved foods.”

CPN has operated the WIC program for more than 34 years and currently serves a seven county area in central Oklahoma. The seven counties include Pottawatomie, Cleveland, Lincoln, Logan, Payne, Oklahoma, and Seminole counties. The monthly average service population includes 260 women, 300 infants, and 720 children.

The total project cost was $554,880 and was funded by an infrastructure grant provided by United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service program.



Mahaylah Long and her mother Madison Long spend time in the play area of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s new Women, Infant and Children program building.

CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION | COURTESY PHOTO