City updates Opportunity Knocks litter-and-work program; reports 32.9 tons collected, job placements

Michelle Ladenback, the City of Norman’s environmental and sustainability manager, gave an October 9 update to the oversight committee on the Better Way Opportunity Knocks litter-abatement program, saying the initiative combines litter crews with wraparound services for people affected by substance use disorders.

Ladenback said the program, managed by the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma and overseen by the city, collected 32.9 tons of trash from June through September and is on track to exceed past years’ totals. "32.9 tons of trash have already been collected," she said, noting the program started in June.

The program operates with a roving outreach van and takes up to eight voluntary participants on a two-week rotation. Participants work days doing litter-control tasks; the days off are used for wraparound services such as referrals for mental health, medical care, benefits, vital records, career counseling and employment placement. Ladenback said participants receive $65 per day for their work.

Nut graf: City staff framed Opportunity Knocks as a dual-purpose public-works and social-service effort: reduce visible litter and stormwater pollution while offering short-term paid…