Back to Reality: How a Historic Route 66 Motor Hotel Became a Sanctuary for Family Restoration

TULSA, OK — Tucked away in the remodeled Saratoga Motor Hotel on the historic Route 66, the Saratoga Wings of Freedom sober living center offered a powerful look yesterday into the messy, beautiful work of reintegrating into society.

The center, which has been a staple in east Tulsa since January 2001, is led by Pastor Dixie Pebworth. Pebworth’s own life serves as the ultimate proof of concept for the program; once a drug addict and dealer sentenced to 80 years in prison, he now spends his life walking "hand-in-hand" with those seeking a second chance.

"We basically take them by their hand and begin to walk with them and help find their hurt and to heal and then get on with their lives," Pebworth shared during an update on the program’s success.

Saving Families, Not Just Individuals

For many residents, the center is less about a bed and more about a breakthrough. Makayla Tanner and her husband, Garrett, have been staying at the center for nearly a year. They credit the organization’s holistic approach—which includes therapy, financial literacy, and parenting classes—with saving their marriage.

"Wings of Freedom saved my marriage, and I will be eternally grateful," Makayla said. Her husband added that after falling into a deep depression and losing his job, the community provided the floor he needed to stop his descent.

The Mason family shared a similar sentiment yesterday, noting that the program brought them "back to reality." For Destini Mason, the six-month program provided the structure necessary to regain custody of her children and find her self-worth. "I found out how to be a mom, I found out how to be sober, I found out how to cope," she said.

The Path to Graduation

The program is built on a foundation of strict accountability. To graduate, residents must:

- Present consistent, clean drug tests.

- Pay a monthly fee of $650 to maintain their residence.

- Actively participate in community resources like church and classes.

- Demonstrate consistent emotional availability for their loved ones.

Expanding the Mission

Looking forward, Pastor Pebworth is turning his attention to an unfulfilled need in the community: expectant mothers struggling with addiction. Currently, if a newborn tests positive for substances, the Department of Human Services (DHS) often removes the child immediately.

Pebworth is working to bridge that gap by encouraging DHS to place both mother and baby at Wings of Freedom together. The goal is to allow for vital maternal attachment while the mother undergoes recovery, preventing further trauma for both the baby and the family unit.

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