Sargent Shriver, national director of the Office of Economic Opportunity, asked for assistance from Oklahoma businessmen in the war on poverty. He encouraged them to employ Job Corps graduates and work together to guarantee job opportunities for them. Plans for a $300,000 to $400,000 community facility in Hugo were unveiled, with support from local citizens and tribal interests. The facility, located at the geographic center of the region, would serve as a transportation hub, recreational gateway, and cultural and educational center.