Mike Barcum learned the power of compassion early in life. Mike was only four when his father died suddenly, and the community stepped up to help his family. Watching his mother navigate their plight with kindness and determination left a lasting impact. These early lessons, along with guidance from mentors, shaped Mike's lifelong entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to finding solutions for challenges in his professional life, family, and community. Mike is proof that early childhood experiences profoundly shape the course of one’s life.
At his core, Mike values his family—his wife Sue, children, and grandchildren. When addiction threatened his family, Mike and Sue stepped in to help raise their grandchildren while their son sought treatment. Mike set out to find resources to help his grandchildren cope with the impact of addiction. When they discovered a powerful family healing model, they realized they could not solely focus on their own grandchildren; they had to address the universal need for children to understand they are not alone, it is not their fault, and there is hope.
Mike pioneered Peaceful Family Oklahoma (PFO) an organization dedicated to healing for the 250,000 Oklahoma children affected by addiction in their families. Today, PFO remains the only nonprofit in Oklahoma dedicated to breaking the cycle of family addiction. In fact, it is one of the only programs of its kind in the country. With personal investment and community support, Mike ensured that PFO's vital care remains accessible and free, removing barriers for children and families facing addiction challenges.
A decade later, Mike’s purpose-driven project continues to blaze a trail — bringing help, hope and healing through its proven model. Through Mike’s steady devotion, more than 600 children received intensive support, disrupting the cycle of addiction. With a dramatic surge in growth in 2023, an additional 1,000 children each year are gaining the understanding and skills needed to shape their best lives.