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Link to Faithlinks home page

 
 
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
 
Getting Involved:

Introduction
“Faith-based programs, volunteers, and grassroots groups are indispensable partners with nonprofit service providers and government programs to serve the poor, renew families, and rebuild neighborhoods.” President George W. Bush, February 2002.

The mission of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is to help Oklahoma’s poor and disadvantaged by promoting faith links—linking government with faith-based and community organizations for the provision of needed social services.

Highlighted Opportunities
 
Change a Child's Forever The OFBCI has created a list of “The Top 10 Things You Can Do For A Foster Child and a Foster Family”. The list may be downloaded or is available by request for group distribution. To participate in The Top 10, email Info at FaithlinksOK for the specific needs in your area. For more information about becoming a foster bridge parent, please call the Bridge Foster Care and Adoption Recruitment Office at 1-866-612-2565 or visit www.okbridgefamilies.com.
 
Area Agencies on AgingIn partnership with OKDHS Aging Services and the Area Agencies on Aging, the Office of Faith Based & Community Initiatives offers the TOP 10 THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR A SENIOR ADULT — practical ways you can help in your community. To view and request for general distribution or as bulletin inserts order here.
 
Emergency preparedness is important for your family, your congregation, and your community. Visit the News and Info Page for information on the Red Dirt ready Campaign and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). Oklahoma City Community College provides free 1 hour training for congregations, community groups, and private business. For more information visit http://employee.occc.edu/EHS/pdf/preparedness-program.pdf. Click here to view our BE READY info card that you can order by contacting Info at FaithlinksOK.
 

Community Organizations
The private nonprofit sector has played a historical, vital role in American society. Some groups provide direct services to individuals or families in need while others promote values or public policies that encourage a healthy society where human dignity is esteemed.

Faith-Based Organizations
Individual and corporate skills/interests can be utilized when faith congregations partner with state social service agencies to intentionally influence their communities. Providing help, with purpose, is one of the greatest agents for effectuating change in a person’s life. Prayers by the faith community are also welcomed. Click here for requests.

Local Business and/or Economic Partners
Community businesses can develop partnerships for networking surplus resources and/or providing economic opportunities for those less fortunate. Successful, purpose-driven business people may find meaning in sharing their knowledge and expertise through mentorship programs. Both have the potential to provide financial stability and hope to disadvantaged populations.

OKDHS Offices
The OFBCI encourages faith-based and community groups, through their leadership, to contact the county DHS office and arrange a meeting with its Director. There are many ways in which groups can be supportive of government social service programs. One way is through the Adopt A Worker program which partners an OKDHS worker with a local faith congregation for encouragement and support. A formal Adopt A Worker program has been implemented in Tulsa County; however, individual OKDHS offices or local faith congregations may initiate the program in their own areas. Faith congregations who would like to receive the Adopt A Worker Program Guidelines and/or contact information for their county's OKDHS office, should email a request to: info@faithlinksok.org. Congregations that are currently participating in the Adopt A Worker program should register here to receive program updates.

State Agencies
The state welcomes partnerships with the faith community. These collaborations do not always involve a structured program or activity, nor government funding. All care-giving groups are vital to the community and it makes sense to work together. For faith-based liaisons in Oklahoma government, click here.

Volunteerism
Faith-based and community organizations are made up of individuals with a commitment to serve. One person with a passion to help others may result in the engagement of an entire group. Volunteer opportunities may be located through numerous groups that specialize in matching individual interests with community needs, such as www.signpostokc.com, www.loveokc.com, www.volunteermatch.org. and www.christianvolunteering.org.
Project OKC Logo Volunteer Match Logo Sign Posts OKC Logo

Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
2400 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405-522-0606 |  Fax: 405-521-6868
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