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“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Introduction
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“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.
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Highlighted
Opportunities |
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 The
OFBCI has created a list of “The Top 10 Things You Can Do For A
Foster Child”. The list may be
downloaded or is available
by request for group distribution. To participate in
The Top 10, email
info@faithlinksok.org for the specific needs in your
area. For more information about becoming a foster bridge parent,
please call the Foster Care and Adoption (AKA Bridge) Recruitment Office at
1-866-612-2565. |
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The American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma offers free presentations about being prepared
for disasters. Learn the importance of creating a disaster plan, having an emergency
supplies kit, and knowing how to seek shelter. The presentations can be given at any time
or location. Contact Mary Jane Coffman at 405-228-9572 or
mcoffman@ARCOK.org for more information or review the
2010 training classes for volunteers. |
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Community Organizations
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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.
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Faith-Based Organizations
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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.
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Local Business and/or Economic Partners
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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.
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OKDHS Offices
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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.
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State Agencies
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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.
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Volunteerism
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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.
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