EmpowerOKC

Nearly 8,500 children are in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in 2019. In our experience of engaging biological, foster, and adoptive families, we have come to understand that some children who enter foster care could remain safely in their homes, given the right tools and support, which is why we launched our EmpowerOKC program in 2018. While we continue to offer adoption, foster care, and counseling, our expanded focus allows us to interact with families before the need arises for the involvement of child welfare. EmpowerOKC has partnered with Heronville, Esperanza, and Rockwood Elementary Schools, Oklahoma City Public Schools, to identify at-risk students and provide support to students and their families to help prevent them from entering the child welfare system. This program includes parenting classes, education support for children, mentor families, counseling, case management, resource referral, tutoring and much more. In doing so, we hope to continue to fulfill our vision of guiding children, youth and families on a path to healing and permanency.