Family Legacy Continues At One Church, One Child Publication Library/S04175.pdfplanted a seed that became my second career and my passion.” ... who live right in their own communi-ties

November 2004

By Dustin PyeattAssociate Editor

While on a trip to Chicago in themid-1980s, Rev. Dr. J.L. Davenport,an Oklahoma City minister and anadoptive father of two sons, metRoman Catholic priest Father GeorgeClements, the founder of One Church,One Child. Davenport was soimpressed with Clements and thenational program to recruit adoptivehomes for African-American children,that upon his return home he begancalling other ministers. Thanks to hisefforts, in 1988, One Church, OneChild of Oklahoma began its partner-ship with OKDHS.

Davenport passed away in 1994.Nine years later his daughter, ValerieHoward, a retired Oklahoma Depart-ment of Corrections parole officer,picked up the torch for her father andbegan working with One Church, OneChild. Today, Howard serves as exec-utive director, continuing her father’smission from two tiny rooms locatedin back of the Evangelistic BaptistChurch of Christ on Martin LutherKing Blvd. in Oklahoma City.

“At the Department of Correc-tions, I started seeing people cominginto the system that were younger andyounger,” Howard said. “I saw a lot ofpeople in prison that could have suc-ceeded with a little guidance and a lit-tle support. I shuddered to think wheremy two brothers would have been ifthey hadn’t been adopted. My fatherplanted a seed that became my secondcareer and my passion.”

One Church, One Child of Okla-homa recruits adoptive and sometimes

foster homes in the African-Americancommunity by reaching out throughcommunity churches. But accordingto Howard, they’ve never limitedthemselves to a specific group ordenomination.

“We work to increase awarenessof the needs in the African-Americancommunity,” Howard said. “African-American children represent one-thirdof all children in state custody. Manyare older or part of sibling groups andare sometimes difficult to place. It isour desire to recruit for all children, notjust African-American children, but therecruitment of African-American fami-lies is the mission of our program.

“The reality is, everyone has hisor her own cultural differences. Whenwe go into the churches or the commu-nity, we have to relate to them. We

have to educate them about the needfor families. This is our charge, ourduty.”

One Church, One Child of Okla-homa relies heavily on churches, notonly for their headquarters, but forsupport and guidance, as well. Theorganization’s ministerial board iscomposed of 20 members from min-istries with various denominationsacross the state.

“Our board is very helpful,”Howard said. “Many of them havebeen kind enough to provide me withtheir cell phone numbers and if I needthem, I call and they always come andhelp.”

Since its inception, One Church,One Child of Oklahoma has beeninstrumental in assisting OKDHS in

The dedication of Valerie Howard and her late father, Rev. Dr. J.L. Davenport, toOne Church, One Child of Oklahoma has meant the placement of more than1,000 children in state custody into adoptive homes.

Family Legacy Continues At One Church, One Child

ONE CHURCH continued on page 19

INSIDE OKDHS — November 20042

The Chaplain’s Corner

By Gary E. HoldemanOKDHS chaplain Harper County OKDHS, Ellis CountyOKDHS and Woodward CountyOKDHS

With Thanksgiving approach-ing, I have been aware of how muchwe take for granted. OKDHS workersare more aware than most of the dif-ficulty, pain and struggles of peoplewho live right in their own communi-ties. Sometimes, dealing with thosestruggles and pain everyday can takea tremendous emotional toll on ourlives and attitudes.

One of the things I find helpfulis to try to make a concerted efforteveryday to focus my attention andthoughts on things that are positive. Ido this through reading, music andnature, plus spending time playingwith my grandchildren. Nothingrenews my sense of wonder and lovelike an afternoon spent with my 10-month-old grandson!

Reading is also a big encourage-ment booster. I have especiallyenjoyed a little book titled, “TheChange Your Life Quote Book” byAllen Klein. I want to share with yousome of my favorites:

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.

Have you used one to say ‘thank you’?”

– William Arthur Ward

“Count you blessings, not your crosses,

Count your gains, not your losses.Count your joys

instead of your woes,Count your friends

instead of your foes.Count your health, not your wealth.”

– Old Proverb

Success“To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent peopleAnd affection of children; to earn the

Appreciation of honest critics and endureThe betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;To leave the world a bit better,

Whether by a healthy child, a garden patchOr a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easierBecause you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson

I pray you will all have a “successful” holiday season!

Positive Words Renew The Spirit

Chaplain Gary E. Holdeman

November 2004 OKDHS Calendar Of Events

Editor’s Note: Details about theseevents may be found on the OKDHS

InfoNet Calendar of Events. Dates aresubject to change.

November 1Executive Team Meeting a.m.

FOD Area Director Meeting p.m.

November 1-19FSSD New Worker Academy

November 2General Election Day

Oklahoma Task Force On MinorityAging

2004 OKDHS Network TechnologyConference

November 4Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

Advisory CommitteeOklahoma State Council On Aging

November 11Veteran’s Day Holiday (Office Closed)

November 13Eid-Al-Fitr

November 15Native American Heritage Celebration

November 16Safetown

November 16-19County Director Academy 8

November 17APS Field Liaison Meeting

FSSD Field Liaison MeetingGrandfamilies Housing Task Force

November 18Area V County Director And Field Liai-

son MeetingsOklahoma Partnership For School

Readiness

November 25Thanksgiving Day (Offices Closed)

November 25-26Thanksgiving Holiday (Offices Closed)

November 28First Sunday In Advent

FSSD New Worker Academy

By George Earl Johnson Jr.

Multimedia activities and eventstoday convince most of us that ourchildren want to be like Mike, Shaq,Tiger, J. Lo., Kobe, The Dixie Chicksor Tupac. Our commercialized worldsells its wares telling us that if wehave the right “brand name” on fromthe latest sports or entertainment idol,we, too, can be cool.

The tip of the iceberg says it’snot true. Today’s children want to bewanted, nurtured and loved. It’s whatchildren have always wanted andneeded most, but are we the rightexamples?

You see, day in and day out inHuman Services, we see the tip of theiceberg in the form of the childrenwho come to us through no fault oftheir own because of some level ofabuse or neglect. While you are read-ing this short piece, 1,300 of the 6,200Oklahoma children in our protectivecustody have no homes to which theycan return. What each of them wantsmore than the next item of brand-name clothing or games is a familythat will want them back, nurturethem and meet their needs. Theywant, in the dark times and the light,to be loved unconditionally withoutthe threat of abuse or neglect.

While we may not be the rightfamily for the child, we have thepower to have positive affects on theiryoung lives.

You see, by putting our BestFoot Forward, we have the power tostop the growth of the iceberg by theway we treat and serve all children,whether they are in our custody or inour neighborhoods and communities.The power is in how we serve andtreat our children wherever they maybe. We have the power to set the rightexample. We have the power to guidetheir young behaviors to right deedsand actions. We have the power to bethe adult role models that just might

By George Earl Johnson Jr.

Just when you think that lifeis unfair, the Creator of us all hasa way of sweetening our most bit-ter lemons and making cool,refreshing lemonade. That’s whathappened to Children and FamilyServices’ Judy Ott this summer.And someone came into her lifesome time ago with the strengthof character and resolve tobelieve in Ott’s dream, too.

After more than fourdecades of hoping and prayingthat something would happen tofind a family member lost toJudy’s family through adoption atage 1, the tides turned and withjust one more Best Foot Forwardand an effort by a new friend –new technology found the needlein the haystack and a lost sister’sname popped to the top of whatwould become a very memorablelist.

Judy and her sister, Eliza-

beth Larson, have had opportuni-ties to cry more tears of joy in thelast three months than in the past40 years. Those of us around Judy

carried our own towels to stay dry.The irony in this mystery is thatJudy’s quest took a different pathwhen she moved from the OKDHSOffice of Planning, Policy andResearch to the Children and Fam-ily Services Division in 1998.

It was while sitting at the Vol-

cause them to want to be like us. Butto serve as that model, we have to paythe price of doing what’s right our-selves.

After the next weekend, listen tothe conversations around you and seewho knows all the scores of all thegames and all of the actions from thelatest box office hits at the movies.Then, see how much time was spentwith children – first our own and thenthose in the neighborhood. It would

3INSIDE OKDHS — November 2004

surprise you to know that most of uscan tell you more about what hap-pened on television or at the gamethan what was on our children’sminds.

What price freedom? It’s payingthe price to have the children aroundyou wanting to be like you becauseyour work, deeds and actions say tothose very children that you’ve gotthe power. So, I encourage you to joinme in putting your Best Foot Forwardand do something super positive withour words, deeds and actions so thatthe children around us may want to belike us and even better.

Why? Because for today’s chil-dren, our words, deeds and actionscan be the best testimonies they willever see …

Today’s Children: Being Wanted, Nurtured and Loved

Judy! There Ott To Be A Way …

Ott continued on page 19

Mary Payne


(L-R) OKDHS Office of Communica-tions Director George Earl JohnsonJr. and OKDHS Director Howard H.Hendrick visit with Tulsa’s KTUL-Channel 8 Anchor Carole Lambertduring OKDHS’ opening reception forits “Waiting Child Exhibit” held onSept. 22 in the University of Tulsa’sReynolds Center. Lambert is the hostof the Waiting Child segment broad-cast by the TV station. KTUL-Chan-nel 8, Wendy’s Restaurants and theWaterworks Photography Associationteamed up with OKDHS in sponsor-ing the exhibit, which is currently trav-eling around the state in hopes offinding quality homes for childrenwaiting to be adopted. – KGP and DP

OKDHS’ WaitingChild Exhibit AHit At Tulsa’sReynolds Center

OKDHS wasn’t clowning around dur-ing an exhibition of OKDHS’ WaitingChild Exhibit when it was recently ondisplay at the University of Tulsa’sReynolds Center. Here, visitors aredrawn to works created by a balloonartist during the event. Fifty of Okla-homa’s premier photographersdonated their time and talent to cre-ate beautiful portraits of some of thehundreds of children in our state wait-ing for a loving adoptive home. – KGPand DP

Gay Larson, an account executivewith KTUL-Channel 8 (back row, farright), poses with children attendingthe Waiting Child Exhibit reception.Larson is also an adoptive parent anda photographer whose work is fea-tured in the exhibit. Her hard workhelps to make the Waiting ChildExhibit possible. – KGP and DP

INSIDE OKDHS — November 2004 5

By Kevan Goff-ParkerInside OKDHS Editor

For more than 34 years, SherryHillemeyer, administrative programofficer II, Data Services Division, hasused her passion for the written word tocreate hundreds of poems, many ofwhich are appreciated by OKDHSemployees.

“Writing is my way of expressingmy emotions,” Hillemeyer said. “It iscatharsis. I encourage everyone to write– to get things out of their systems. Itwill help them gain perspective.”

Hardly ever without her handywriting pad since she once wrote apoem on a Styrofoam cup because shedidn’t have access to paper during aninspired moment, Hillemeyer’s poemsreflect whatever she ‘s pondering at thetime – from special moments with hergrandchildren to tragedies, such as theexplosion of the space shuttle and thebombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Fed-eral Building. Some are light-hearted,some are serious, but almost all userhyme to create verses that trip alongthe tongue capturing her audiences’imaginations.

Raised in Snyder, Okla., Hille-meyer is the only child of Dwight andMaud Smith, a John Deere implementdealer and a bookkeeper and officemanager. She attended classes at theOklahoma College for Women inChickasha before joining OKDHS in1967 as typist clerk II. She worked inthe Sequoyah Building and performedsecretarial, stenographer and adminis-trative duties before leaving OKDHS in1980 to work in the private sector.

Hillemeyer worked for 10 years asan administrative assistant in automo-tive oil and gas, before returning toOKDHS. In 1990, she became an exec-utive secretary in DSD. She was pro-moted to administrative program offi-cer II in February of 2002 and reportsdirectly to OKDHS’ Chief InformationOfficer Marq Youngblood.

As assistant to Youngblood, Hille-

meyer provides administrative supportfor all functions involved in carryingout the initiatives of the division. Theseinclude the development of E-businessapplications, information technologystrategic initiatives and achieving oper-ational excellence. This position worksclosely with the chief operating officerand other DSD directors in detailing,documenting and coordinating subse-quent initiatives and project activitiesand ensuring transition from initiationto implementation phase.

She is also responsible for over-sight of the executive offices of thedivision, assuring a professional, effi-cient and customer service orientedoperation. Hillemeyer’s work was rec-ognized with an “OKDHS Public Ser-vice Award” in 1997. She is enthusias-tic about her job.

“Working in DSD is exciting,”

Hillemeyer said. “There’s alwayssomething going on or a new chal-lenge.”

Hillemeyer said she first startedwriting poetry in 1970 and has sincebranched out to include poems inbirthday cards, retirements and poemsthat commemorate important familyevents.

Hillemeyer won “Golden and Sil-ver Poet Awards” from the World ofPoetry in 1985, 1986 and 1991. Shereceived special and honorable men-tion for her poems “Man’s BestFriend” in 1984; “Proud American”and ‘Prevailing Love” in 1986 and for“Unseen Visions.” She received thesame for “Butterfly” and “ProudAmerican” in 1987. Her poem, “Free-dom,” was published in 1986 in the“Great Poems of Today” poetry book

Sherry Hillemeyer, administrative programs officer II, Data Services Division,holds copies of her self-published books of poetry, “Rainbows and Butterflies.” Aprolific writer, Hillemeyer has written hundreds of poems during her lifetime. Sheis often asked by co-workers to contribute poems in honor of special occasionsat OKDHS.

Sherry Hillemeyer’s Poetry Captures Memories

POETRY continued on page 16



Whether it was the tastyfried chicken, the hilariousperformance by the Kay County Lawn Chair Brigade,the Executive Games,OKDHS Idol (karaoke) orparticipation games likedominoes, golf, poker, horse-shoes, bowling or othersports, hundreds of employeesenjoyed the 18th Annual State

Continued on next page

Spirited Fun Highlights 18th Annual State Games

Special OKDHS State Games Photo Supplement Coming Soon


Games and Fall Fest on Sept. 17-18 at various locationsin Midwest City.

Human Resources Programs Manager II Tina Tatesaid approximately 25 vendors participated in the 2004OKDHS Wellness Fair, which kicked off the games duringthe afternoon of Sept. 17 at the Midwest City Senior Cen-ter. She said OKDHS employees from across the stateearned three hours’ supervisory training credit for attend-ing.

Pittsburg County OKDHS’ Louise Wagnon, anadministrative technician II in Developmental DisabilitiesServices, said she enjoyed the Kay County Brigade’slawn-chair performance during the opening ceremony onSept. 17.

“The Kay County Lawn Chair Brigade was just toocute to describe,” Wagnon said. “Friday evening’s eventswere planned very well.”

Marilyn H. Smalley, programs manager, overpay-ment section, Family Support Services Division, said thatapproximately 235 people were fed a hearty dinner offried chicken, baked beans, potato salad, rolls, beverage

and cookies. She said even her 14-year-old grandson, Tay-lor Smalley, pitched in to help.

“With generous contributions from Credit UnionOne, Crest Foods and the Pauline E. Mayer Center, thedinner was a huge success,” Smalley said. “The amount ofwork involved with feeding and cleaning up did not stopthe food volunteers from enjoying and participating in thefestivities of the evening. They Y-M-C-A-ed with thecrowd (to music provided by disc jockey Larry Williams)and a good time was truly had by all!”

Connie J. Eggleston, programs field representative,Aging Services Division, said one of her funniest memo-ries of the OKDHS State Games came on the evening ofSept. 17 when Director Howard H. Hendrick attempted tobeat his competitor in the Executive Games’ scavengerhunt, OKDHS Chief Operating Officer Farilyn Ballard, ina competition that involved finding a chair (among hun-dreds) that had a heart underneath it.

“If found first, Director Hendrick would win the con-test,” Eggleston said. “His son, Hudson, was actually

Win, Lose or Draw1. Picasso’s Step Children: Ginger Brown, ChrisSneed and Phylis Dawson2. CPM Gold: Paula Green and Cheryl Craw-ford3. ABAWDS (Able-Bodied Adults WithoutDrawing Skills): Angela Countess, April Huntand Scott Alexander

Trivial Pursuit1.(No Team Name) April Hunt, Angela Count-ess and Scott Alexander2. The Trivial Minds: Christy Fore, Carie Crit-tenden, Debi Ream and Tracy Turner3. Team Down There: Cheryl Crawford, PaulaGreen, P.K. Palmer and Joseph Jackson

Skipbo1. SWAP Moms: Beni Cogburn and JerilynNeal2. SKIPBO Divas: Mary Jean Rogers and Vick-ie Butler3. Music Lovers: Sandy Chamberlain and Bar-bara Almgren.

Golf1. Dempsey Mathis, Marty Peakell, Chris Stoneand Doug Patterson2. Mike Fischer, Larry Garrett, Chris Mattinglyand Charles Hollingworth.3. Wesley Priest, Mike Haskins and Chad Har-ness.

Women’s 5-K RaceSara Lee

Men’s 5-K Race1. Craig Mahl2. Richard Davidson3. Gary Gregg

One-Mile Co-ed Relay1. Slow Pokes: (Now the proud owners of theDon Smith Trophy) Helen Anthony, Amy Con-way, Shawn E. Franks and Sean Gilpin.2. Cardiac Arrest: Pat Bean, Gary Gregg, KenNau and Sara Lee.3. Creepers: Cheryl Crawford, Richard David-son, Denise Mahl and Henry Wright.

Dominoes1. Paula Green and Fred Schroder2. Susan Wiest and Sue Barkley3. Gary Williams and Andrea Hill

Bowling1. Three Men And A Lady: Carolyn and GeneThompson, Travis Mills and David Hurte.(Average team score was 639.5).2. Rolling Stones: Kelly Kappelman, CathyBone, Mary Reznicek and Sheila Lloyd. (Aver-age team score was 586).3. Pin Pals: Deb Garrett, Earl Merriman, TracyBennett and Janet Hailey. (Average. team scorewas 584.5).* Men’s Highest Score went to Travis Mills(Three Men And A Lady) with a score of 181.* Women’s Highest Score went to Rose Allen(Alley Cats) with a score of 176.

Poker Texas Hold’em Tourney1. Kathy Bradford. (Point total: 74,125)2. Lee Banh. (Point total: 48,725)3. Annette Tipton. (Point total: 47,800)

OKDHS Idol1. Gary Williams2. Beni Cogburn3. Chris Sneed

Softball1. State Office Rebels2. Kiamichi Outlaws3. Wild Bunch4. Laura Dester Shelter

Horseshoes1. Wendy Bacon and Tom Pitt2. Bill Siegel and Ed Marshall3. Tony Jackson and Ron Smith

Spades1. A+ TEAM: Wanda Boren and Joyce Atkinson2. Denise Hise and Barbara King3. Sandy Chamberlain and Barbara Almgren

Singles Darts1. John Hammons2. J. David Odle3. John Smalley

Doubles Darts1. Dart Dodgers: J. David Odle and John Ham-mons2. Old Dartheads: Rick McCoy and Kim Poff3. Bulls-eye Buddies: Jeranda Byerly and TrishCooke

GAMES continued on page 8

OKDHS State Games Winners

Games continued from page 6


crawling on the floor looking underthe chairs trying to help his dad. Thiswas some sight to see, he really sup-ported his dad and wanted him towin.

“Farilyn Ballard found herchair first and won. However, Direc-tor Hendrick’s son did not give upand actually found the chair out ofover 300 in the room.”

Janet Hailey, internal auditmanager, Office of Inspector Gener-al, said her best memory of the 2004OKDHS State Games also occurredduring the Executive Games.

“The best memory for me waswatching the Executive Team tryingto locate the 77 counties (the Direc-tor knew exactly where they allwere), answering the OKDHS Trivia

(L-R) August 2004 Best Practices Food Stamp QuizWinner Stacey Crawford of Oklahoma County OKDHS55-A accepts an oversized $50 savings bond, a certifi-cate and a “Celebrate” balloon from Kathie Wright, pro-grams manager, Food Stamps/LIHEAP, Family SupportServices Division. His name was drawn during the FoodStamp Quiz drawing and the gifts provided to fortunatewinners honor their participation. OKDHS posts a newquiz each month on the Food Stamp Web site located athttp://s99web01/fssd_foodstamps/, so brush up on poli-cy and you may be the next winner! – KGP

Two New Best Practices Food Stamp Winners Named

(L-R) Kathie Wright congratulates Ingrid Vernon of StephensCounty OKDHS for being the fortunate winner of the July2004 Best Practices Food Stamp Quiz, as Area II DirectorDebbie Williams looks on. Vernon received a $50 savingsbond, a certificate perfect for framing and Halloween bal-loons. Five minutes! Five questions! – KGP

Questions (while cheating) and thenthe Director and Farilyn participatedin the scavenger hunt. The Directoractually carried a 5-year-old child upto the front. And when he wassearching for the purple earring, hewas checking everyone’s ears out,except mine.

“It was hilarious! He told melater that he really enjoyed the games.That really made it all special.”

State Attorney IV Pamela Jenk-ins, Child Support EnforcementDivision, said the Kids Zone held onSept. 18 was a great success. It washeld at the Joe B. Barnes Pavilion inMidwest City.

“We had approximately 40 chil-dren who participated and we wereespecially happy to have some

guests from one of the OKDHS shel-ters,” Jenkins said. “The childrenenjoyed kickball, face painting,snacks, goody bags and watched anauthentic Old West gunfight show!We look forward to more children’sevents at future state games.”

Bob Charbeneau, Child SupportEnforcement Division, said 16 peo-ple participated in the horseshoecompetition. He joked around whenasked about his favorite memory ofthe event.

“My favorite memory is that noone got hit in the head with a shoe!”Charbeneau said.

Congratulations to all the vol-unteers who made the 2004 StateGames possible! Great job!

Games continued from page 7


By Dustin PyeattAssociate Editor

Kysha came running across thegym of the Stipe Center inMcAlester and flopped down nearthe wall.

“I won lots of pops,” shedeclared as she began to count herwinnings from the ring-toss game.“One, two, three, four … five!”Kysha pulled the small bottles ofsoda from her bag, smiled and ranoff to conquer another game at thePittsburg County OKDHS FosterCare Birthday Party.

“I was in training for perma-nency planning and we watched avideo that featured this 17-year-oldwho said she’d never had a birthdayparty,” said Angie Marcum, a Pitts-burg County OKDHS Child Welfareinvestigator and the driving forcebehind the party. “We get so busywe sometimes lose focus and thinkeverything’s been taken care of.That’s why we decided to do thisquarterly birthday party for our fos-ter children.”

Foster children whose birth-days land within each three-monthperiod are treated to games, craftsand clowns. Each child receives a

Patrolman Nathan Bond of the McAlester Police Department gets into the partyspirit with Angie Marcum, a child welfare investigator, during the recent PittsburgCounty OKDHS Foster Care Birthday Party.

Happy Birthday To You …

Individualized cupcakes, cakes andother goodies were enjoyed by Pitts-burg County OKDHS’ foster childrenduring their quarterly Foster CareBirthday Party.

personalized cupcake written inicing and personalized canvas bags,courtesy of the Savannah HighSchool Art Class. The U.S. ArmyAmmunition Plant in McAlesteralso donated $1,000 worth of prizesfor the children.

OKDHS staff, local lawenforcement, foster parents, CASAvolunteers and the children’s attor-neys all pitch in to make these par-ties possible.

“The children’s attorneys vol-unteer because sometimes theydon’t really get to meet the chil-dren,” Marcum said.

Pat Layden, one of six court-appointed attorneys who volun-teered for the party described theevent as “wonderful!”

“I handle cases for about 50children,” Layden said. “This is aspecial day set aside just for them.I’m thrilled how everyone comestogether to make this possible.”

Cheryl Cerda, assistant districtattorney for Pittsburg County,echoed Layden’s sentiments.

“For very little individualeffort, it means a lot to these chil-dren,” Cerda said. “Their faces arebeaming!”

One volunteer at the party,Patrolman Nathan Bond of theMcAlester Police Department saidhe looks forward to the parties for avery personal reason.

“I was in foster care from ageeight to 19, and I never had a birth-day party,” Bond said. “I finally hadone my senior year at age 19 withmy last foster family. I still callthem ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad.’

“I love this, it’s great for thechildren. When I was growing up,OKDHS would show up and moveyou, and that’s all you really saw. Ihad some good caseworkers, but Ijust didn’t see them. I applaud themfor doing this, it means a lot.”


Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin, OKDHS Director Howard H. Hendrick and hundreds of state employees got intothe groove during a music-filled kick-off celebration on Sept. 15 located on the north plaza of the State Capi-tol in Oklahoma City. The hot dog luncheon and concert honored of the 15th Anniversary of the State Char-itable Campaign.

The Kalazh Band delivered delightful funk, jazz and rhythm and blues causing many people in thecrowd to get up and dance. Hundreds also enjoyed hot dogs with fixings during the event. Credit Union Oneand Enterprise Rent-A-Car sponsored the festivities.

Local agencies from various organizations supported by the State Charitable Campaign’s contributions

OKDHS Celebrates 15th Anniversary Of State Charitable Campaign

SCC continued on page 17



Foster ParentsHonored

Atoka CountyOKDHS, Coal CountyOKDHS and theChoctaw Nationteamed up and spon-sored a foster parentappreciation banqueton Aug. 27 at theAtoka County Centerlocated in Atoka.

Phyllis Brister,county director II forboth Coal CountyOKDHS and AtokaCounty OKDHS, wel-comed the honoreesand expressed herappreciation for theservices they provideto abused and neglect-ed children. After aninvocation led byAtoka CountyOKDHS’ Douglas Ish-mael, child welfarespecialist III, partici-pants enjoyed a cateredbarbeque dinner thatincluded beef brisket,smoked chicken and allthe trimmings.

Atoka CountyOKDHS child welfarespecialist IV AliceCurry and Coal CountyOKDHS child welfarespecialist IV RobinKennedy presentedeach foster parent witha certificate of appreci-ation. Coal CountyOKDHS’ DelilahHilliard, child welfarespecialist II, introduceda foster child whospoke about how car-ing foster parents hadbrought about positivechanges in the child’slife. Cody Marlow, anAtoka County OKDHSchild welfare specialist

I, presented door prizesthat were donated byarea merchants.

Additional guestsincluded: KimberlyGordon, assistantdirector of Child andFamily Services for theChoctaw Nation andLinda McDaniel, vicepresident of the Okla-homa Foster ParentsAssociation. AdditionalAtoka County OKDHSemployees in atten-dance included CrystieRhodes, child welfarespecialist II; AnnetteWatson, child welfarespecialist II; LauraDurbin, a child welfarespecialist II; AlyshiCrawford and CarolSanders, while CoalCounty OKDHSemployees includedAngie Williams, childwelfare specialist III;Sandra Manuel, childwelfare specialist II;Amy Pettigrew, childwelfare specialist II;Sherry Loudermilk,administrative techni-cian III and TommieMartinez, a socialworker aide. – KGPand Delilah Hilliard,child welfare specialistII, Foster Care Spe-cialist, Coal CountyOKDHS

Native AmericanHeritage Celebration Set

The Native Amer-ican Heritage Celebra-tion Committee invitesyou and your guests toattend OKDHS’ NativeAmerican HeritageCelebration from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov.

15 in the State Capitalrotunda. This year’stheme is “One VoiceStronger Than Before.”

The program willfeature a number ofspecial guests includ-ing the Dent family,donors of the “Lewisand Clark friendshipletter,” which will beon exhibition. Otherguests will include:Bob Blackburn, direc-tor of the OklahomaHistorical Society;Geri Wisner-Foley ofthe Muskogee CreekNation and ambassadorto the United Nationsrepresenting theMuskogee and allNative Americantribes; tribal princessessigning and singing,plus dancers from theEdmond, OklahomaCity, Putnam City andAnadarko schools. Thefirst floor area of therotunda will featureexhibits and food. Thecelebration is free tothe public.

All OKDHSemployees participat-ing during normal dutyhours shall be consid-ered to be on adminis-trative leave. AllOKDHS staff membersare encouraged toattend and support theNative American Her-itage Celebration. Formore information onthe event, contact Eliz-abeth Fine, CivilRights administrator,Office of Civil Rightsat (405) 521-3529 or 1-(800)-214-3529.

Carol Sanders, administrative techni-cian III, helped spin records during afoster parent appreciation banquet.

Atoka County OKDHS’ Alishi Crawford,a social work aide, made sure fosterparents were properly registered fordoor prizes during the Atoka CountyOKDHS, Coal County OKDHS and theChoctaw Nation’s recent foster parentappreciation banquet.

Atoka County OKDHS’ Alice Curry,Child welfare specialist IV, and CodyMarlow, a child welfare specialist I,kicked off the door prize drawing duringthe event. Each foster parent presentreceived a prize.

News Briefs

Continued on page 13

Black HeritageCelebrationScheduled ForFeb. 25

OKDHS’s themefor the upcomingBlack Heritage Cele-bration 2005 is “BlackHistory: A RemarkableJourney.” The event isscheduled from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. Feb. 25 at theOmniplex ScienceMuseum located at theKirkpatrick Scienceand Air Space Museumin Oklahoma City. Aluncheon will beserved after the presen-tations. For more infor-mation, contactOKDHS’ DustinPyeatt, public informa-tion specialist, Officeof Communications, at(405) 522-3731. –KGP

OK Health CanWork For You!

After more thanone year of testing andparticipation, hundredsof OKDHS employeeshave experienced posi-tive successes from theOK Health Program. Itcan work for you, too!

Now is the time tostart if you have beenthinking about an exer-cise program, trying toeat healthy, losingweight or managing thestress in your life. OKHealth takes a com-pletely new comprehen-sive approach to opti-mizing your health. It isnot a wonder drug,overnight cure or a mir-acle diet and fitnessprogram. Instead, itfocuses on achieving“optimal wellness” withpractical strategies that

you can enjoy for life.Here are some

success stories:“I have a family

history of diabetes,high-blood pressure andheart problems. I wastested for diabetes, andmy doctor told me that Iwas pre-diabetic. I wastold about OK Health,and I thought it wouldbe really good at thispoint to have someoneto mentor me intolifestyle changes that Ineeded. It was really ontime with what wasgoing on in my life.” –Lisa Brown, OklahomaCity

“I had the oppor-tunity to participate inOK Health programshortly after being diag-nosed as diabetic. Theinformation and supportI received through theprogram has helped me

adjust and improve myoverall health and well-being,” – Peggy Butch-er, Oklahoma City

“Bottom line isI’m losing weight andinches. My blood pres-sure is better now thanbefore. My cholesterollevels have improved.I’m eating healthy formaybe the first time inmy life. I’m exercising,and I’m even eatingfruit. Thanks OKHealth!” – Carl Evans,Lawton

To enroll in thisprogram and begin yourown success story, fol-low these three easysteps:

Call 405-232-1190 x131 (Toll Free:1-800-219-8115) or e-mail: [email protected] – HRMD

2005 PartnershipConference ForOklahoma Families Set ForMarch 3-4, 2005

The 2005 Partner-ship Conference forOklahoma Families,which helps to fostercoordinating servicesand collaboratingresources to meet theneeds of Oklahomafamilies, will be heldMarch 3-4, 2005.

Registration willbegin in December forthe conference, whichwill be held at theMeridian Hotel andConvention Center, 737S. Meridian Ave. inOklahoma City. Anonline registration formand conference infor-mation are available onthe conference Web siteat http://www.okdhs.

org/partnersconference/.– DD

Just The Fax!Help OKDHS

save dollars and trees.Program your faxmachine to eliminateconfirmation sheets.Send an e-mail or call ifyou need verificationthat the recipientreceived the fax instead.Use fax stick-on labelsinstead of a separatecover sheet. Attach adocument to an e-mailmessage, rather thanprinting it out and fax-ing it.

For more informa-tion about paper-savingsuggestions, call or e-mail: [email protected], OfficeSupport Services Divi-sion, (405) 521-3095. –SMB

Pontotoc County OKDHS Raises More Than $3,000 For March Of Dimes A crowd shopped away three hours into Pontotoc County OKDHS’ fund-raiser March of Dimes

yard sale held on Sept. 18 at the PontotocCounty OKDHS building in Ada. All itemswere donated by Pontotoc County OKDHSstaff, their family members and friends. Morethan $760 was raised during the event.OKDHS employees who donated their timeincluded Melina Linker, Kara Alexander,Carla Taylor, Jodi Cotton-Jay, Tina Brinleeand Tanya Kinsey. Several other employees

also helped with the sale by marking, sorting and unloading theitems. They included Sharon McClanahan, Vanessa Sawyers, KelliHinkle, Karla Chaffin, Tonya White, Darrin Sheffield and IvanOtero. Brinlee, a Supplemental Security Income Disabled Chil-dren’s Program caseworker, Pontotoc County OKDHS, recognizedRichard Petete as the “most valuable employee” because of hisassistance in picking up donations. “We believe the first annualMarch of Dimes yard sale sponsored by our employees was a hugesuccess because of the dedication, selflessness, and an ongoingsense of responsibility by our staff to save children.” She said addi-tional fund-raisers included a hot dog lunch, several breakfastmeals, the selling of University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State

University bears plus March of Dimes shoes and Blue Jeans for Babies. “We’ve raised a grand total of$3,006.28 and we’re still counting!” Brinlee said.

Carla Taylor (above right) social service specialist II, and daughter, Shana, enjoyed the recent PontotocCounty OKDHS’ fund-raiser March of Dimes yard sale. – KGP and TB



A delegation from Vietnam recently visited Oklahoma as a part of their “VietnamTo The United States” tour. Here, they pose with OKDHS Director Howard H.Hendrick (back row, fourth from left) outside of the Sequoyah Building in Okla-homa City. The American Council of Young Political Leaders sponsored thegroup made up of delegates ranging in age from 25 to 40 who are elected orappointed officials in government or a political party at the local, state andnational level. The purpose of the program is to expose such delegates to theU.S. governmental and political process at local, state and national levels, whileproviding a forum for discussion, dialogue and sharing personal experiences.Oklahoma Sen. Kenneth Corn hosted the delegation during their visit to Okla-homa after his own visit to Vietnam. – KGP

Surrounded by dozens of friends and co-workers wishing her a fond farewell,Marilynn Knott, administrator of the Office of Planning, Policy and Research,(front row, center) recently retired after a distinguished career at OKDHS of morethan 35 years. Knott plans to stay active in her community and will dedicatemuch volunteer time to her church. – KGP

Hagerman NamedHRMD Manager

By Douglas DoeAssociate Editor

The Human Resources Manage-ment Division is pleased to announcethe appointment of Kay Hagerman tothe position of personnel manager II.

Joining HRMD in OklahomaCity, Hagerman will be responsiblefor the OKDHS Benefits ServicesUnit, including managing the pro-gram responsibilities currently per-formed by Joe Kirk, who will retirelater this year.

Hagerman began her career in1985 at Beckham County OKDHS asa Family Support Services Divisionsocial worker. She most recentlyserved as the county director forCuster County OKDHS and DeweyCounty OKDHS.

She is a graduate of SouthwestOklahoma State University whereshe earned a bachelor’s degree ineducation and is a graduate of theCertified Public Managers Program.Hagerman currently serves as presi-dent of the Oklahoma Society of Cer-tified Public Managers. During hercareer, she has and continues to servein various capacities on a number ofcivic, as well as Agency, committeesand task forces. In her new position,Hagerman will report to A.L. “Al”Smith, director of HRMD.

Knott Retires After 35 Years

Vietnam Delegation Visits OKDHS


Marshall County OKDHS’ Web sitestates “one thing you won’t hear aroundthe OKDHS Marshall County HumanService Center these days: ‘That’s notmy job!’ ” Here many of them are“Caught Working.” They include (fromtop left and clockwise): Kathryn Sites,social services specialist II; “the twins”Pam Hallmark, administrative techni-cian III, and Donna Spivey, administra-tive technician III; Josh Cain, child welfare specialist I, and Angela R.Wood, child welfare specialist IV; MaryJane Lowery, social service specialist II;Rita Pruitt, social services specialist II;Kent Hallmark, social services specialistII; Joey Bishop, social service specialistIV; Rhonda Tickel, social services specialist II, and Chad Coble, child welfare specialist II. – GEJ and KGP

Caught Working


by the World of Poetry. “Storm in theDesert” was published in 1991 in“Poetic Voices of America” and,again, in “Great Poems of Our Time”in 1993. “The Tomb” was publishedin “Windows of the Soul” in 1995 bythe National Library of Poetry. Shehas given poetry readings at churchand various other venues. She saidher poetic voice has matured duringthe past 34 years.

“Our perspective changes andwe all mature as we grow,” Hille-meyer said.

Married since 1958 to Richard, amasonry contractor, Hillemeyer hasmuch to write about these days. She’sthe mother of three grown children,nine grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. She said her husbandencourages her to write.

“Richard is very supportive andhe’s proud of it,” she said. “I try toput inflections in my readings. Writ-ing poetry is how I recharge my bat-teries. I never know how a poem isgoing to turn out or what directionone will take. God is the one provid-ing the words and inspiration and anytalent I might have.”

Hillemeyer said she likes writ-ing about OKDHS staff because theyare very loyal and dedicated people.

“Sometimes, it has been difficultwhen change occurs at OKDHS, butour culture is dedicated to helpingour citizens,” she said, “and wealways pull together and workthrough our issues. We’re kind of likea big family.

“It is important that OKDHSemployees understand that theAgency and we (employees) are con-stantly going through change – wedon’t sit still. We are evolving.Everyone works as a team to help thecitizens of Oklahoma. If you remem-ber to embrace that concept, it willmake things easier.”

Champion of ChildrenBy Sherry Hillemeyer

Little children and their plightHave always been your main concernHomeless children, those abusedA better life for them you yearned.

With dedication to your causeYou sought out those who shared your dreamsSo years ago you made the choiceAnd joined the Public Welfare team.

Many cases you’ve reviewedSome were easy to resolveOthers though were so complexYou couldn’t help but get involved.

Tear aplenty you have shedWhen proper homes could not be foundYou’ve given time that was your ownTo see your charges safe and sound.

Throughout the years you’ve seen it allThe sadness, fear and hunger, tooThat filled the world of all the kidsWhose lives were bettered, thanks to you.

And now it’s time to say goodbyeYou’re leaving us to carry onWithout your knowledge in this field‘Twill be a struggle with you gone.

Yet though you may not be with usWe’ll still be working side by sideBecause the example you have setWill always be our constant guide.

Remember, then, it’s not farewellFor we will never be apartThe joys and love that we have sharedWe’ll keep forever in our hearts.

Poetry continued from page 5

*This poem was actually written for a child welfare supervisor inJackson County for her retirement, but we felt it applied to any socialworker in OKDHS.


By Douglas DoeAssociate Editor

Shirley Crum, a 27-year veteranof OKDHS, has assumed administra-tion of the Mayes County OKDHSoffice.

“Shirley’s experience makes hera great resource for Mayes County,”Judy Wyatt, Area V director, said.“Her leadership will facilitateOKDHS’ efforts to meet the localhuman services needs.”

During the past five years withOKDHS, Crum served as an assistantcounty director for Muskogee CountyOKDHS. She began her career withthe Department in 1976 as a socialservices worker in Muskogee County,and later became a Family SupportServices Division supervisor in 1988.

“The OKDHS staff in MayesCounty cares deeply about the well-being of our citizens,” Crum said.“They work well together and takegreat pride in what they do.”

Crum graduated from MuskogeeHigh School and earned a bachelor’sdegree from Northeastern State Uni-

versity in Tahlequah, with majors injournalism and English. She has twochildren, Donald, a student at NSU,and Margaret, a nurse living inMuskogee. She also has two stepchil-dren, Tracy Lynch, of Fort Gibson,and Donna Slawson, of Little Rock,Ark. Her husband, Don, works forthe Veteran’s Administration.

Crum Named Mayes County Director

Shirley Crum

set up booths and were on hand to dis-tribute information about their charita-ble efforts. This year’s goal is$325,000. More than $300,000 wasraised in central Oklahoma last year –a significant accomplishment whenconsidering Oklahoma’s challengingeconomic situation.

Hendrick explained to the crowdabout the traveling trophies that differ-ent state agencies have the opportuni-ty to win (OKDHS won last year’s tro-phy for the most contributions). Hesaid OKDHS was “very blessed” tohave a state leader of the high caliberof Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin in attendance.Fallin later praised Hendrick for hisleadership and thanked employees fortheir contributions to the campaign.

Karen Jacobs, volunteer coordi-nator, OKDHS Office of Volun-

teerism, said the SCC kick-off eventwas very successful because of thecollaborative efforts among the UnitedWay staff, state employees and volun-teers from state agencies. She said allstate agencies provide their employeeswith the opportunity to participate inthe SCC. About 200 non-profit organ-izations benefit from the campaign.

“I never realized the depth ofassistance provided by United Wayagencies until several members of myfamily were faced with the cancer dis-ease,” Jacobs said. “I was then intro-duced to numerous available servicesfor cancer patients. OKDHS has beena leader in contributions, and I am surethat with the generosity of stateemployees, this year’s goal will beattained.”

Congratulations AndBest Wishes To OurRetirees!September

Cimarron CountyNancy Kline, 22 years

•Garfield CountyRita R. Nossaman, 15 years

•Garvin CountyLonny L Britt, 21 years

•McClain CountyBarbara Kay Gunter, 24 years

•Muskogee CountyYvonne Greenwood, 30 years

•Finance Division(Payroll)Lois Ann Harp, 28 years

•Office of Client AdvocacyJoel D. Lebowitz, 22 years

•NORCE/Garfield County Phyllis Ann Farmer, 14 yearsRita M. Lamke, 27 years

•SORC/Garvin County Florence Boney, 30 yearsJoe Brady, 18 years

SCC continued from page 10


By Jo KilgorePublic Information Manager, Dan AlcornSenior Research Specialist Oklahoma Health Care Authority

An expansion of the state Med-icaid program is planned in early2005 and will include two new pro-grams, the breast/cervical cancertreatment program and the FamilyPlanning Waiver.

In May 2004, Gov. Brad Henrysigned the “Belle Maxine HilliardBreast and Cervical Cancer Treat-ment Revolving Fund” Act whichwill enable the state to exercise thefederal option under the State Medic-aid Plan to provide breast and cervi-cal cancer services for an expandedeligibility group of women in thestate of Oklahoma. The Legislatureappropriated $2.5 million for the pro-gram in fiscal year 2005.

To be eligible for services,women must meet certain eligibilityrequirements that have been set outby federal guidelines including:under the age of 65; no creditablecoverage, or other available insur-ance providing breast or cancer serv-ices, including Medicaid; and musthave been screened for breast or cer-vical cancer under the Breast andCervical Cancer Early Detection Pro-gram (BCCEDP) established underTitle XV of the Public Health ServiceAct and found to need treatment foreither breast or cervical cancer.

Currently, three entities in thestate of Oklahoma are administeringa BCCEDP grant, the OklahomaState Department of Health (OSDH)and the Kaw Nation and CherokeeNation. Plans are in place to expandthe current screening network.

In order to provide for the nec-essary coordination among the agen-cies to implement this program ofservices, the Oklahoma Health Care

Authority (OHCA), OSDH and theKaw and Cherokee nations havedeveloped a collaborative work planand various work groups are meetingweekly. The group is currently final-izing eligibility, policy and systemsissues to meet the expected targetimplementation date of Jan. 1, 2005.

Women who meet eligibility cri-teria and have received an abnormalscreen for either breast or cervicalcancer will be eligible for the fullscope of Medicaid services. Uponbeing determined to need furthertreatment, they will be enrolled inSoonerCare, the state’s partially capi-tated, managed care Medicaid pro-

gram. A woman will choose a pri-mary care provider and receiveneeded specialty referrals through theprimary care provider. In addition,she will have available care manage-ment services, transportation throughSoonerRide, the SoonerCare Helplineand Nurse Advice Line.

Eligible women will continue toreceive services through SoonerCareuntil they are determined to no longerbe in need of cancer treatment.

According to figures released bythe OSDH, there are more than69,000 women in Oklahoma betweenthe ages of 19 and 64 who are at orbelow the 185 percent federal pover-ty level (FPL). Of this number poten-

tially 36,000 women will need someform of follow-up diagnostic testingwith an estimated number of 172women having breast cancer. Poten-tially 2,800 women in the same cate-gory will need follow-up for cervicalcancer, with treatment needed forapproximately 17 women with cervi-cal cancer.

The Family Planning Waiver isan 1115(a) Research and Demonstra-tion waiver to provide family plan-ning services to individuals whowould otherwise not be eligible forMedicaid. The OHCA anticipates theCenters for Medicare and MedicaidServices (CMS) will grant approvalof the waiver request later this year.Enrollment and coverage of eligibleindividuals will begin in early 2005.

Eligible individuals will includeuninsured women, ages 19 and older,regardless of pregnancy history, withfamily income at or below 185 per-cent of the FPL and who are other-wise ineligible for Medicaid benefits.This category includes women whogain eligibility for Title XIX repro-ductive health services due to a preg-nancy, but whose eligibility ends 60days postpartum. Men and couples,age 19 and older, at or below 185percent FPL are also eligible, regard-less of pregnancy or paternity histo-ry. Medical benefits to be providedunder the Family Planning Waiverare limited to the reproductive serv-ices currently covered under theState Medicaid Plan.

The Family Planning waiver isimportant to Oklahoma because ofthe 90:10 federal match that willenable the state to provide familyplanning services to an expandedgroup of women and men. Approxi-mately 50,000 individuals willbecome eligible for the reproductiveservices to be covered under the pro-posed waiver.

Medicaid Program Services Expanding For Cancer


placing more than 1,000 children inadoptive homes. This success is duein large part to the dedicated staff atOne Church, One Child and theirstrong partnership with OKDHS.

“Our staff is great,” Howardsaid. “This is my passion and the staffworks as if it’s theirs also. They don’tget paid half of what they deserve.”

Howard said that ever since OneChurch, One Child of Oklahomapartnered with OKDHS, the Agencyhas provided a liaison to help facili-tate with adoption issues.

“So, we’re not out there by our-selves,” she said. “I can’t say enoughpositive things about the serviceOKDHS provides to our program –anything we need. They do whateverthey can to help us do what we do.”

As for the future, Howard’splans for the One Church, One Childprogram are limited only by herboundless passion for the cause andher clever resourcefulness. Duringthe month of November, which Gov.Brad Henry has proclaimed “Adop-tion Month,” Howard and her staffaim to recruit 30 families in 30 days.

One Church, One Child of Okla-homa also sponsors the Family TiesResource Family Support Group.This informal group of foster parents,kinship-foster parents, adoptive par-ents and prospective adoptive andfoster parents meet to share ideas,concerns and to build a support net-work.

A new project One Church, OneChild of Oklahoma is currentlyrolling out is the Realizing Educa-tional Achievement with CommunityHelp (REACH) program. REACHallows high school juniors and sen-iors to fulfill their school’s communi-ty service requirements by volunteer-ing at One Church, One Child. Thisprogram also offers college studentsinterested in working with children orin the field of social work the oppor-

tunity to get hands-on training andearn internship course credits.

Also underway is the newChurches as Parenting Partners pro-gram (CAPP), which is designed toprovide churches and communityorganizations with an opportunity tosupport and nurture the growth ofyoung people as they transition fromfoster care to independent livingwhile attending college or technologyschools. The CAPP program partnerswill offer encouragement, acknowl-edgement and access to a communityor church liaison.

As the second generation to leadthis very successful community part-ner, Howard has earned the right tobrag about her accomplishment, butyou’ll never hear her utter a word ofself-praise.

“I’ve done nothing,” Howardsaid. “I just come in here and work. Isee the need of our children and thatkeeps me working.

“My father told me that if youtake care of people, people will takecare of you. I hope I can look at thesechildren in the future and say thatOne Church, One Child assisted themin finding a family and a home andgave them a chance.”

For information on One Church,One Child of Oklahoma, call tollfree, 1 (800) 865-0225.

untary Mutual Consent AdoptionsRegistry desk that Ott befriendedMary Payne, a confidential inter-mediary who contracts withOKDHS. Although the case wasclosed, Payne took an interest inOtt and did a little more digging.

And just when the whole fam-ily was ready to close this life-longchapter of searching, a break-through came. The whole storyappeared in the October 2004 issueof Inside OKDHS.

What do you think aboutwhen you think of character?When Judy and her family speakof character in the future, a pictureof Mary Payne’s characteristics ofpersistence, determination, re-sourcefulness, diligence and thor-oughness will be posted as theillustrations in this family’s bookof life.

Lessons we can all learn fromthis Best Foot Forward effort:Never give up. Don’t quit. Andnever let anyone steal yourdream…

“… for if dreams die, life is abroken-winged bird that cannotfly.” – Langston Hughes

Judy! There Is A Way …

One Church continued from page 1Ott continued from page 3

Oklahoma Department ofHuman ServicesP.O. Box 25352Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Inside OKDHS is published for employees and retirees of the OklahomaDepartment of Human Services as a jointeffort of the Office of Communications, thePublications Section and the Print Shop.

Howard H. Hendrick, DirectorDepartment of Human Services

George Earl Johnson Jr.Director of Communications

Alice CarrilloPublications Section and

Print Shop Supervisor

Editorial Team:Kevan Goff-Parker, Editor

Dustin Pyeatt, Associate Editor

Douglas Doe, Associate Editor

Stephanie Bond, Publications Editor

Carla Garrett, Office Manager

Casey Harvey, Asst. Office Manager

Jim Gumm, Photographer

OKDHS S04175 Issued 11/2004Publication of Inside OKDHS is authorized by the Okla-homa Commission for Human Services in accordancewith state and federal regulations and printed by theOklahoma Department of Human Services at a cost of$4,033.00 for 4,033 copies. Copies have been deposit-ed with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Publica-tions Clearinghouse. Contents are not copyrighted andmay be freely quoted unless otherwise noted.

Documents

Family Legacy Continues At One Church, One Child Publication Library/S04175.pdfplanted a seed that became my second career and my passion.” ... who live right in their own communi-ties