February 2005

Love Brings Siblings Together in Craig County

By Douglas Doe Inside OKDHS Editor Adopting a group of four siblings within the child welfare system can be a tough sell for any prospective adop- tive parent, and nearly impossible when one of the children has physical or men- tal impairments. Mark the Eaglin family down as “sold.” With three adult daughters, Charles and Alice Eaglin made the decision to start over again after 16 years of marriage and adopted not one or two, but all four siblings. And it’s the transformation of the fourth child, 3- year-old Billy, whose adoption was finalized in late January, that made these adoptions so special. “This has been very rewarding for us and the children,” Alice said from her home in rural Craig County. “Sometimes it can be really hectic, but this is worth it because they are happy.” Billy was diagnosed with cere- bral-renal syndrome and Dwayne’s syndrome, which have left him with poor muscle development and no peripheral vision. When he came to the Billy, 3, shares a tender moment with his mother, Alice Eaglin, while his father, Eaglins, Billy didn’t move, eat much, Charles looks on. The couple finalized their adoption of Billy in January. look at anyone or make any noise, and Division foster care specialist housed in In the last year, Billy has doubled he had been in foster homes or hospi- Craig County. in size, is able to hold himself up and tals, Alice said. “Quite frankly, he was not expect- can even carry on an active conversa- “He didn’t want to be held or cud- ed to live,” Crawford added. “But what tion, whether it’s about the family dled and was tired all the time,” she a difference a year has made.” minivan, his pet dogs, the family’s said. “Billy just wanted to be in a room Alice and Crawford both suspect computer or especially eating. by himself. All his senses were the reunification with his three siblings During one of Crawford’s home extreme.” Ð Morgan, 5, and 4-year-old twins visits, Alice asked Billy what he want- There was a great deal of concern Matthew and Miranda Ð all happy, bois- ed to eat after they picked up his broth- for Billy, said Cheryl Crawford, a terous and teeming with energy, played er and sisters from school. Without Developmental Disabilities Services a vital role in Billy’s turnaround. SIBLINGS continued on page 15 The Chaplain’s Corner: Reflections on Black History Month By Maurice L. Ford, MS term the “Real McCoy,” is attributed Child Welfare Specialist III to his life. Colin Powell is the first OKDHS Chaplain African American to serve as nation- February is a chance to com- al security adviser, chairman of the memorate great African Americans Joint Chiefs of Staff, and secretary who have made a difference in the of state. Condoleezza Rice has fol- world in which we live; many of lowed in his footsteps as the second whom continue to do so. By cele- African American to serve as the brating, as well as commemorating national security adviser and Secre- these great men and women who tary of State. The first black presi- paved the way for future genera- dent of the Harvard Law Review, tions, we continue to learn through Barack Obama, is the third black their strength and determination to American to serve in the U.S. Senate build a better world. All of us should since Reconstruction. Dorothy Dan- be commemorated for the positive dridge paved the way for many differences we make in the lives of young African American actresses OKDHS Chaplain Maurice L. Ford the people we serve. by refusing to play roles that were The celebration of black histo- extended to the entire month of Feb- unflattering to “black actresses.” ry began in 1926. A Harvard Ph.D. ruary in order to accommodate the African Americans continue to named Carter G. Woodson first ini- activities and celebrity program- shape our world today: Tavis Smi- tiated a “Negro History Week” to be ming. ley, Oprah Winfrey, Toni Morrison, celebrated in February. Woodson Many African Americans have Tom Joyner, Bishop T.D. Jakes and felt February was a good month influenced science, politics and Russell Simmons. These great peo- because it included both Fredrick entertainment. Dr. Charles Drew ple are only a few in a long list that Douglass and Abraham Lincoln’s first pioneered the idea of the blood will continue into the future. birthdays. Both of these men had bank, and today blood banks are When you reflect this month on contributed significantly to the used to save thousands of lives every what these men and women have advancement of equality among year. Garrett Morgan invented the accomplished in their lifetimes and men. In 1976, on the 200th birthday gas mask. Elija McCoy invented the what our future generations will of the United States, the week was steam engine lubricator, and the accomplish, ask yourself … What am I doing to make a positive differ- ence in the world in which we To All Who Are Involved in the live? Caregiver Program

“The card you sent, ‘Caregiver Survival Tips,’ came on such an “Learning is ignorance appropriate day Ð when I was feeling so overloaded. The items mentioned were so encouraging Ð even though you are a large government agency Ð It seemed like someone really knew what it was all about and cared …” leaving the mind.

Editor’s Note: Just sharing with you a note sent to OKDHS Director I love to learn …” Howard H. Hendrick. The words express what you need to hear more of about the positive impact your work brings into the lives of those we Howard H. Hendrick serve.

2 INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 Love Power: When a Child Enters Your Heart … By George Earl Johnson Jr. up on his new caseload but a familiar lifetime. Today, we want to thank In his later years, Winston name and face from the past. This Michael Linder for loving the work Churchill, while addressing a graduat- afforded Linder an opportunity to put he does so much that he put his Best ing class, said, “Never quit! Never his Best Foot Forward one more time Foot Forward to make a positive dif- quit! Never, never, never quit!” He for a child who had become special to ference in a child’s young life. then returned to his seat. him. There are many OKDHS profes- In February, when we celebrate sionals who have similar untold sto- Valentine’s Day, stories of sharing our ries about client successes. We see hearts are abundant. And sometimes children and families achieving posi- having a never quit attitude allows tive results daily. love to arrive just in time. Linder believes he’s the one who Recently, Area IV Child Welfare has been blessed to see the young Services Social Services Specialist boy’s successes. These successes pro- Michael Linder shared a story that in At an adoption party last fall, vide the kind of encouragement one the end captures the spirit of Valen- there was a breakthrough when other needs to do the difficult fieldwork tine’s Day. warm hearts reached out to this child. required in Child Welfare Services as Four years ago, a child came into After all of the adoption paperwork well as in other Department work. state custody, and like so many chil- was completed, Linder’s child client Using the spirit of Churchill’s dren, the child had suffered severe of nearly four years was in an adop- never quit philosophy, let’s find more physical and sexual abuse and neg- tive home with hearts full of love and ways to never give up Ð never, never, lect. The child’s psychological and compassion to surround him. Most of never give up Ð on a child, our fami- emotional challenges had resulted in the young boy’s acting out behaviors lies, friends, neighbors, each other or many placements. were mitigated through his new par- ourselves. After February is long Putting his Best Foot Forward, ents’ love. School is not as much of a behind us, let’s see how we can put Linder did what any good child wel- challenge, reading has become funda- our Best Foot Forward in sharing our fare specialist would do; he went to mentally better and learning is more hearts. We just might be richly work on the child’s behalf to get the fun. rewarded beyond material measure. young boy the best services possible. There were others along the road So let’s “Put a Little Love In Our Linder moved to Swift Adop- of success for this child and hopefully Hearts” this Valentine’s Day and in tions in 2004, and who should show there will be many more in the child’s the days that follow.

INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 3 Congratulations and Best Wishes to Our Retirees

January 2005

Area IV Office Robert L. Nunley, 30 years ¥ Data Services Division Judy K. Spence, 30 years ¥ Family Support Services Division Donna L. Caton, 35 years ¥

Finance Division Oklahoma Department of Human Services staff in Murray County teamed up Donald J. Thompson, 17 with Indian Territory Home Health for the 2004 American Cancer Society’s years “Relay for Life” and won first place for the local event, raising a total of $4,450. To help raise funds for the event, the two groups held silent auctions, cookouts ¥ and sold refreshments. Sixteen teams entered the event, which was held at the Human Resources Murray County Expo Center. Team members accepting the first place plaque are Management Division (back row from left): Marsha Brock, a retired OKDHS employee; Freda Lee, social services supervisor IV; and Tammy Stevens, secretary II; (front row from David G. Peugh, 24 years left) Kyla Kirby, administrative technician II; Steven Barringer; and Kerry Kirby, a ¥ registered nurse with Indian Territory Home Health. NORCE/Garfield Co. Judith I. McMahan, 28 years Margurette E.Crane, 29 years ¥ Oklahoma County-55D Janice K. Kinnear, 23 years ¥ Osage County Judith Reynolds, 12 years ¥ SORC/Garvin County Patsy Sue Brady, 20 years

4 INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 Area IV Leads the State in School Based Service Work By Dustin D. Pyeatt Associate Editor On Oct. 16, 2000, Family Sup- port Field Liaison Curtis Rose was charged by then Area IV Director Alice Foran with promoting the School Based Service Worker (SBSW) program and spreading it to the 15 counties of Area IV. Today, under the leadership of Area Director Bill Wilson, Area IV leads the state, with 33 of the 84 SBSWs statewide working in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. According to Rose, they also reach an estimated 300,000 families. “They’re visible to every person in their school districts,” said Rose. “That’s a large impact.” Shirley Lodes, programs manag- er II, Field Operations Division, who manages the program at state office, agrees. “Area IV by far has the most and they were the only area to assign someone to this program. Curtis has gone out and sold people on the pro- gram. Area IV has been very innova- tive.” Shelly Kirkes, SBSW for (From left) Kelli Hopper, SBSW for Canadian Schools; Pittsburg County Direc- tor and supporter of the SBSW program Lynn Childer; the architect of the SBSW McAlester Public Schools, started program in Area IV, Curtis Rose; and Shelly Kirkes, SBSW for McAlester Public working in the program in 1999 and Schools, have all played key roles in the program’s success in Area IV. was the first SBSW in Area IV. Dur- ing her time in the schools she’s seen education services and conducts train- evolution of the SBSW program first- the program change and grow. ing through the Oklahoma Marriage hand, Kelli Hopper, SBSW in Cana- “I used to focus primarily on ‘at Initiative. dian Public Schools since September risk’ kids,” said Kirkes. “Now I serve “We have to make sure these 2004, stepped into a vibrant program all students, not just a target popula- children don’t fall through the and has hit the ground running. tion. I also focus a lot more on atten- cracks,” Kirkes said. “We have to “I look forward to Christmas and dance since that’s one place schools teach them how to function in the spring breaks so I can catch up,” said get their funding. And I address the world and give them the skills they’ll Hopper. “I can’t imagine not having needs of the family by guiding them need to go from poverty to middle- anything to do … it’s a big job.” to services that can help with every- class and how to be successful.” The day Inside OKDHS caught thing from utility bills to finding These skills include everything up with Hopper, she was with Dana, a resources for help working through from vocabulary to table manners, mother of two children, ages six and behavioral problems.” which Kirkes teaches by taking stu- 10, who was injured on the job and in Kirkes currently works with a dents to a restaurant and showing need of assistance during the holi- population of more than 3,000 stu- them how to order and what fork to days. Hopper, through a partnership dents at 11 sites from Head Start to use. with the local First Baptist Church, 12th grade. She also helps with adult Though Kirkes has witnessed the SBSW continued on page 13

INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 5 Pair Wins Food Stamps Quizzes (Above) Grady County’s Lori Stephens won the Food Stamp Quiz for “child deductions,” which was available in November 2004. She’s pictured above right with Kathie Wright, programs manager, Food Stamps/LIHEAP, Family Support Services Division, who presented Stephens with a $50 savings bond, a certifi- cate and a candy dish topped with a “Celebrate!” balloon.

(Below) Cleveland County-A’s Susan Smith, a social services specialist II, won the Food Stamp Quiz for “unearned income” in December 2004. (From left) Marie Wiles, county director IV; Wright; Gail Scribner, county director II; Smith; and Nathan Foreman, social services specialist IV, were on hand for the pres- entation of the December award.

6 INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 Federal Court Issues Final Order in Hissom Suit From DDSD News Service The start of February marked the end of a nearly 20-year-old class action lawsuit brought against public officials with the Oklahoma Depart- ment of Human Services that led to the closing of the Hissom Memorial Center in Sand Springs. U.S. Senior District Judge James O. Ellison, who presided over the case from the beginning, issued his final order Feb. 1, terminating the action and removing the case from the court’s active docket. The court had previously ruled that the defen- dants were in “substantial compli- ance” with the provisions of a con- sent decree that was approved exactly 15 years ago to the day of this final order. Public officials with OKDHS, the Oklahoma Department of Reha- bilitation Services and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, who were An aerial view of Hissom Memorial Center taken June 24, 1980. later added as defendants in the case, have been operating under court court ordered the facility closed and you have achieved a very high level supervision since the consent decree directed the defendants to develop of proficiency. was issued in 1990. community-based services and sup- On Feb. 20, 1998, the defendants Assistant Oklahoma Attorney ports for the residents and many of the petitioned the court to terminate the General Mark Lawton Jones, who former residents. consent decree and end court supervi- represented both OKDHS and the The OKDHS Developmental sion of class members’ community DRS for the past 12 years, said, “This Disabilities Services Division was programs because OKDHS, DRS and litigation has come to a successful successful in closing Hissom ahead of the OHCA contended that the consent conclusion through the hard work the court’s deadline and moving resi- decree had been fully implemented and perseverance of so many people dents into communities. In the and that all class members who want- who have designed, implemented process, DDSD established nationally ed community services had been pro- and continue to administer communi- recognized community service pro- vided all necessary services. ty services for persons with disabili- grams that serve not only former On March 19, 2004, after con- ties.” Hissom residents, but also more than ducting two hearings, the court found The lawsuit was originally filed 7,000 other Oklahomans with devel- the defendants in “substantial compli- in May 1985, by a group of parents of opmental disabilities. ance” with the consent decree and residents at the Hissom Memorial “The ending of court supervision indicated that a permanent injunction Center, then one of the state’s public is a major milestone in our history of would be entered before ending active facilities for persons with mental service provision,” said DDSD Direc- court supervision. In a separate order retardation, who wanted community tor James M. Nicholson. “It amounts entered on that date, the court found living arrangements for their chil- to getting a diploma signifying that that the service authorization process dren. Following a trial in 1987, the HISSOM continued on page 10

INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 7 By Douglas Doe Inside OKDHS Editor Statewide volunteer efforts and donations helped a number of Okla- homa Department of Human Services’ clients have a more enjoyable holiday season thanks to gifts totaling more than $1 million. The gifts marked the third consec- utive year that recorded statewide vol- unteer efforts collected more than $1 million to benefit clients of the Depart- ment. Donations tallied just under $4.3 million during the three-year span (2002-2004). Coordinator of the Office of Volunteerism Karen Jacobs detailed the impact of the efforts during a pres- entation to the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services in January. “The volunteers in our communi- ties are not only providing a service,” Jacobs said, “but they are helping to VOLUNTEERS contined on page 13 Volunteers Make a Big Difference During Holiday Season

8 INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 9 Hissom continued from page 7 instituted by OKDHS has not resulted remaining class members. The as a whole.” in a denial of necessary services to Review Panel and GAL offices were According to Jones, “The public meet class members’ individual closed last week and the OKDHS officials leading these state agencies needs. Office of Client Advocacy has have consistently shown a willingness The court issued a permanent assumed the advocacy services that to work with the court for the better- injunction on Dec. 1, 2004, stating had previously been provided by the ment of the class members, and in that class members in the case would GAL. turn, these efforts have improved the continue to receive “what was prom- In the Feb. 1 court order, the lives of all citizens of Oklahoma with ised in the consent decree.” The court court amended the permanent injunc- developmental disabilities who need also ordered the closure of the offices tion by omitting any reference to the community services.” of the Homeward Bound Review consent decree or any other docu- Panel and the Guardian Ad Litem by ment, but noted that this change in the Feb. 1. language was not a “substantive “Kind words can be short The Review Panel consisted of change” in the permanent injunction. three court-appointed experts who The court also specified that class and easy to speak, have monitored the defendants’ com- members may seek enforcement of pliance with the consent decree since the permanent injunction by demon- but their echoes are 1990. The GAL was appointed by the strating that the defendants “have court to represent those class mem- failed to make available a system of truly endless.” bers who lack family involvement. At community based services and sup- Mother Teresa the time the court issued its final ports and that the violation or viola- order, the GAL represented 178 of the tions have injured the Plaintiff Class

10 INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 News Briefs Oklahoma 55A trative Services, P.O. You Love.” and OKDHS. It was ian Ave., Oklahoma Office Changes Box 25352, Okla- The OKDHS established as a result City. Location homa City, OK team is in need of of the National Breast 73125. volunteers in the and Cervical Cancer Due to the reno- Newsletter Wins If you would Oklahoma City metro Prevention and Treat- vation of the Okla- SPJ Award like the cookbook area to be co-captains ment Act of 2000. homa County 55A The Inside sent to your home to distribute the mate- office, the staff has OKDHS newsletter address, include an rials to offices and to moved to 309 S.W. ‘Best of the took first place in the additional $2.50 ship- help OKDHS have a 59th St., Suite 200, in Best’ Sought Newsletter category ping-and-handling successful campaign. Oklahoma City. The OKDHS at the recent Okla- cost. To order cook- If you want to volun- The renovation Employee Recogni- homa Professional book forms, please teer, please contact began Jan. 13. Staff tion Committee asks chapter of the Society contact Jacobs at Lynna Whiteside at will be at that location all office Employee of Professional Jour- Karen.Jacobs 405-522-0238 or by for approximately one Recognition Commit- nalists awards. @okdhs.org or call e-mail at year. The main num- tees to identify their The annual (405) 521-3646. Lynna.Whiteside@ ber is (405) 644-5700. nominees for the awards recognize the okdhs.org. Child Welfare 2005 Best of the state’s top journalists. staff are not affected ‘Inside OKDHS’ Best. This year, journalists by this move. Broadcast for ‘Oklahoma The OKDHS from three out-of- Training Credit Cares’ Targets ERC will accept state SPJ chapters OKDHS’ 60th Join Jennifer Breast, Cervical nominations March 1- judged more than 800 Anniversary Eve-Fish, George Earl Cancers 15. Each nomination entries. is limited to 50 Awards were Cookbook Now Johnson, Jr. and Beginning in Dustin Pyeatt each January, the State of words. Nomination presented in newspa- Available month for the SAT- criteria are developed per, television, radio, OKDHS’ 60th Oklahoma started TRN broadcast of and approved by local magazines, Web sites, Anniversary Cook- providing Medicaid “Inside OKDHS.” ERCs and office informational graph- book, a collection of benefits to uninsured Due to a revised administrators and ics and public rela- OKDHS employees’ women under 65 in format and focus, the supervisors. Please tions. and retirees’ favorite need of breast or cer- broadcast is approved remember that recipes, is now avail- vical cancer treatment to receive one hour of according to state General Daily able. (including pre-cancer- supervisory training statutes all recogni- News E-Mail Gets All proceeds ous conditions and credit. The attendee tion is based on “out- New Online Home benefit the Oklahoma early stage cancer). code will be valid standing performance Beginning Human Services The benefits are through the end of and good conduct.” March 1, the General Foundation, a non- available for women each month. Please Please e-mail Daily News e-mail profit corporation that who are identified see your SATTRN your nominations to notifications will receives tax-exempt through the National satellite coordinator STO.ERC.Steering move to the InfoNet. donations and submits Breast and Cervical for the attendee code. Comm. The move will grant proposals on Cancer Early Detec- tion Program. Also, mark your help to minimize e- behalf of Oklahomans March of Dimes calendars for the mail traffic and make who need OKDHS The program, Seeks OKDHS called “Oklahoma OKDHS 2005 Quali- better use of existing services. ty Awards and Best of Co-Captains Cares,” is a partner- technology to send To receive your the Best Recognition information to It is time to start ship of the Oklahoma copy of this cookbook Ceremony, which will OKDHS staff. thinking about babies State Department of through interagency be held on Wednes- Look for more again – that’s right, Health, the Oklahoma mail, please send a day, May 4, at the information on the the 2005 March of Health Care Authori- $10 check or money Clarion Meridian OKDHS InfoNet. Dimes. The theme for ty, the Cherokee order to: Karen Hotel and Conference this year’s campaign Nation, the Kaw Jacobs, volunteer Center, 737 S. Merid- coordinator, Adminis- is “Walk for Someone Nation of Oklahoma

INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 11 Love County Caught Working

Lorene Ballard, social services specialist II Barbara Wright, administrative technician III

Harold Douglass Jr., county director Shirley Thompson, child welfare aide

Ethel “Kay” Williams, social services specialist II Lowell “Ed” Lee, social services specialist II

12 INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 SBSW continued from page 5 was able to take Dana shopping to es through OKDHS,” Hopper said. “If “The Choctaw Nation has been a buy clothes, coats and some toys for the parents need it, I’ve even arranged big help,” said Rose. “And they know her children’s Christmas. transportation for them to the office.” that this program helps all students, “It means a lot,” said Dana. “I Hopper has also rolled up her not just Native American students.” had no idea what I was going to do sleeves and pitched in on some very According to Wilson, the loss of not having any money. It’s a big un-glamorous work. Rose will mean some changes for the relief.” “We had a recent outbreak of program, but he’s determined to keep Dana’s children are just two of head lice in the third and fourth it going and growing. the 400 students that Hopper works grades,” Hopper said. “I checked “What this means is everyone is with from pre-kindergarten to 12th more than 300 kids for lice and talked going to have to step up a little,” said grade. with parents about how to treat and get Wilson. “The county directors and Hopper’s projects are as varied rid of it.” supervisors are going to have to step as the students she serves. Recently, After years of progress and up a little more, and the Area IV office she worked with the high school stu- growth, the SBSW program in Area is going to have to step up as well. dent council on a clothing drive. The IV is faced with its biggest change yet, Everyone is going to have to do a lit- students collected more than 2,400 the absence of the man who built it. In tle bit more just to cover all the things pieces of clothing. The school’s agri- January, Rose began serving as the that Curtis has been doing. culture class even welded together Area IV Adult Protective Services “We’re the only area that’s had a some clothing racks. Thanks to the field liaison. person like Curtis working as a liaison efforts of the students, they were able Under his guidance, the Area IV for this program. We’ve been real for- to give out more than 30 coats to SBSW program expanded and became tunate to have him and we have to needy families between Thanksgiving a valued resource for many school dis- work to keep things going.” and Christmas. tricts. Rose built a partnership with the As for Rose, he’s looking for- Hopper, like Kirkes and other Choctaw Nation, which has donated ward to putting his creative energies SBSWs, reaches out to the families of nearly $300,000 in the past three years to work in APS. the children as well. to use as seed money for districts “I’ve got plans,” said Rose. “I “The parents are getting to know wanting to start the program in their can’t talk about them now, but I’ve me and are asking about other servic- schools. got plans.”

Volunteers continued from page 8 Jacobs said, “but they are helping to orative efforts are planned for 2005 children was collected for the Christ- change the lives of our children, fami- with the Foster Care Association and mas holiday in Ofuskee County. lies and elderly.” Court Appointed Special Advocates. Oklahoma County For the 2004 holiday season, Kay County Christmas donations for Okla- donors and volunteers helped 3,129 At least 35 families in Kay Coun- homa County reached an all-time families, 9,189 children, 945 adults ty received food, clothing, toys and high. With the outstanding response and 98 older persons, Jacobs said. necessities for the Christmas holiday. from the community, 2,700 children While the numbers were down slightly The “Angels in Action” group, consist- and 310 families received toys and from 2003, the spirit and generosity ing of OKDHS employees, provided food (valued at more than $500,000) were still appreciated by recipients of an additional 11 shoeboxes full of toys, for the holiday. Some of the donors the gifts, she added. school supplies and other items that included BancFirst, General Motors- Some of the holiday efforts of were sent overseas to help children in United Auto Workers, Tinker AFB, donors and OKDHS volunteers are need. Dayton Tires, Associated Wholesale detailed below. For more detailed sto- Lincoln and Okfuskee counties Grocers, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, ries, please go to the OKDHS InfoNet. In Lincoln County, $11,000 in Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Oklahoma Bryan County toys, food and donations were collect- Natural Gas, Bikers Against Child After a few years of inactivity, the ed to provide Christmas for 300 foster Abuse, Citizens Caring for Children, Foster Care Association in Bryan children and to host a Foster Care Bath & Body Works and the Okla- County held their first Christmas party Christmas party and dinner. Nearly homa City Fire Departments. Other for foster children, with support of the $4,000 in gift certificates, toys and state agencies also adopted several local Child Welfare unit. More collab- presents for foster and family support VOLUNTEERS continued on page 14 INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 13 Volunteers continued from page 13 families and filled their wish lists for Christmas. Also, prior to Thanksgiving Day, volunteers at Oklahoma County 55C packed and distributed Thanks- giving dinner packages to nearly 90 families. Osage County Once again the Osage County Christmas project for foster children exceeded expectations. Faith United Methodist Church ‘adopted’ in excess of 140 children, and provided the most “hip” and sought-after gifts imagina- ble. The Bikers of Osage County have also been loyal contributors to the Fos- ter Children Christmas fund for sever- Data Services Division Employees Recognition Committee members (far left) al years. Daniel Chalender, Information Systems planning specialist IV, and Deb Garrett Sequoyah County (far right), IS planning specialist IV, along with helpers Misti Chancellor (center The Sallisaw Lions Club hosted a left), IS services coordination III; Teletha Hayden, manager I; pose with items Christmas party for 56 foster children collected during DSD Angel Tree and Silver Halos gift drive. and 31 foster parents. Every child Tulsa County D and The donors provided more than 5,200 received a gift and sat on Santa’s lap. The Laura Dester Shelter toys and $1,800 in cash. The shelter Twenty-three hundred Thanksgiving More than 1,250 children and also received requests to provide items were received from students and several families were served by Christ- toys to children in the comm- donated to Catholic Charities for distri- mas for Kids 2004 in Tulsa unity whose families were unable bution. Children from Sequoyah Coun- County. The Children’s Services Advi- to receive assistance through the Sal- ty Eastside Elementary School made sory Board and Tulsa County Child vation Army or Catholic Charities. 200 Christmas ornaments and donated Welfare held its Fifth Annual Christ- Washington County them through the Sallisaw Chamber of mas Party on Dec. 18. During the In addition to providing gifts for Commerce’s Santa Workshop. party, shelter volunteers painted faces 150 children and 20 families, 16 Tulsa County C and fingernails, helped with arts and OKDHS employees volunteered 24 Every Christmas, children’s craft activities and served refresh- hours on Dec. 22 at the Annual Salva- books are donated from Volunteers of ments. Five hundred handmade Christ- tion Army Distribution Day to help America and the Tulsa City County mas stockings stuffed to the brim with distribute toys and food to families in Library. These books were wrapped goodies were distributed to children at need. With shopping carts in hand, and given to children during the week the party and those children at the they joined the attendees to help them of Christmas. The Temporary Assis- Laura Dester Shelter. Also, volunteers shop at the tables for gifts for their chil- tance for Needy Families Job Readi- made more than 400 pairs of fleece dren. Additional gifts from the com- ness group of 20 OKDHS employees and knitted mittens and more than 350 munity Angel Trees, stockings filled wrapped and labeled, by age, 700 stocking caps for the children who with goodies and boxes of food round- books. The coordinator, Martha Lowe, attended the party. ed out the bounty. With so many of the said, “the greatest gift you can give a Contributions of toys, gift cards, shoppers being recipients of OKDHS child is a book through the ‘Gift of money and other items totaled services, the efforts of the volunteers Reading’ program.” TANF Job Readi- $75,000. Items donated included mon- showed that OKDHS really cares. This ness participants learned teamwork etary donations for cable TV, mulch has become an annual event for this skills, quality control, and assembly for the playground, playground equip- office and one many Washington line work while wrapping the books. ment, four new baby beds, four toddler County employees won’t miss. One client said, “This is like working beds, DVD/VCR combos and tote Editor’s Note: Additional stories in Santa’s Workshop!” The OKDHS bags for the teens. about volunteer efforts during the hol- reception areas also received books for Channel 2’s For the Holidays Toy idays are available on the OKDHS children while they wait. Drive was a successful event yet again. InfoNet. 14 INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 Siblings continued from page 1 hesitation, he answered, “Donald’s” and pulled himself into his walker to get ready to go out the front door. The placement of the four sib- lings isn’t the first time the Eaglins opened their home. The Eaglins are certified as a DDSD foster home and have a dual certification as a Child Welfare foster and adoptive home. David Buster has lived with the family for the last 11 years. Buster, 22, has grown into a healthy young man, growing in his confidence and ability The Eaglins expected some growth in the size of their family when Charles and to do things for himself. He chooses to Alice (center) decided to be foster parents for children in the custody of OKDHS. However, the couple more than tripled the size of their family after one of their continue to live with Alice and Charles former foster children, David Buster (far left), 22, decided to live with them and because they feel like family. the couple adopted four siblings (from left), Billy , 3, Miranda, 4, Morgan, 5, and “I told Alice that I wanted Charles Matthew, 4. and her to take in the kids,” Buster munities,” she added. said. “I didn’t know where I would be the children and families that suffer, That thankfulness hasn’t been had they not provided me a loving and we rejoice at these small victories wasted on the Eaglins. One of Alice’s home.” that exemplify huge miracles. older daughters recently adopted a And so they came. “I’ll never look at a Happy Meal child from Oregon. “These are the moments we live again without being thankful for the Consider it another easy sell. for,” Crawford said. “We agonize for foster parents who serve in our com-

News Briefs Contact DSD Partners Hotel and Conven- ference or to register place May 19-20 at for Virus Alerts Conference tion Center, 737 S. online, go to the Wes Watkins Staff should Needs Auction Meridian Ave., Okla- www.okdhs.org/part- Center in Stillwater. homa City, or begin- nersconference/. Chayo Reyes, a send any e-mail mes- Items ning at 7:30 a.m. on 25-year veteran of sage that indicates a The 2005 Thursday, March 3. the Los Angeles possible virus to the Partners Conference ‘United As One’ This year, the Police Department *DSD.VirusAlert for Oklahoma Fami- Conferences Energy Conservation and founder and group for investiga- lies Silent Auction Set for Staff Assistance Fund and member of Financial tion. Committee is asking Areas I and III the Lou Hartpence Abuse Specialist These type of e- for OKDHS State Adult Protective Ser- Scholarship Program Team (FAST), will be mails should not be Office divisions, vices staff are will benefit from the the guest speaker for sent to others. The county offices and encouraged to attend proceeds of the auc- both events. intent of the virus sponsoring Agency upcoming United as tion. Registration alert may be to cause partners to donate One APS, Law The Annual packets are available performance issues or items to the silent Enforcement and the Partners Conference from OKDHS Adult even downtime to the auction. Courts conferences. for Oklahoma Fami- Protective Services. OKDHS mail server. Donations for The Area III lies will be held on Visit APS on the Web The process was the silent auction conference will be March 3-4 at the at www.okdhs.org/ put in place to avoid may be dropped off held 8:30 a.m.-4:30 Clarion Meridian APS/ or call 405- any possible damage from 5-7 p.m. on p.m. on April 8 at the Hotel and Conven- 522-1605 for more targeted to the March 2, in the Reed Center in Mid- tion Center. For more details. OKDHS network Majestic Ballroom of west City. The Area I information about the servers. the Clarion Meridian conference will take 2005 Partners Con-

INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 15 Inside OKDHS is published for employees and retirees of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services as a joint effort of the Office of Communications, the Publications Section and the Print Shop. Howard H. Hendrick, Director Department of Human Services George Earl Johnson Jr. Director of Communications Alice Carrillo Publications Section and Print Shop Supervisor

Editorial Team: Douglas Doe, Editor Dustin Pyeatt, Associate Editor Stephanie Bond, Publications Editor Carla Garrett, Office Manager Casey Harvey, Asst. Office Manager Jim Gumm, Photographer

OKDHS S05025 Issued 2/2005 Publication of Inside OKDHS is authorized by the Okla- homa Commission for Human Services in accordance with state and federal regulations and printed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services at a cost of $3,226.40 for 4,033 copies. Copies have been deposit- ed with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Publica- tions Clearinghouse. Contents are not copyrighted and may be freely quoted unless otherwise noted.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services P.O. Box 25352 Oklahoma City, OK 73125