June 2003

Franklin Jones: Roller Rink Pitchman For Public Service

By Dustin D. Pyeatt or boxes they usually have to use. Office of Communications They’ve been taken from their Franklin Jones, a Foster Care homes, at least this gives them a lit- Recruitment specialist at tle dignity.” County’s 55-F office, knows a thing At a time when most people or two about traveling. And although seem to be counting the days until he’s had plenty of bumps in the road retirement, Jones, 64, has no plans of during his long, unusual journey, one slowing down. constant has remained steady – his “Next year I’ll be able to retire, devotion to public service. but I probably won’t,” Jones said. “This Kiwanis Club in Okla- “They’ll be saying, ‘Hey Jones, it’s homa City has already donated 55 time to leave,’ but I like what I do.” pieces of luggage for our foster kids,” Jones started his path as a pub- Jones said, with a big smile, his eyes lic servant almost by accident. Born twinkling from behind thick glasses. and raised in Chicago, he was a high “That’s better than the garbage bags JONES continued on page 6 State Substance Abuse Leaders Make A Difference William C. Moyers, vice presi- dent of external affairs for the Hazelden Foundation in Center City, Minn., recently told state leaders dur- ing a conference held in that he believes “Oklahoma takes a rap for not being progressive, Special Insert but you are progressive and this con- ference proves it.” Moyers, a nationally known Highlights expert on substance abuse and addiction, joined various state Inside leaders, including Gov. , Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin and OKDHS Director Howard H. Hendrick, plus , com- SUBSTANCE ABUSE continued on page 11

1 INSIDE OKDHS — May 2003 The Chaplain’s Corner We Are All Chaplains To Our Customers By Gene Holliman I feel each of us who works for help shape and mold some of our cus- Hughes County Director OKDHS are chaplains to our cus- tomers’ lives. We have the opportuni- and OKDHS Chaplain tomers. I don’t mean chaplains in the ty to give of our “bread to those less When I was asked to write an spiritual sense, but in the service to fortunate than we.” We should and do article for this month’s issue of The our human family sense. We have the serve our fellow man, to help them Chaplain’s Corner, I was at first hesi- greatest opportunity in the world to have food to eat and to help take care tant, because I am no writer. of the medical needs and But as I thought about what to sometimes, financial needs. I say and what it means to me to think we sometimes forget just be a chaplain, my heart became how much influence we, as heavy for Oklahomans and OKDHS social workers, have other states that have been dev- with our customers. Often- astated by the recent tornadoes. times a simple word of encour- I know there are members of agement is all that it takes to the OKDHS family that were change one’s direction in life. I affected by these storms and to dare say that none of us work them our thoughts and prayers for OKDHS just because of the go out. money we make, but we work I think the role of chaplain for OKDHS because we have a is being of service and just genuine concern for others and being there for someone when care about their needs. Mother Teresa once said, they are in need. Sometimes just “We have the greatest opportunity offering a kind word or deed is “Duty is a very personal thing. all that is needed. Sometimes it in the world to help shape and It is what comes from knowing is just to sit and listen, not only the need to take action and not with your ears, but your heart. mold some of our customers’ lives.” just a need to urge others to do Sometimes it can be an instruc- something.” tional word as to how to do – Chaplain Gene Holliman It is our duty. something.

Whirlwind Drill On April 30, one week before the May 8-9 tornadoes cut devastating paths across Oklahoma, OKDHS Risk and Safety Management called for a torna- do drill. More than 700 employees and visitors in the Sequoyah Memorial Office Building moved into the base- ment of the Capitol Complex in less than six minutes. Risk and Safety Administrator John Coleman said the time was good, but could be improved. “It’s important for all of us to think safe- ty at home, at work and in the commu- nity. Being alert and being prepared to act can save your life and the lives of those you love,” Coleman said.

2 INSIDE OKDHS — June 2003 Working to Get Your Stories Told Meet Kevan Goff-Parker: Communications Professional The Office of Communica- tions, marketing and print media. Kevan has earned 43 top com- tions Team wants you to meet and Prior to her most recent work as munications awards in regional and know Kevan Goff-Parker, an features editor for The St. Kitts- national competitions through vari- award-winning public relations Nevis Observer in the West Indies, ous organizations, including the professional, editor and Oklahoma City Chapter of journalist. Kevan, as you the Public Relations Society will come to know her, of America, the Oklahoma came to us in May and will Chapter for the Society of serve as editor-in-chief of Professional Journalists Inside OKDHS, the (SPJOK) and the Oklahoma department’s employee City Chapter of the Inter- newsletter and Inside national Association of OKDHS Magazine when it Business Communicators, resumes publication. She as well as the Oklahoma will also handle an array City Chapter of the of public relations and Association of Women in communications projects Communications. and campaigns. She served as this We are very blessed year’s publicity chair for to have Kevan’s energy, SPJ’s Region 8 Confer- talents and abilities added ence held at the University to the OKDHS team. She’s of Oklahoma, Norman, here to put her BEST served as president of FOOT FORWARD for PRSA OKC in 2000-01 you. She has taken off at and has served as an offi- full speed, which is char- cer and committee mem- acteristic of her personali- ber for various civic ty and professionalism. boards, non-profit and pro- Kevan will add value to fessional organizations. any project she works on. When you’re working She’s already in the mid- hard to make things hap- dle of a dozen different stories, a pen in Oklahoma Human Services, HIPAA educational campaign with your phone may ring or your e- Family Support Services Division mail pop up saying, “Hey! It’s me, staff and is working with the Human Resources Management Kevan! What’s good happening Division’s Employee Services staff out there?” It will be Kevan Goff- on promoting a Web-based she served as manager of Parker, and she’ll want to commu- employee wellness program. Corporate Communications for nicate something positive about Kevan has worked as a jour- Seagate Technology in Oklahoma what you’re doing to put your nalist, editor and corporate com- City and Reynosa, Mexico. Pre- BEST FOOT FORWARD for the munications professional for such vious employers include OGE OKDHS mission. diverse industries as high-tech Energy Corp., Hays & Associates, manufacturing, public utilities and Oklahoma City Public Schools and education, as well as public rela- The Daily Oklahoman. – George Earl Johnson, Jr.

INSIDE OKDHS — June 2003 3 Relay For Life: A Race For More Than Just Time By Kevan Goff-Parker Editor Inside OKDHS OKDHS is partnering with the American Cancer Society for this year’s Relay for Life – the society’s signature fundraising activity that offers communities the opportunity to participate in the fight against can- cer, while empowering cancer sur- vivors. A Friday eve through Saturday morning event, the relay begins at 7 p.m. June 20 in Stars and Stripes Park at Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City. The relay is scheduled to end at 7 a.m. June 21. Participating teams camp out and take turns walking or running around the track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times. As a part of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Karen Jacobs, volun- Participants will receive an offi- teer coordinator, Office of Volunteerism, arranges moons and stars on a bulletin cial Relay for Life T-shirt for a com- board located in the Sequoyah Memorial Building’s lobby. Aimed at raising funds mitment of $10. Food, entertainment for the society, moons and stars can be purchased for $1. Stars signify “In Memory and games will be offered for chil- Of” a person who has died from cancer, while moons are purchased “In Honor Of” dren and adults to enjoy. Funds raised a loved one who has survived cancer. Luminaria bags can be purchased for $5. from this event are used for research, For more information, contact Jacobs at (405) 522-2528. education and advocacy, plus other services to help make the cancer to fight against the disease. Karen Jacobs experience a little easier. If you would like to participate Executive Division OKDHS’ Karen Jacobs, volun- in the walk, purchase a luminaria bag Jaynee Schones teer coordinator, Office of for $5 or purchase a star “In Memory Family Support Services Division Of” (for someone who has died from Volunteerism, said that one of the Anetta Cooper cancer) or a moon “In Honor Of” (for most moving moments at Relay for Finance Division Life is the Luminaria Ceremony. a cancer survivor), please contact the Merlene Williams “Small bags with lit candles can following persons in your divisions: or Georgette Clark - be purchased in honor or memory of Diana Everett Human Resources Management anyone who has battled cancer,' Aging Services Division Division Jacobs said. “The names of the hon- orees are written on the outside of the Jean Watts or Melissa Beaver Jacobs said the stars and moons bags and serve as a reminder of why Children and Family Services Division will be displayed in the Sequoyah we are committed to the fight against Pam Webster Building lobby until late June. cancer.” Child Support Services Division “Several areas around the state have already held local events to sup- She said all cancer survivors are Rosemarie James port this worthy cause,” she said. also invited to participate in a special Division of Child Care ceremony at 7 p.m. June 20 where “For those employees outside of cen- Vareeda Fennimore or they will walk the first triumphant lap tral Oklahoma, we encourage you to Sherry Hillemeyer around the track. check with your local American Data Services Division Several fundraisers will be Cancer Society chapter to participate launched in the upcoming weeks to Joni Burch or Gwen Peoples in Relay for Life efforts or to find promote awareness and collect funds Developmental Disabilities Services other ways to volunteer.”

4 INSIDE OKDHS — June 2003 State Aging Conference Proves Big Success A visit from Gov. Brad Henry, Those honored this year for presentations of Lifetime Achieve- their lifetime achievements on ment Awards and Achievements in behalf of older Oklahomans and Aging Awards, nationally recog- their families included the late nized speakers in the field of aging Richard Adams, former president and more than 45 workshops were of the Oklahoma AARP program part of the 2003 annual Oklahoma and a former director of an area Conference on Aging recently held agency on aging; JoAnna Deighton, at the National Center for Employee Oklahoma City, founder of OK- Development in Norman. INCH, an advocacy group seeking The conference serves as cor- improvement and change in the nerstone of the state’s celebration of state’s nursing care facilities; the May as Older Americans Month. late Hayden Donahue, M.D., for- OKDHS Aging Services Division mer commissioner of the Depart- sponsors the annual event in con- ment of Mental Health and long- junction with almost 20 partners, mental Disabilities Council and all time advocate for the state’s mental including the Oklahoma Department the state’s advocacy groups for older health system and those it serves of Health, Department of Mental persons and educational institutions through its community mental Health and Substance Abuse supporting geriatric education and health system; Gary Kodaseet, Services, the Oklahoma Develop- training programs. Oklahoma City, president of the National Indian Council on Aging and advocate for minority elders; Roy LeBlanc, Muskogee, aging advocate and founder of the National Black Cowboy Rodeo Association, and Robert Rawlings, Edmond, nationally recognized leader of programs for mental health and aging. The four-day conference opened topics such as grant writing, effective board membership and depression among older persons, plus minority health disparity issues and caregiving. Ben Dickerson, Ph.D., director of the Center on Aging and Community at the University of Indianapolis, shared his vision of the future of OKDHS Director Enters Hall of Fame aging in an address titled OKDHS Director Howard H. Hendrick, left, listens to former twice elected “Changing Lanes/Shifting Gears,” Governor and U.S. Senator , along with Anne Roberts, and Deborah Kern, Ph.D., executive director of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. Hendrick and Bellmon were among public officials being inducted into the 2003 Huntsville, Ala., nationally known Child Advocates Hall of Fame for their work to improve the quality of life health scientist and leader in the for Oklahoma’s children. women’s health movement, spoke on the mind/body connection.

INSIDE OKDHS — June 2003 5 Jones continued from page 1 school dropout inspecting broken tel- school programs and Head Start. He minutes I’d have to sign them. evision tubes at a factory when he worked for the city of Chicago’s “I’d get it all wrong and they’d was hired by a Catholic elementary social services for 15 years, eventual- patiently teach me the right way. It school principal to work as a ly serving as the Parent/Child Center helped me communicate with the school/community representative. coordinator managing five facilities deaf family who came in for help. “This principal was younger with more than 80 staff members Once word got out that I knew sign language, more deaf clients started coming. When I moved to Oklahoma, I took classes to learn the regional signs.” Jones was hired by OKDHS in December 1995 as a Permanency Planning and Treatment worker. He later worked in Independent Living before landing in his current position. “Oklahoma County has about 1,300 children and only 140 non-kin- ship foster homes,” he said. “It’s a rough campaign.” In addition to sign language, Jones has another skill that has helped him in recruiting foster parents. “I sometimes help kids learn how to roller skate at the Rollerland Skating Rink in Bethany,” Jones said. Foster Care Recruiter Franklin Jones uses a Telecommunications Device for the However, when Jones is not Deaf (TDD) to contact a hearing-impaired client. Jones learned sign language after being unable to communicate with a deaf family. skating, he’s working. “Recruiting is a 24-hour job,” he than me at the time and he told me, serving more than 640 children. It said. “I carry a display in the trunk of ‘Franklin, I won’t tell anyone about was at this point that Jones was pre- my car all the time. I’d set up at a your education, but I’ll only be here sented with a new challenge. street corner if there were enough for a few years, so I’ll help you get “We had a deaf family come to people there. your GED,’ ” Jones said. “I was 32 when I finally graduated from high school.” “Regardless of my education, I've always moved Jones went on to attend ahead. It seems like there’s always been someone Malcolm X Junior College, eventual- ly earning his bachelor’s degree in there to help me.” — Franklin Jones social services from Chicago State University. He was the first person in his family to earn a college degree. us for services and no one knew how “I’ll talk to anyone — churches, “Regardless of my education, to communicate with them,” Jones schools, any group I can get. And I’ve always moved ahead,” Jones said. “I decided to learn.” even with groups like the Kiwanis said. “It seems like there’s always He began attending an all-deaf Club, I ask myself, ‘How can I get been someone there to help me.” Lutheran Church in Chicago. them to help me if they don’t want to For decades, Jones has more “I joined the men’s group, and become foster parents?’ Some of the than returned the favor. He began they made me the secretary,” Jones groups I talk to, the youngest person working in social services in 1972. said. “I’d take notes while they would is older than me, but I have to be cre- He’s worked at boys’ homes, after- all argue in sign. When I read the ative and get the word out.

6 INSIDE OKDHS — June 2003 Kay County Staff “I enjoy this job . . . I really do. This is a ‘Taking It Off’ rewarding job . . . a good way to finish my career.” By Kevan Goff-Parker Inside OKDHS Editor — Franklin Jones It may sound a bit risqué, but “I’m also fortunate because my “We don’t know all the prob- 30 employees at the Kay County county director, Jeri Poplin, and my lems these kids have and, sometimes, Office in Ponca City seem to have supervisor are both very supportive. the foster parents blame us for not no qualms about participating in They don’t bother me. I couldn’t ask telling them.” the “Taking It Off Challenge” – for a better group to Jones brings an Employee Benefit Council work with.” creativity, passion Wellness Program designed to It seems the and his gift of gab encourage healthy living. feeling is mutual wherever he trav- The program began May 1 with Jones’ supervi- els. His daughter, and will end July 3 with a recog- sor, Meredith King, Carolyn, 26, who nition and reception event. It is a Child Welfare does marketing hoped the 30 employees will col- supervisor, Okla- for a technical lectively lose 100 pounds. For homa County 55-F. school in Iowa, every pound lost, the losing par- “Franklin is one summed it up ticipant pays $1 per pound. The of the superstars that after her dad $1 is then put into a pot, allowing every supervisor helped her recruit the person who loses the most weight to eventually win what wishes for,” King potential students. may add up to $100. said. “He’s enthusi- “We were at Another option includes astic and has a great a trade show and “Streetwalkers Unite” – an incen- sense of humor. His no one would stop,” Jones said. tive program that encourages par- variety of experi- ticipants to not only lose weight, “I went and got a ences with child wel- but to become more toned, toy train and set it fare gives him credi- Foster Care Recruiter Franklin Jones stronger and raise their heart up at her booth. bility. Prospective began a Foster Parent Association rates. Teams are organized of She didn’t under- foster parents trust for the Oklahoma County 55-F office approximately four people who stand until kids the information he to improve communication between create a name for their team. started coming by provides.” foster parents and OKDHS. Teams then compete to see who to look at it and In 2001, Jones can walk the most miles during their parents would follow. started a Foster Parent Association specified months. “I’d talk to the kids while she for the 55-F office in an effort to take Thursdays are weigh-in days gave her pitch to the parents. care of the foster parents he recruited. and feature speakers from differ- Afterward she said, ‘Dad, you’re ent heath-related agencies. They “The Foster Parent Association amazing,’ and I said ‘No, I’ve done is great because the more experi- include speakers from the this before.’ ” Employee Benefits Council, enced foster parents can help the Whether he’s pitching to Brown’s Shoe Fit, the American newer ones,” Jones said. “Many of prospective foster parents or strap- Cancer Society, the American the foster parents know that I like ping on his roller skates for another Heart Association, Oklahoma pound cake, so they’ll call and have spin around the rink, Jones said he’s State University Extension, Kay some cake and coffee waiting for me, too busy focusing on the present to sit County Health Department, the and I’ll listen to their problems. still long. YMCA and more. That’s a big part of keeping doors “I enjoy this job … I really do,” Early staff reports show that open because the types of children Jones said. “This is a rewarding job participating employees have many of our foster parents deal with … a good way to finish my career.” shed more than 80 pounds and cause strain. walked more than 472 miles!

INSIDE OKDHS — June 2003 7 Happy Smiles Mark ‘Take Your Children To Work Day’

Robert Ball, Data Services Division, and his daughter, Samantha, 10, were all giggles and grins.

Paula Price (center), programs administrator of Commodity Distribution, proudly poses with her two adopted daughters, Julianna (left), 8, and Katie (right), 6. Price not only adopted the sisters, she also continues to open her heart and home to foster children.

Yuzhou Fan, information systems devel- oper, Office of Planning, Policy and Finance Research, recently gave Division Jessica, 3, the grand Comptroller tour of the State John Guin’s Office. daughter, Kristyana, 4, snuggles up with her daddy.

OKDHS Director Howard H. Hendrick hugs Jayna Holzberger’s son, Kalyb Parker (left) and his pal, Brianica Steenbock, during the children’s afternoon reception.

8 INSIDE OKDHS — June 2003 The recent OKDHS “Take Your Children To Work Day” celebration featured a bevy of happy smiles by youngsters who seemed to enjoy spending a day at work with their parent or caretaker. During the event, children met agency staff, snacked on punch and cookies and received balloon art cre- ated by “ConFewZd” the clown (a.k.a. Debbie Drain, administrative assistant, Children and Family Services Division). “It was just a great event,” Drain said. “The children and their caretak- ers seemed happy and were all smiles. I really appreciate how our OKDHS Chief Financial Officer Phil Motley, standing, reviews budget reduction director, Howard H. Hendrick, took figures with Budget Unit Administrator Adam Barber, left, and Budget his time to get on an even level with Comptroller John Guin before making a monthly report to the Oklahoma all the children. Commission for Human Services. In the foreground, Office of Civil Rights Officer “He shook their hands and each Elizabeth Fine studies Commission materials. one got one-on-one attention. It made them all feel special.”

Become Positive

Today is the day you

can become the most

positive and The 10-member OKDHS County Directors Class VI points to their model book, “First Break All the Rules.” Copies of the book were presented to the class dur- enthusiastic person ing the academy graduation in April. They were all recognized for their class project, in which they produced a 10-minute video and a 30-second public serv- you know. ice announcement on volunteering for the OKDHS Office of Volunteerism. Pictured from left are Choctaw and Pushmataha County Director Freda R. House, Kiowa County Director Karen Moses, Finance Division Claims — George Earl Johnson, Jr. Administrator Jody Smith, Carter and Love County Director Harold Douglass Jr., April 2003 Seminole County Director Janis L. McElroy, Oklahoma County 55-G Assistant Director Eugene Gissandaner, Data Services Division Data Processing Administrator Susan Bohl, Cleveland County Assistant Director Gail Scribner, Area I Administrative Field Liaison Amy Whitson and Murray County Director Pat Bean. Copies of their video project have been distributed to all county offices for use in recruiting volunteers.

INSIDE OKDHS — June 2003 9 OKDHS Teams Win Governor’s Awards

Alfalfa County APS worker Maggie OKDHS’ Child Support Enforcement Division’ OCSE-157 Report/Performance Koppenaal credits her dog with help- Measures Team was recently honored with the Governor’s “Quality Crown ing her to find an unconscious elderly Award,” the top Quality Team honor. Some of the members of the team accept- woman last winter. ing the award in State House Chambers included (from left) Anthony Jackson, Barbara Starz and David Gulick. (Not pictured are: Bob Charbeneau, Karla Maggie Koppenaal Crawley, Jim Hutchinson, Judy Johnson, Larry Kelly, Joy Laramore, Fred McCroskey, Lisa Moses, Connie Wilson, Jay Burnside, Neil Williams and Receives Certificate Charlie Zink.) of Commendation The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services awarded Adult Protective Services Specialist Maggie Koppenaal a Certificate of Commendation for aiding a disori- ented elderly woman. In January, Koppenaal, who works at the OKDHS Alfalfa County office, found the elderly woman lying unconscious near Koppenaal’s home. The woman was dressed only in a nightgown, her hands and feet were bloody and her hands were covering her face. Koppenaal recognized her as a former APS client. She called 911, covered the woman with a blan- ket and stayed with her until an ambulance arrived. The Northern Oklahoma Resource Center of Enid (NORCE) was recently hon- Emergency personnel said the ored during the Governor’s Quality Awards with “Employee Empowerment woman was fortunate that Koppenaal Award” for implementing “The Caring Committee.” Prior to the awards cere- found her when she did. mony, some members of the team joined others from state agencies and host- The woman has since made a ed a booth in the Capitol’s rotunda. They included: (From left) Mitch full recovery. Koppenaal was instru- Buckminster, Shirleen Emick, Sandi Brown, Jann Ensz and Janie Ball. (Not pictured are Jan Cook, Shelia Johnston, Linda Kimmel, Joanne Carrube, Kevin mental in helping to find safe care for Aebi and John Barton. the woman. 10 INSIDE OKDHS — June 2003 Substance Abuse continued from page 1

(From left) Lynda Fox with the Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Columbia University, New York, visits with OKDHS’ Kyle McGraw and William C. Moyers just prior to Moyers delivering a speech to state alcohol and substance abuse professionals at the Governor’s Mansion Phillips Pavilion. missioner, Department of has been touched by someone who Mental Health and Substance has had or presently struggles with Abuse Services, during the “Great substance abuse. Awak-ening … An Invitation to “I was once part of the prob- Make a Difference Substance Abuse lem,” Moyers said. “I’m an alcoholic Confer-ence” held at the Governor’s and a drug addict. I started with casu- Mansion Phillips Pavilion. al marijuana use — this led to alcohol The national drug problem has and other harder drugs, and I eventu- not changed since he was last in ally found myself living in a crack Oklahoma in 1999, Moyers said. house in Harlem. “Today, there are people getting “I went through recovery three addicted to man-made drugs that didn’t times. I’m no longer part of the prob- even exist then.” lem — I’m part of the solution. Our Speaking to the nearly 200 sub- nation is fixated on the problem and stance abuse and addiction coun- not the solution. selors, human services professionals “We’re not in a war on drugs, and elected officials from across the but a war on people. When people state, Moyers discussed his key ini- stop demanding drugs, the supply tiative of “carrying the message” goes away.” about addiction and recovery into the Moyers has appeared on Larry public arena. He used his own per- King Live, the Oprah Winfrey Show sonal experiences to highlight the and the Today Show. His work has power of addiction and the power of also been featured in The New York recovery. Moyers also challenged the Times and Newsweek Magazine. audience to put a face on recovery. Moyers is the son of Bill Moyers, a According to Moyers, everyone well-known author, television per- has a story to tell because everyone sonality and native Oklahoman.

INSIDE OKDHS — June 2003 11 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 Supervisor Bob Ferguson 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 Tony Hennigh, Graphic Artist Jim Gumm, Photographer

OKDHS S03064 Issued 6/2003 Publication of Inside OKDHS is authorized by the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services in accor- dance with state and federal regulations and printed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services at a cost of $4033.00 for 4,033 copies. Copies have been deposited with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Publications Clearinghouse. Contents are not copyright- ed and may be freely quoted unless otherwise noted.

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