Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Engage

Getting Involved

To accomplish its mission, the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives creates “faithlinks”. By linking government with local resources, social service needs can be more effectively and efficiently addressed. The involvement of all types of organizations is critical to the health of the community and state. "Faith-based programs, volunteers, and grassroots groups are indispensable partners with nonprofit service providers and government programs to serve the poor, renew families, and rebuild neighborhoods." President George W. Bush, February 2002

Highlighted Opportunities

FOSTER CARE

Foster Care we need your help The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) has created a list of “The Top 10 Things You Can Do For A Foster Child”. The list may be downloaded or is available by request for group distribution. To participate in The Top 10, email us for the specific needs in your area. For more information about becoming a foster bridge parent, please call the Bridge Foster Care and Adoption Recruitment Office at 1-866-612-2565.

SENIOR CARE

Seniors In partnership with OKDHS Aging Services Division and the Area Agencies on Aging, the OFBCI offers the “Top 10 Things You Can Do For A Senior Adult”. The list provides practical ways you can help the aging in your community. Top 10 info cards or bulletin inserts for general distribution may be ordered here.

Community Organizations

Community Hands The private nonprofit sector has played a historical, vital role in American society. Some groups provide direct services to individuals or families in need. Others promote values or public policies that encourage a healthy society where human dignity is esteemed.

Faith-Based Organizations

Faith Sign Individual and corporate skills/interests can be utilized when faith congregations partner with state social service agencies to intentionally influence their communities. Providing help, with purpose, is one of the greatest agents for effectuating change in a person’s life. Prayers by the faith community are also welcomed. Click here for requests.

Local Business and Economic Partners

Local Business Community businesses can develop partnerships for distributing resources and/or providing economic opportunities for those less fortunate. Successful, purpose-driven business people may find meaning in sharing their knowledge and expertise through mentorship programs and employment. Both have the potential to provide financial stability and hope to disadvantaged populations.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services

The OFBCI encourages faith-based and community groups to contact their county OKDHS office and arrange a meeting with its Director. There are many ways in which groups can be supportive of government social service programs. One way is through the Adopt-A-Worker program which partners an OKDHS worker with a local faith congregation for encouragement and support. A formal Adopt-A-Worker program has been implemented in Tulsa County; however, individual OKDHS offices or local faith congregations may initiate the program in their own areas. Faith congregations that would like to receive the Adopt-A-Worker Program Guidelines and/or contact information for their county's OKDHS office, click here to send email.

State Agencies

Oklahoma The state welcomes partnerships with faith and community groups. These collaborations do not always involve a structured program or activity, nor government funding. All care-giving groups are vital to the community and it makes sense to work together.

Volunteerism

Volunteers Individual volunteerism often results in the engagement of an entire organization. If you have a passion to serve, be the catalyst for your faith-based or community group. Volunteer opportunities are identified through numerous groups that specialize in matching individual interests with community needs, such as www.loveokc.com, www.volunteermatch.org, and www.christianvolunteering.org.