Oklahoma Foster Care Initiative Receives $20,000 Grant to Support Families
An Oklahoma-based organization dedicated to assisting children in the foster care system, The 111Project, has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The funding, championed by Commissioner Brian Maughan, will enhance the organization’s CarePortal initiative, aimed at meeting the needs of local families struggling with various challenges.
"We’re incredibly grateful for Commissioner Maughan’s support," said Chris Campbell, Executive Director of The 111Project. "This funding will help us assist Oklahoma County families and increase the number of needs we can address, which currently stands at only 67% met."
The CarePortal connects churches and community members with anonymous requests from families across Oklahoma, collaborating closely with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). Requests can range from rental assistance and utility bills to the provision of new appliances and other donated items.
Some of the goals tackled through the portal are profoundly significant, including efforts to reunite children with their families emerging from the foster care system and ensuring kids remain in safe environments. “These requests are made public by agency partners, allowing immediate community support,” Campbell explained.
Representatives from Oklahoma DHS praised the vital partnership with The 111Project, highlighting its impressive track record of organizing community ministries and training to equip local residents to support vulnerable families. "There have been countless success stories through this partnership, each representing a community coming together to uplift children and families in need," a DHS spokesperson noted.
As The 111Project gears up to utilize the ARPA grant, the hope is to amplify its impact, further enriching the support network for Oklahoma’s foster system families.
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