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OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- Robert and Jeanne Stracke were honored during the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services meeting Feb. 25 for their generous gift to the Independent Living program administered through the OKDHS Children and Family Services Division.
The Stracke’s deeded property to the Department to help the program that prepares youth in state custody for adult life. There are children who have no family to provide natural supports after they leave custody at age 18.
OKDHS Director Howard H. Hendrick said, “We are thankful for the kindness and generosity of Robert and Jeanne Stracke. Their gift will be valued for years to come as it helps youth succeed in areas where government funding is not used."
Each year approximately 170 youth in OKDHS custody graduate from high school, turn 18 and can no longer be supported through the state foster care program. For many of them, it becomes their emancipation into adult life.
“With limited resources, we do what we can across the state to prepare these youth to meet everyday challenges of being an adult,” said Claudia Hunter OKDHS Independent Living program coordinator. “When private resources become available, they allow us to enhance our scholarship, mentoring and life skills programs.”
“With more than 2,000 eligible youth in our program, we are always needing additional financial resources to help in areas where we can’t use state or federal dollars. We are excited to know there are families like to Stracke’s who are willing to support a program that helps Oklahoma youth become better-educated and productive citizens.
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