Community Meeting to Examine Area Foster Care Needs

DURANT, OKLA. -- The Fostering Hope Community Gathering will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Abundant Life Temple, 1307 N. Washington in Durant. The event includes 2 meetings: a lunch meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and a dinner meeting from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The events are free to attend, include a meal and are open to the public. Registration is preferred. Register at: http://www.faithlinksok.org/FeaturedEvents.htm.
The community gathering will examine the area’s foster care needs and explore opportunities to serve children. Hosted by the Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives, Fostering Hope for Children encourages individuals to transform the life of a child through community service.

In November 2008, more than 11,000 Oklahoma children were placed in foster care. In that same period, 200 children were placed in foster care in Bryan, Marshall and Choctaw counties combined. Fostering Hope is an opportunity for local faith and community groups to invest in their own futures by investing in the futures of their community’s children.

“You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the world for one child,” said Robin Jones, director, Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives. “We urge community leaders and citizens to attend this event to learn how they can help their community’s most vulnerable citizens.”

The keynote speaker will be Randy Martin, founder and CEO of Covenant Community Services Inc. Martin has more than 20 years experience in social services, has served as California’s Kern County’s Royal Family Kids’ Camp Director and is a licensed minister and non-profit consultant.

For more information, call (405) 522-0606, (580) 931-2500 or e-mail: info@faithlinksok.org.

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