Library: News Release
Phone: (405) 521-3027, Fax: (405) 522-3146
e-mail: Lauri.Monetti@okdhs.org
Mary Leaver – OKDHS Office of Communications
Phone: (405) 521-3027, Fax: (405) 522-3146
e-mail: Mary.Leaver@okdhs.org
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services today recognized Bernice Loreto and other clients for overcoming obstacles and finding success through OKDHS programs. Loreto was recognized during the presentation of the 2010 OKDHS annual report, during the Commission's monthly meeting in Oklahoma City.
Loreto has been successful since leaving the foster care system and is currently living on her own and raising her two children in-part thanks to OKDHS’ independent living program, subsidized child care, SoonerCare and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Through these programs she is able to maintain employment and pursue her education.
The Oklahoma Independent Living Program focuses on teens in foster care and seeks to help them plan for the future and ensure transition of youth ages 16 to 21 from state custody to self-sufficiency and successful adult living. OKDHS provides eligibility determination for the SoonerCare program; which is administered by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and provides health care to children and adults with children younger than 18. Last year, OKDHS certified 885,238 Oklahomans for SoonerCare. SNAP serves as the first line of defense against hunger and enables low-income families to buy eligible food. Last year, SNAP served 779,086 Oklahomans. Subsidized child care benefits are part of an overall plan designed to help low-income families achieve their maximum potential for self-support. Last year, 70,453 children received subsidized child care.
The annual report was presented to the commission by Connie Schlittler, OKDHS Office of Planning, Research and Statistics director and Information Services Divisions chief information officer.
Through the 2010 Annual Report, see how Oklahoma’s families were served by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Even as the definition of family may slightly shift, the OKDHS mission does not change: to help Oklahoma’s families lead safer, healthier and more productive lives. This video documentary introduces a few of those families and tells how OKDHS is serving greater numbers of families than ever before. To learn more about Loreto and other clients, please visit OKDHS’ annual report online.
