OKDHS Programs Help Clients Overcome Obstacles, Improve Quality of Life

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) today issued it’s 2011 Annual Report, and cited several Oklahomans for overcoming obstacles and finding success through OKDHS programs.

The report, entitled “Hope for Oklahoma,” features Elk City resident Mary Anderson, whose sister Rebecca is an OKDHS client.  Rebecca has cerebral palsy, and because of help she receives from OKDHS, is able to live independently in Oklahoma City.

“I’ve never seen Rebecca so happy,” Anderson said.  “I don’t think she would have lived this long if she had been in a nursing home or institution all these years.  The special care she receives…I’ve just never seen anything like it.  The staff honestly, truly loves her like family.”

Rebecca lives in a house with Sonya and Shelly, two other women who have similar disabilities.  The women are able to live independently through an OKDHS program that pays for a house manager and staff who are on duty 24/7.  OKDHS assistance also allowed for some much-needed architectural modifications to the home, widening doorways and replacing carpet with tile.

“I think there’s no comparison in the care an individual would have in a private home like this as opposed to a nursing home or institution,” Anderson said. “It’s not that they weren’t good to Rebecca before, but they were overwhelmed with so many people. This is probably the happiest I’ve ever seen her, and I thank the DHS for helping improve Rebecca’s quality of life.”

The report also features Ed Foster, whose daughter Sonya lives in the home. “She’s just much happier now,” Foster said. “Sonya lived for a long time at Northern Oklahoma Resource Center, and she received good care. But the drive to Enid just really got old.  It’s much better having her living closer to me.”

Through the 2011 Annual Report, see how Oklahomans were served by the OKDHS. As the OKDHS enters into its 75th year, the agency’s mission has not changed: to help Oklahoma’s families lead safer, healthier and more productive lives.

A video documentary introduces a few of those Oklahomans who have received services and tells how OKDHS is serving greater numbers of families and individuals than ever before. To learn more about these and other clients, please visit OKDHS’ annual report online at http://oucpm.org/okdhsannualreport (Link opens in new window).

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Mary Anderson, right, credits OKDHS for allowing her sister Rebecca to live independently.

Ed Foster is able to provide independent living for his daughter Sonya through services provided by OKDHS.