OKDHS Changes Lives Through Foster Parenting

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) has issued its 2012 Annual Report, recognizing several Oklahomans who have used the agency’s services and programs to overcome obstacles and find success.

The report, entitled “75 Years of Service for Oklahoma,” featured an Edmond couple, Guy and Lisa Feist.  More than eight years ago, the Feists’ decided to become foster parents, working closely with the DHS.  Today they are parents of their very own “Brady Bunch”--three boys and three girls.

A couple of years ago, Lisa heard of an infant who was born premature, addicted to cocaine with a host of other medical issues.  One of the most serious was a heart defect.

“The hospital can’t keep kids past 28 days,” Lisa said, “and without a family this precious little child was going to be moved to a center where she would die.  I talked to Guy and we made the decision to take her into our family.  DHS was so great to work with and within four days little Mia became part of our lives.”

Three months later, Mia received a heart transplant and today she is a happy, healthy two-and-a half year old child.

“The DHS system has been wonderful,” Lisa said.  “They’ve bent over backward to help us on our journey, and it really has been a life-changing experience.”

Through the 2012 Annual Report, see how Oklahomans were served by the OKDHS.  After 75 years of service, the agency’s mission continues as it strives to help Oklahoma families lead safer, healthier, and more productive lives.

A video documentary introduces a few of those Oklahomans and tells how OKDHS is serving greater numbers of families and individuals than ever before.  To learn more about these clients, please visit OKDHS’ Annual Report online at http://oucpm.org/okdhsannualreport/

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Edmond couple Guy and Lisa Feist, and a few of the "Brady Bunch" they have welcomed into their family.