OKDHS Recognizes State Volunteers - Norman Resident Wanda Felty

OKLAHOMA CITY -- “A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit.”—Greek Proverb

Each year, generous Oklahomans across the state donate their time, talents and service to making Oklahoma a better place in which to live.  The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) recognized some of those volunteers at a recent awards ceremony at the Oklahoma History Center.

“Volunteers Plant Seeds of Kindness” was the theme for the annual event.  Last year, volunteers provided more than 2.2 million hours of service to OKDHS recipients, for a total of $40,352,770 in savings to Oklahoma. 

“Your commitment in planting seeds of kindness throughout Oklahoma helps fulfill the agency’s mission,” said OKDHS Director Ed Lake.  “Our goal is to help individuals and families help themselves lead safer, healthier, more independent and productive lives.  We thank you for volunteering your time and resources to help us achieve our mission.”

Norman resident Wanda Felty received the Donna Nigh Award, named for Oklahoma’s former First Lady.  Felty has been an active and successful advocate on behalf of individuals on the Developmental Disabilities Services Division waiting list, as well as Oklahomans with intellectual disabilities.

She works setting up meetings with legislators, state officials, parent groups and other advocates or groups whom she feels need to be educated about the needs of this special population of vulnerable citizens.  Felty was appointed by the Governor to the board of directors at the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, and was recently named to the Blue Ribbon Panel for Developmental Disabilities.

More than 100 people attended the ceremony including volunteers, their family and friends and several state legislators.

"I have witnessed the volunteer services these individuals provide, the compassion they exemplify, and am always amazed and truly humbled by the tremendous impact provided to Oklahoma children and families,” said Karen Jacobs, Administrator of the OKDHS Office of Community and Faith Engagement.  “They do not volunteer for any glory or honor, but simply because they have a gentle and caring nature.  I am honored to help recognize these individuals and organizations for their service to Oklahoma,” Jacobs said.

Oklahoma had more than 831,000 volunteers last year, with nearly 70 percent of volunteers doing favors for their neighbors.  Oklahoma ranks 20th in the nation with 29 percent of all residents volunteering.

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From left, OKDHS Director Ed Lake, Norman resident Wanda Felty, Former First Lady of Oklahoma Donna Nigh, Representative Bob Cleveland and Senator Rob Standridge