DHS lecture explores collaboration of faith-based and public agency partnerships

Oklahoma City -- Improving lives and supporting those in need is a common goal shared between public agencies and the faith community.  The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) will explore that collaboration in the final installment of the Spring Practice and Policy Lecture Series.

“Church and State:  Oklahoma’s Faith Based Partnerships” will be held Thursday, May 14, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. 

A group of panelists will explain current partnerships between the public sector and local churches that have shown to be quite successful in combatting a variety of social issues.  Moderating the panel will be Ben Nockels, Leader of Project 111. 

Panelists include Dr. Deborah Shropshire, DHS Deputy Director of Child Welfare Community Partnerships.  She will discuss developing an alternative to foster care for families in crisis with a local nonprofit called Safe Families.

Also on the panel are Julie Lewis, Director of Refugee Resettlement, and Kim Brandy, Director of the Spero Project.  They will share stories of their work educating refugees and helping them in their transitions and getting adjusted to living in this area.

Rounding out the panel will be the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Family Awareness and Community Teamwork program.  Sergeant Wayland Cubit will participate, as well as Greg Dewey with Skyline Urban Ministries, who will share insightful experiences and lessons learned from gang prevention with local youth.

The Practice and Policy Lecture Series has been developed to provide thought-provoking presentations on Oklahoma's emerging policy issues, trends and best practices. The series is sponsored by the DHS Office of Planning, Research and Statistics and the University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management with the goal of providing the best educational opportunities available in a forum that offers participants an opportunity to question, share and learn from each other. 

All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information contact the Office of Planning, Research and Statistics at (405) 521-3552 or visit the Practice and Policy Lecture Series website. 

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