Governor, Oklahoma Human Services call for non-profits, faith-based programs and community organizations to join new BeANeighbor.org initiative

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) announced today a new initiative called Be A Neighbor (BeANeighbor.org), a web-based platform to identify and unify non-profits, community organizations and faith-based groups across the state who provide programs that are meeting the needs of vulnerable populations in their communities.

"When we are all working together as one state, I am confident we can change the future for Oklahomans for the better," said Gov. Kevin Stitt. "I am asking for Oklahoma's non-profits, community organizations and faith-based programs to sign up and identify as a 'Neighbor' on our new platform, BeANeighbor.org. The goal is to have a one-stop-shop for Oklahomans to find help or to discover ways to give or volunteer. Most importantly, this new initiative will allow the State to better partner our caseworkers and resources with local programs to help deliver lasting change."

The Governor is calling for Oklahoma's non-profits, faith-based programs and community organizations that meet local needs in their community to identify as "Neighbors" at BeANeighbor.org. The initiative was crafted in partnership with 2-1-1 and Count Me In 4 Kids, and it seeks to create an easy-to-navigate library of resources where fellow Oklahomans can find help or where Oklahomans can discover organizations to lend their support.

Most importantly, the State's caseworkers will be trained to utilize the platform for streamlining and strengthening public-private partnerships to help vulnerable populations and also to better identify resource deserts across the state.

"At OKDHS, we see firsthand every day the impact of communities stepping forward to support their neighbors," said OKDHS Director Justin Brown. "BeANeighbor.org brings human services to the local level, allowing community organizations, faith-based groups and non-profits to work shoulder-to-shoulder with OKDHS to meet the needs of the individuals and families we serve together. Hope is rising in Oklahoma as this initiative allows Oklahomans to help other Oklahomans achieve independence and create better futures."

BeANeighbor.org identifies three key pillars where the Governor is working to unite Neighbors to help the State bring lasting, positive change and end cycles of poverty. Using cutting-edge technology, visitors to the Be A Neighbor website can engage with a map to learn how their counties are faring in these critical categories:  

• Youth dropping out of high school;
• Youth aging out of foster care without a family;
• Individuals re-entering society after prison, and more.

"Oklahoma has the resources we need to bring our state out of Bottom Ten rankings," said Gov. Stitt. "This initiative seeks to strength connections and drive efficiency in the delivery of those resources so that we can best serve the person who needs help to achieve lasting change."

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