Bringing Holiday Cheer to Foster Youth: A Look at Oklahoma’s Holiday Hope Program
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are thinking about gift-giving and spreading joy. However, for thousands of children in Oklahoma’s foster care system, the holidays can be a stark reminder of what they lack. Thankfully, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is stepping up to lighten that burden through an initiative called Holiday Hope.
A Worthy Cause with a Rich History
Led by CEO Joe Dorman, OICA has long been dedicated to supporting foster youth across the state. Seven years ago, the organization took over OK Foster Wishes, a nonprofit initiative focused on fulfilling wish lists created by foster children. The heartfelt idea mirrors a childhood tradition where children write letters to Santa Claus, expressing their hopes and dreams for gifts.
However, as circumstances evolved, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program adapted to meet the changing realities. Rather than collecting toys for distribution, OICA shifted to a more practical approach: providing gift cards to foster families. This change allows the families to choose gifts that best suit the children in their care, ensuring that each child receives something meaningful and appropriate.
Meeting a Critical Need
Currently, Oklahoma has nearly 6,000 children in foster care, many of whom are waiting to reunite with their biological families. While these children are receiving care, the families supporting them often face significant financial hurdles. The lack of sufficient support from the Oklahoma Human Services (OHS) has exacerbated this issue.
As of 2024, the reimbursement rates for foster care services have remained stagnant, impacting the resources available for these families. The daily reimbursement rates are as follows:
– Ages 0–5: .72 per day
– Ages 6–12: .42 per day
– Ages 13+: .62 per day
It’s worth noting that these rates are meant to cover essential expenses like food, clothing, shelter, and educational supplies. With limited funding, there’s often little room for providing holiday gifts, which brings a sense of urgency to programs like Holiday Hope.
What is Therapeutic Foster Care?
In addition to traditional foster care, there’s also a specialized area known as Therapeutic Foster Care. Designed for children aged 3-18, this program focuses on meeting the needs of those facing psychological, social, or emotional challenges. Therapeutic Foster Care requires additional investment—at .76 per day—because these children often need heightened support from caregivers trained in managing complex behavioral issues.
How to Contribute to Holiday Hope
Dorman emphasizes the importance of community involvement in making a difference. “OICA has created a link for individuals to directly donate to the program,” he states. This initiative not only allows for direct financial contributions but also facilitates partnerships with local banks to fill gift cards, which OHS will then distribute to families in need.
You don’t need to wait until you’re in a charitable mood in December. Everyday generosity can significantly impact these children’s lives. If you’re interested in contributing, you can directly donate to the Holiday Hope program by visiting this link.
For those who might prefer to support specific children, OICA encourages collaborating with local partners like Fostering Connections in northeast Oklahoma. They provide opportunities to select various gifts for foster children. You can find more information on their website here.
A Call to Action
The holiday season is a time for joy and connection—an opportunity to extend our support to those who need it the most. Joe Dorman and OICA are leading the charge in Oklahoma, reminding us that every little bit helps in transforming the lives of children in foster care.
For further inquiries or to get involved, feel free to reach out to Joe Dorman at 405-833-1117 or email him at jdorman@oica.org. Let’s unite to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, experiences the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Your involvement can truly make a difference—one gift at a time.
