Submitted report
McALESTER —
The Pittsburg County Oklahoma Department of Human Services recently held a fundraiser to assist the Pittsburg County Foster Parent Association.
“Our foster parents are an amazing resource for OKDHS, the state of Oklahoma and, particularly, children who have been victims of abuse and neglect, said Carey Fabrizio, DHS Foster Care specialist.
“We are excited to help their association when we can.”
The donation came from an internal fundraiser where the employees of Pittsburg County OKDHS contributed money to wear jeans, instead of regular business attire, for the month of August, according to Fabrizio.
He said a total of $500 was raised and presented to Pittsburg County Foster Parent Association President January Holley.
OKDHS County Director Sammy McClendon said, “It was a very successful fundraiser which shows how generous and supportive our office employees are in addition to helping support our foster parents and the children they care for.”
The money will be used by the Pittsburg County FPA to help provide local foster parents resource tools and support as well as regular business expenses, according to Fabrizio.
The Pittsburg County FPA is locally operated and has meetings every third Tuesday of each month and training is provided for the foster parents to help them with varying options to manage any issues they may be having, Fabrizio said.
“The FPA is an independent organization separate from OKDHS,” Fabrizio said. “However, both are in agreement that Pittsburg County needs more foster parents.”
Those interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent can call OKDHS at 918 421-6101.
