Fall 2025
I want to start by saying that July 2025 was our busiest month to date at the Fostering Hope House. This is our building, where children go with their workers while they wait for placement. We call it a Safe Place for the In-Between Places.
38 children were welcomed into the building. Lots of teens who struggled in traditional foster homes have nowhere to go, and then groups of younger children were all guests. Typically, summertime is quieter and we can get ahead, but with the use of the Fostering Hope House, emergency bags, and To-Go Birthday Parties, we were able to meet many needs this past summer.
Thank you, Fostering Hope Family and Friends, for walking alongside our Team to ensure we have the supplies and helping hands needed to make a difference in the lives of so many children.
Recent Highlights
Fostering Hope Across Oklahoma
What an honor to welcome Oklahoma’s new DHS Director, Jeffrey Cartmell, to Fostering Hope. Annie and our team shared how Bags Full of Hope, Hope House, Birthday Bags, and more are serving kids and families every single day. We also had the honor of welcoming our very own, OK Senator, Avery Frix.
Even on the hard days, we’re reminded why this work matters.
Recently, we also had the privilege of hosting Michael Williams, the new Oklahoma Child Welfare Director, and DHS team. Over lunch and a tour of our Hope House, we shared how we partner with DHS to support children and families across our state.
The stories we hear can be heavy, but moments like this remind us we’re not alone — together, we are building a stronger system of care, one child at a time.
Muskogee Exchange Club Award
In August, the Muskogee Exchange Club presented our Executive Director, Annie Czaruk, with a $6,000 check. The proceeds from the club’s spring Chili Cookoff are donated to selected non-profits in the community. Fostering Hope appreciates being recognized with other worthy organizations in Muskogee.
Teen Board Update
We are delighted to welcome our 2025-2026 Fostering Hope Teen Board. Fifty-four applications were submitted over the summer, and the new class is ready to serve our community, make new friends, and help make a difference for the children we support.
The meetings include food, guest speakers, games, leadership activities, site visits, and did we say food? Thank you to the teen board parents who sign up for meals throughout the year. The Fostering Hope Teen Board can eat! Introductions will be made after the September meeting.
Community Corner
Meet Lyndi, the newest addition to our Fostering Hope team. Lyndi is from Muskogee and graduated from Oktaha High School. She earned a degree in Child Advocacy and is currently continuing her education at NSU. She enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, kayaking, and being with family. She joined us with a passion for serving others and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of foster children. Lyndi is proud to be a part of a mission that brings hope and support to children in our community.
Annie's mom Chrissie (aka Oh-Mommy) is the best rocker and soother we have on our FHH Volunteer Team. She always adds an extra dose of grandmotherly love to our guests at the Hope House. Thanks OH!