Spring 2025
Recent Highlights
Walmart Champions Children
Fostering Hope is delighted to announce that Annie Czaruk, Executive Director of FH, has recently accepted a $20,000 corporate grant from Walmart Inc. The Strategic Initiatives Fund was an affirmation by a Fortune 500 organization that our mission to improve the lives of children in foster care is relevant and essential. Accepting the check at the Checotah Walmart with John Lamont and his team was a dream come true.
Since our inception 9 years ago, Walmart has been integral to our work. Needed clothing, shoes, birthday supplies, toiletries, and toys are all reasonably priced. On a late-night call, out-of-stock needs can be conveniently addressed at Walmart. Supplies to keep the Hope House running are always on the shelves. Walmart fuels our Teen Board Donation Drives. Local grants have helped offset ongoing needs over the years, and we are most grateful for community help. Thank you to the Walmart organization for generously believing that all children should be seen and heard.
On the Road Again
This quarter, Annie and Dawn shared food and information with Child Welfare, Foster Care, and Child Protective Services investigators throughout Region 4. Workers were able to learn about what we do and to ask questions. The most essential message shared was that Fostering Hope and our community appreciate your hard work and are here to support you and the children you serve.
Always Time for a Party
We celebrated our 9th birthday in style! Mamma Tigs Pizza, lemonade toasts, gelato with chocolate sauce… and an open invitation to all who have made Fostering Hope, The Hope House, and our To-Go Birthday Party program possible. Thank you for 9 years and counting. From The Fostering Hope Team.
Teen Board collected over 300 Birthday Party supply kits!
Community Corner
Fostering Hope Friends
Fostering Hope welcomes Brian Bobeck, Director of Faith-Based Community Initiatives, and Andrea Stasyszen, Deputy for Faith-Based Community Initiatives
Meet Brody Johnson, a Care Coordinator hero working with Homebased Services and Resources. Brody serves in the field with foster families from Wewoka to Woodward, as well as in the OKC area. He works with FH to assist his foster parents. "Too often, children come into custody with very few possessions and garments, and clothing vouchers are slow to arrive. Additionally, the reimbursement for providing care to a child is delivered to a foster parent a full month after taking placement. It is for this reason that Fostering Hope has been indispensable. It is deeply warming to see the joy on the faces of foster children in a home when a care package from Fostering Hope arrives, and my foster parents are always extremely grateful.