Summer 2026
Recent Highlights
Muskogee’s Hometown Hero
Executive Director and Co-Founder of Fostering Hope, Annie Czaruk, was recently presented with the Hometown Hero Award by Christopher J Wilson, United States District Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Department of Justice created the Hometown Hero Award to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. U.S. Attorneys present this award within their district to recognize local leaders who exemplify the qualities of Liberty, Service, and Civic Responsibility, enduring ideals upon which our nation was founded.
Congratulations to Annie, and thank you to Chris Wilson for this recognition and honor.
Icing on the Cake
In 2020, our To-Go Birthday Party program was launched. It has proven to be an incredibly successful ministry. Since our first child in March of 2020, you have helped us celebrate over 750 children. A wish list fulfilled is an extraordinary event for a child who has felt neglected and unseen. A birthday cake and the act of blowing out candles are, in themselves, a wish come true. Wrapped gifts. A new pair of shoes. An outfit with the tags still on. Small things that help a child feel loved.
In total, FH has given out close to 2,300 specialized gifts, close to 1,000 new pairs of shoes, along with Bibles and books, too, because every child deserves to be celebrated on their birthday.
Nikes and a Shampoo
A recent Hope House guest arrived from Oklahoma County after being placed near Muskogee County, and it was not working out. When Lyndi told him we could help wash his things and offered new shoes and clothes, he perked up a little and made eye contact.
He came in wearing size 11.5 shoes. After she measured his feet, he was actually in a size 9.5. Lyndi brought back several size 9.5 shoes to try. When the teen saw a pair of Nike Air Maxes that fit, he smiled and said he would wear them every day. Absolutely elated, he asked her to take a picture of him, modeling his new Nikes.
With new confidence, a shampoo and rinse was requested. His DHS worker complied, and our new friend stretched out in the shampoo chair for a beauty treatment.
FH Update: Caddo County, home of Reba McEntire,
has been added to our growing map of counties served.
Community Corner
Getting By With A Little Help From Friends
Partnering with Green Country Behavioral Health’s counselors Zoe Hall and Cayton Tejada, FH is hosting a summer program for teens. The weekly sessions are a safe place for teens to build real-life skills that better prepare them for transition into adulthood.
Communication, goal setting, money management, and relationship building are presented in a hands-on, judgment-free environment. Cooking classes, team-building activities, and lots of laughter ensure a fun session each week. Thank you to Green Country for allowing us to facilitate The Kind Society Social Club. You are helping teens be better equipped to navigate the world they live in.
Additionally, Muskogee Medical Foundation’s sponsorship has made the cooking classes possible. Lyndi from Fostering Hope is leading the cooking classes. Protein smoothies with lots of yummy ingredients were last week's recipe.
Community partners, making a difference, one teen at a time.
Celebrating Lyndi Coffman’s first Anniversary at Fostering Hope!
Lyndi plays an important role in our day-to-day operations and can often be found leading volunteers, managing projects both big and small, taking emergency calls at all hours of the night, and helping keep Fostering Hope running smoothly. From fundraising for Gingerbread Land and community events to leading in-service days with DHS, she brings dedication, creativity, and heart to everything she does. She is always willing to step in wherever needed and consistently goes above and beyond for the children and families we serve.
She’s also known for making sure every child’s Bag Full of Hope or To-Go Birthday includes something that makes them feel a little extra special and reminds them they are loved. We are incredibly grateful for Lyndi, her servant’s heart, and her commitment to children and families impacted by foster care. We are thankful to have you as part of the Fostering Hope family.
Celebrating Courtney Beaver's Third anniversary at Fostering Hope!
Courtney plays an important role on our On-Call Team and is always quick to answer the phone when a need arises, assist with reindeer ears at Gingerbread Land, work at the Chili Cook-Off, or alongside volunteers during service projects here at the FH House.
Most of the time, you can find Courtney on our On-Call Team. And if you know Courtney, you know that's saying a lot because her bedtime is 8 o'clock sharp, and she firmly believes anything after that qualifies as the middle of the night! Despite not being a night owl, Courtney never hesitates when a call comes in. For 3 years, she has answered calls (even late-night ones) and shown up with a caring heart and commitment.
We appreciate Courtney’s dedication, compassion, and follow-through for children when they need it most. We can always count on her to step in and be there, no matter the circumstance. Thank you, Courtney—we are grateful for you and your willingness to walk alongside children during some of their hardest moments.