The OFBCI has selected several areas of significant need to promote intentional involvement by faith and community organizations. OFBCI’s priority areas include:

Emergency Preparedness. Through strategic partnerships, foster awareness within faith congregations and community groups about potential hazards and encourage the development of family, organizational and community emergency plans. Potential disasters in Oklahoma range from severe weather (thunderstorms, tornadoes and floods) to hazardous materials incidents and terrorist attacks. View OFBCI’s Resource and Volunteer Opportunities list for more information. The Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security hosts www.reddirtready.com to provide timely information.

Facilitation. Promote networking opportunities, engage with event specific activities and provide support and/or administrative systems with projects that align with our mission.

Foster Care. Inform, motivate, and enlist the faith community in addressing the many needs and issues facing foster care children and families in Oklahoma. If you are interested in volunteering, the foster care bridge service providers and ministries on our resource lists can use your help: Metro Oklahoma City List and Metro Tulsa List.

Health. Respond to a variety of health issues for the overall well being of Oklahomans including: Food and Nutrition, Free Medical Clinics, Health Literacy and Substance Abuse. This includes collaborations with four state agencies, i.e., Oklahoma Department of Education, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. See the attached list for information on various health-related programs through these agencies. In addition, the Oklahoma City-County Health Department has a master faith-based database for the efficient dissemination of information in future potential crisis health situations. If you are in Oklahoma County, please register your contact information to receive health alerts.

Prisoner Reentry. In cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, assist in the coordination of reentry services through participation in the Oklahoma Partnership for Successful Reentry, Inc., and provision of educational and networking forums through Prisoner Reentry Initiatives.