OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is working with Oklahoma Human Services (DHS) to help residents understand requirements affecting access to government assistance programs, as the organization prepares to raise concerns about the process with Oklahoma’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.
OICA Chief Executive Officer Joe Dorman said the organization is seeking to provide clearer information for Oklahomans who qualify for services but may face difficulties retaining benefits or completing applications because of their economic circumstances.
Dorman has also been navigating the process personally while helping his mother renew her services under additional requirements established by federal law passed last year.
“I have been helping my mother navigate renewing her services with the additional requirements established by the federal law passed last year. I want to thank our local funeral home for assisting us with assigning her life insurance policy over to a funeral plan. They told us three people had come in the same day we visited to do the same with paperwork. I also appreciate our local realtor for drafting a letter accurately listing the value of a piece of property which she and I jointly own.”
OICA and Oklahoma Human Services Work on Benefits Guidance
Dorman said gathering and submitting the necessary documentation can take time, particularly for residents who need assistance completing forms or demonstrating eligibility.
“It will take some time to ensure that all paperwork is sufficient to restore services, and if you know of someone who is struggling, please help them to either file forms online or visit one of the local DHS offices. More information will come next week on how to best navigate the process, and I appreciate DHS leadership for working with OICA to help get this information out.”
OICA plans to provide additional information on navigating the process as its work with DHS continues.
Dorman is also scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., where he plans to meet with members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation and discuss how federal requirements are affecting residents who depend on government programs.
He estimated that about one-quarter of Oklahoma’s population, or roughly one million people, receive support through such programs.
“While I agree that there is a need to ensure verification, it should not come with increased difficulty for those who are elderly, infirm, or children who legitimately receive a benefit.”
Dorman said many recipients use government benefits temporarily. However, he argued that senior citizens who have retired or are unable to work can depend on those programs after spending years in jobs that offered limited or no retirement benefits.
The issue also intersects with OICA’s child advocacy mission because Oklahoma has a significant number of grandparents raising grandchildren or taking on family placement cases through Human Services.
Washington Meetings to Highlight Experiences of Oklahoma Families
Dorman said the Washington meetings will provide an opportunity for nonprofit organizations and advocates to share stories they have heard from people affected by the requirements.
“I am looking forward to the visits this week so those of us present can share the stories we have heard so often over the past few months from those who reach out to us or the many we serve as nonprofit organizations. I would encourage you to reach out to policymakers to share your own story, as that is why advocacy is so important.”
He also encouraged residents to communicate directly with elected officials about the effects of government policies.
“If our elected officials do not hear how laws impact citizens, it is unlikely things will change. I will share more on the OICA social media accounts as we navigate the halls of Congress.”
Constitution Day Brings Focus to Kid Governor Program
OICA’s advocacy activities coincide with Constitution Day, observed nationwide on September 17. The organization is using the occasion to highlight its Kid Governor® program, which introduces fifth-grade students to state government, elections and civic participation.
Participating teachers receive free prepared lesson plans explaining how state government operates and why voting is important when students reach age 18. An expanded option allows students to conduct classroom elections, propose ideas for improving Oklahoma and vote for candidates.
Classrooms in Allen, Ardmore, Bethany, Colcord, Collinsville, Commerce, Cushing, Del City, Duncan, Durant, Enid, Erick, Forgan, Lawton, Marble City, Marlow, Marietta, Moore, Mustang, Oklahoma City, Pond Creek, Putnam City, Roland, Tulsa, Tupelo, Wanette and Wayne have signed up for the program.
OICA is encouraging families whose schools are not participating to contact their fifth-grade teachers or program director Licia Walters-Davis for information about enrollment before the Friday 5 p.m. deadline.
The Washington meetings and Kid Governor program reflect OICA’s broader effort to connect Oklahoma families with government institutions while promoting civic participation among the state’s young people.
