Walk a Mile in My Shoes

You are invited to participate in a community event happening this coming Saturday in Tulsa as well as in Oklahoma City.  The “Walk A Mile in My Shoes” foster care awareness and response event is scheduled for this Saturday, April 26, starting at 9 a.m.  Tulsa’s event will meet at the Laura Dester Shelter, and OKC Metro area’s event will meet at the Bricktown Ballpark.  In Bricktown, free parking will be provided in the lot across the street directly east of the ballpark.  Just let them know you are participating in the Walk A Mile event.

Imagine being surprised at your front door by a police officer and an OKDHS case worker who inform you that you have just a few minutes to fill up a garbage bag with whatever personal belongings you can stuff therein and then leave your home … with these strangers … to an undisclosed location to be cared for … by more strangers.  Welcome to the world of foster care.  With over 11,000 in the custody of the state of Oklahoma’s foster system this is a tragic story repeated way too often.

What can you do to help?  Maybe you aren’t at a place in life where you feel the freedom to foster or adopt; that’s fine.  There’s a bunch of other ways to make a difference.

Come to one of the locations mentioned above and learn ways to serve these children of our own state – children who are living lives of pain and sorrow.   Many vendors from our community, organizations dedicated to serving children and families at risk, will be on hand with displays and information about their organizations.  Who knows, you may discover a way to get involved that fits who you are and where you are in life.  Consider bring NEW shoes or NEW suitcases to donate for kid’s in state’s care.  You may donate them at either of the Walk A Mile locations.

Registration is free but is required.  For more information or to register go to: http://walkamilefostercareevent.com/.