Shelter

Serving Abused Children

Our Donald W. Reynolds Caring Center provides temporary and emergency shelter to abused and homeless youth ages 0 to 18 that are in DHS or OJA custody. These children are offered a place of safety during uncertain and turbulent times. Additionally, counseling services within Youth & Family Services may be accessed as necessary and often make the difference in assisting these children on their path to healing and recovery.  We are also a designated runaway basic center. The Caring Center offers a homelike setting, with plenty of recreational opportunities.  We strive to provide a healthy environment. (Youth & Family Wellness Policy, Triennial Wellness Policy Assessment Report)

A Parent in Canadian county may utilize the shelter for their children for up to 48 hours in a crisis situation. This can often provide the parent and child with the critical time they need to de-escalate and gain a new perspective on a difficult situation. Parents may contact the Shelter directly and visit with the Shelter Coordinator to see if their circumstance meets our program criteria for admission.

The Emergency Shelter averages 100 children a year from throughout the State of Oklahoma.

Success Stories:

Neglected Children Begin a Journey of Healing

Siblings Abigail, age 4, and Timmy, age 3 were severally abused and neglected. Although Timmy had a sweet personality, the early years of abuse had left its scars, certain areas of a home would cause him to have severe crying episodes if he was taken near them.

With a lot of work, love, and compassion, we were able to show Timmy that his home could be a safe place free from being abused. Abigail learned she could play and be a kid. Abigail and Timmy were later fostered by two loving people and were soon adopted. Today, Timmy and Abigail spend more time smiling and enjoying their childhood.

 

Abused Youth Dreams BIG!

Antonio, age 16, was removed from his adoptive home because he was being abused. When he came to Youth & Family Services, it was obvious that Antonio was passionate about living his life to the fullest; he had goals and dreams of playing football and going to college. Antonio just needed someone to believe in him.

When Antonio’s high school coach heard Antonio’s story, the coach started working out details to foster Antonio. Antonio had faith in the fact that he would someday be able to achieve his dreams. A few months later his coach was able to foster him, and Antonio went on to become an All-Star football player of his high school his senior year. Antonio received a full ride scholarship to college and keeps in close contact with his coach, who helped make his dreams come true.

 

 


In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

  1. mail:

    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

  2. fax:
    (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email:
    program.intake@usda.gov

 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.