Oklahoma announces Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at DHS

At a Capitol event, Governor Kevin Stitt announced the creation of the Oklahoma Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, to be housed at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and designed to connect churches and nonprofit groups with state services and volunteer opportunities.

"I'm proud to announce the Oklahoma Office of Faith Based Initiatives today," the governor said, describing the office as a "clearinghouse for churches and organizations to connect with those that need some help" and as a vehicle for "pro family initiatives." He said the office is intended to be an "opt-in" resource rather than a new government program: "This is meant to be an opportunity... not another government program."

Jeffrey Cartmell, speaking for Oklahoma Human Services, said the office will serve as a focal connection point for state agencies and faith-based partners while stressing it is an office for all of state government, not solely a DHS program. Cartmell introduced Andrea as the liaison for the new office; Andrea described the office as a statewide hub that will let churches and community groups register their services and make local resources searchable through the website oklahoma.gov/faithandcommunity and the platform Be a Neighbor.

Andrea, who described experience as a foster and adoptive parent, said the platform will allow organizations to "update their information so resources are always current and individuals can search local communities and services that they need." She also said the office will help facilitate training and local volunteer connections with partner agencies, including the Department of Corrections and the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Several faith leaders spoke in support. Iron Brown, introduced as associate campus pastor at Life Church in Shawnee, described recruiting foster families through church outreach and partnering with OKDHS in supporting those families. "Without both of those partnerships, we would not be as successful," he said of church–state collaboration in foster care work.

State Rep. AJ Pittman, who said he sponsored legislation advancing the office, called House Bill 3840 a "no brainer" that formalizes connections between faith-based communities and state services and noted the announcement coincides with the governor designating November as Family Month.

During a short question-and-answer period, an audience member asked how organizers would respond to critics concerned about church–state cooperation. Rep. Pittman and the governor replied the program is voluntary for churches and described it as a way for community groups to "opt in" to offer services. The governor additionally cited the state Supreme Court’s limits on discrimination and said the state will not restrict participation by nonprofit organizations that meet verification checks.

Organizers did not present a formal vote or new regulation at the event. The office will be housed at Oklahoma Human Services; organizers said details and sign-up options are available at oklahoma.gov/faithandcommunity and via the Be a Neighbor platform.

The event closed with thanks to legislative partners and agency staff. "Thank you, guys. God bless," the governor said.