WHO WE ARE
PURPOSE
PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FAITH & BUSINESS COMMUNITIES TO IMPACT THE LIVES OF FOSTER CHILDREN AND YOUTH AS THEY JOURNEY THROUGH THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM.
MISSION
Provide OPPORTUNITY, create COMMUNITY, and fight for JUSTICE for foster and at-risk kids
VISION
Connect and create purposeful futures for foster and at-risk kids
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
In 2006, Gary met Andi McDowell, she was a staff member at a local foster group home. Feeling prompted by God, Gary approached Andi to ask “Who is helping these kids?” She said:
“They are the faceless generation. They are the forgotten ones. No one is helping them on their journey.”
Her statements impacted him so deeply, he knew he had to do something…
Gary asked the question:
“How can I make a difference? How can our church make a difference?”
Over the next year, huge resource gaps in the system were identified. OCJ Kids has been working diligently to fill these gaps. Pajamas, diapers, underwear, wipes and gift cards are given to case workers so children can be cleaned, clothed and fed when they are removed from their homes by the Department of Child Safety. Hygiene products are waiting for the child when they are placed into a group home. Mentors go into the group homes and form lasting relationships with the children and teens. OCJ Kids provides outreach events so young people living in foster group homes can make memories that will last a lifetime. Finally, when the child turns 18 and leaves care, a duffle bag, empty suitcases, a cell phone and folder of resources is given to the young adult to help them succeed in adulthood.
The goal remains:
“I want to change the culture of foster care in Arizona, and create resilient foster kids.”
~ Gary Webb
RESOURCE
Resources and kits for group homes and child services
EQUIP
Foster youth with tools and skills to successfully journey through foster care
CONNECT
Creating opportunities for the business and faith community to impact youth in the foster care system
TRANSITION
Assist foster youth to successfully transition into independent living
Help Fulfill Our Mission
Every $ donated to OCJ Kids helps move forward our mission & deliver programs so we never have to say “No”.