Single Dad Raises his son, Zain

This is Zain and he is six month old. He came into Infant Crisis Services today with his Grandma, who shared her son's story with me. Zain's dad, Bill, is a nineteen-year-old single father who just got full custody 4 weeks ago. As a newborn, Zain lived with his mother where he was malnourished and was never bathed. One day she took off and no one knows where she went. Zain's father works six days a week to provide a home and other necessities for Zain. Grandma drives to Weatherford every day to pick Zain up and drop him off when Bill gets home.

"When he decided to raise this baby I said I would stand behind him 100 percent," said Grandma.

Zain was smiling for any one and every one while at Infant Crisis Services. I said to Grandma how happy Zain was and she said every since he went to live with his father he has drastically changed into a happier baby and how her son has surprised her by stepping in and providing a good life for Zain.

Handmade Teddy Bears

A wonderful woman from Perkins handmade 10 teddy bears and donated them to Infant Crisis Services. The babies loved them! It is such a special gift from her heart and something these babies will hopefully have forever.

One year ago today, Infant Crisis Services opened the doors of the new facility. The new building was a wonderful gift from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. It took over a year to build, but the wait was worth it. In this building Infant Crisis Services has fed and diapered 12,164 babies and toddlers. To the right, is the first baby ever served at the new location. This building has been an unbelievable blessing!

Twins!!!!

Executive Director, Miki Farris, loves her job

I love my job! There are just no two ways about it. I wake up every morning anxious to see what the new day will bring. It is like directing a huge orchestra. So many beautiful contributions made by so many to insure that no baby or toddler go hungry. I tried to decide which part of the orchestra I liked the most! I finally decided I liked all of it. Here’s why….I just walked through the playroom. There around the toy table were six or so volunteers sharing, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. Not six good friends but six volunteers who didn’t know each other before but are drawn together because they want to be a part of our mission to feed and diaper the smallest of the poor and hungry in our community. Earlier, as I walked through the clothing and playroom, I held a 4 pound baby boy. He was no bigger than a minute and was as light as a feather. His little sister immediately let me know that he was her baby and alerted her mom as well that a stranger had picked up the newest member of their family. I then went to a Teen Board Committee meeting. There again were volunteers, board members and staff dedicated to helping the Teen Board put on their auction fundraiser on April 23rd. Together they are planning, sharing, and enjoying the journey with the teens in making this year’s event a success. I’ve had numerous visits from staff members today as well. Each of them reporting on their progress of their projects. Everyone is doing their part to make sure the organization runs smoothly and the babies are helped. I’m hoping next I can help open mail. I love opening the mail, reading a sweet note from a donor, receiving a tribute gift honoring a loved one or a donation in response to one of our appeals or special events. Once again I am reminded of how many generous people give of their “treasure” each and every day. Seriously…who could ask for more? Babies, volunteers, donors, staff, and clients all are playing a part in the great concert each day at Infant Crisis Services. And I have been fortunate to be a part of the concert for nearly 26 years. Did I tell you…. I love my job!

Hello February

Infant Crisis Services recently received a letter from an 8th grader from Westminster in Oklahoma City. The letter was actually to Nestle, which sells Good Start, the formula Infant Crisis Services gives to the babies. One boy goes above and beyond to support the babies at Infant Crisis Services.

Here is tiny bit of what he writes about to Nestle about Infant Crisis Services:

Infant Crisis Services does not receive money from the federal government, the state or United Way. It is a non-profit organization and relies on donations and volunteer work. This is not just a hand out program; these people who come here are seriously in need. As a result, I'm donating $130 of my money that I earned mowing yards in the summer and doing work for neighbors. I'm asking that you donate formula because they can't get enough of it.

It is great to see youth giving back at such an early age. The son of one of the staff members at Infant Crisis Services started a lemonade stands at the age of eight to raise money for the Infant Crisis Services. He may have grown up from the lemonade stands, but has since started saving his change in coin purses to donate to the babies.

There has been an increase in youth wanting to volunteer their time either through Infant Crisis Services Summer Teen Program or just through their church or school. Infant Crisis Services loves to see them give back!

On another subject: This is a family who came to Infant Crisis Services! Each child gave me a hug when they left...so sweet. All the kids are sporting hats from the Infant Crisis Services hat tree we had up during Christmas. I especially like the polar bear hat!