New transportation grant to help families with children in foster care

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The Arnall Family Foundation has announced a $1 million grant that seeks to improve transportation to families with children in foster care.

The "Transportation Innovation Grant" offers the money to organizations that have an "innovative pilot program" for addressing the challenges faced by parents in Oklahoma County who have had their children removed and are working towards reunification.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services Director Ed Lake said that reliable transportation has been a significant issue for families working towards getting their children back.

"There are a number of expectations required of parents in order to reunify with their children. If they cannot get to services, court hearings or visitation with their children, it significantly reduces their chances of reunification which is the goal whenever safe." Lake said.

Organizations wanting to apply for the grant must have an operating budget of at least $750,000, be current on federal and state financial filings and willing to provide audited financial statements. A committee made up of Arnall Family Foundation staff and independent nonprofit, child welfare and transportation experts will evaluate applications and determine a winner in March 2019.

The grant was announced by Founder and President of the Arnall Family Foundation Sue Ann Arnall and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.

"A lack of reliable transportation in Oklahoma County continues to be a challenge and has devastating effects on our children and families." Arnall said. "We are looking for creative, sustainable solutions that will have a direct impact on the target audience and eventually be replicated to serve other vulnerable populations."

An informational meeting on the grant will be held Aug. 23 at the United Way of Central Oklahoma. More information can be found here.