Oklahoma Archives – Four States News

Don’t Forget to Vote in the Primary Runoff Tuesday

August 17, 2020August 17, 2020 Joe Dorman

Oklahoma Has Strong System of Voting Convenience and Security For those of you who are registered voters, please do not forget that Tuesday, August 25, is the Primary Runoff Election Day. In total, 50 of our 77 counties will have polls open for voters for at least one race. In 18 Oklahoma counties, there will […]

Yes, We Are Opening, But Should We Have Ever Closed?

May 17, 2020May 17, 2020 Clinton S. Thomas, Th.D.

Opinion: For the most part, there are two camps in the opening debate running across the United States. One camp says, “Open.” The other camp, maybe a little too obvious, says, “Don’t Open.” The arguments each way can go on for hours. Some say it’s too soon; others say it should have been done sooner […]

Jobless Claims Break Records; Affects Families

May 11, 2020May 11, 2020 Joe Dorman

Child Statistic of the Week Focuses on Water Safety Day, May 15 The way we all conduct business has changed due to COVID-19, with millions finding themselves without a stable income. Just last week, Oklahomans filed more than 68,000 jobless claims with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) during the week ending May 2. That […]

Four States News Rolls Quietly Over 6000

May 9, 2020May 9, 2020 Clinton S. Thomas, Th.D.

The Four States News Website (fourstatesnews.us) reached 6000 published post late Friday afternoon. As six press releases and other updates went out Friday afternoon, the Four States News quietly marked number 6000 for post and pushed beyond. To the reader at large, it went by completely unnoticed, but to me, as I sat in front […]

‘Tis the Season to Give to Foster Children

November 27, 2018 Joe Dorman

With Thanksgiving behind us, ‘tis the season for holiday decorations, non-stop Christmas music on the radio, and a lot of hard work for the public employees, OICA staff and volunteers working to get holiday presents for the roughly 8,000 Oklahoma children in foster care. That effort begins with caseworkers at the Oklahoma Department of Human […]

Children of Military Families Need Additional Support

November 12, 2018 Joe Dorman

Veterans Day is a wonderful and necessary holiday and a great time to give thanks to those that serve our nation. However, as we move on from this day, it is important to keep the needs of our veterans and active military personnel – as well as their families and children – on our minds […]

Friday (11/2): OK Foster Wishes Kickoff Party

November 1, 2018November 1, 2018 Joe Dorman

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) will be kicking off its annual holiday gift drive for children in foster care tomorrow (Friday, November 2) from 5-7 PM at the Oklahoma’s Credit Union building at 3001 N. Lincoln Blvd in Oklahoma City. OK Foster Wishes is a collaboration between OICA, the Oklahoma Department of Human […]

Shining a Light on Children’s Issues Ahead of Election Day

October 29, 2018 Joe Dorman

Just one week to go before Election Day! I am sure most Oklahomans are ready for this campaign cycle to end and see what the future holds for Oklahoma. As a 501c3 non-profit organization, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy is prohibited from endorsing any candidate or party. Although I am from a political background […]

Grandparents Play a Key Role in Raising Children

September 25, 2018 Joe Dorman

For many youngsters, grandparents play a significant role in raising us and molding us into the people we become. I often think about my extended family and how lucky I was to have so many people in my life who cared about me and helped me grow and develop. Many Oklahoma children, unfortunately, are not […]

Raising Awareness by Honoring Champions for Children

September 5, 2018 Joe Dorman

When I took the helm at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA), the board of directors made it clear the mission of our organization needed to move back to our roots. Our mission is “creating awareness, taking action, and supporting policy to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children.” Part of raising […]