From left Kim Parker, vice president of therapeutic and family services at The Parent Child Center of Tulsa; Andrea Prokop, director of development at Tulsa Lawyers for Children; and Tery DeShong, director of special projects at The Parent Child Center of Tulsa, display the meaningful contents of Connection Crates.

Children in the foster care system often face emotional and psychological challenges due to family separation. Recognizing this, two Oklahoma Bar Foundation grantees have come together to create a compassionate solution. Tulsa Lawyers for Children, a dedicated nonprofit advocating for children in the foster care system, has launched an innovative program called Connection Crates in partnership with The Parent Child Center of Tulsa Safe Babies.

Connection Crates are thoughtfully designed to help children in out-of-home placements maintain a meaningful connection with their biological parents, particularly in situations where frequent visitation is not possible. The crates include personalized items – such as heartbeat recordings, voice messages and sensory objects – that provide comfort and a sense of continuity for children navigating the challenges of family separation.

Tulsa Lawyers for Children Executive Director Kalan Chapman Lloyd showcases a Connection Crate, a heartfelt initiative designed to help foster children maintain bonds with their biological parents.

By bridging the emotional gap between parents and children, Connection Crates offer a sense of security and reassurance. Each crate serves as a tangible reminder of a parent’s love, reducing trauma and supporting the child’s emotional well-being.

Kalan Chapman Lloyd, executive director of Tulsa Lawyers for Children, emphasized the importance of maintaining the parent-child bond. “My hope is that these children associate with this warmth and goodness from their parents that they don’t necessarily have access to on a daily basis.” The heartfelt initiative reflects Tulsa Lawyers for Children’s commitment to advocating for children’s best interests and supporting family connections during difficult transitions.

Connection Crates include personalized items that provide comfort and a sense of continuity for children navigating the challenges of family separation.

Through their partnership, these organizations address the emotional needs of children while reinforcing the role of parents in their lives. Tulsa Safe Babies, an initiative focused on enhancing outcomes for infants and toddlers in the foster care system, provides critical resources and support to ensure the success of Connection Crates.

The collaboration between Tulsa Lawyers for Children and The Parent Child Center of Tulsa exemplifies the power of community-driven solutions. The OBF’s support has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life, demonstrating the foundation’s dedication to supporting programs that create lasting, positive change in Oklahoma’s communities.

Connection Crates are more than just a program; they represent hope, resilience and the enduring bond between parents and children. As the initiative grows, Tulsa Lawyers for Children and The Parent Child Center of Tulsa remain committed to expanding its reach, ensuring that more children in foster care can experience the comfort and connection they deserve.

The OBF is proud to support these innovative partnerships that foster meaningful change. Learn more about Connection Crates and other OBF-supported initiatives by following us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.