Mike's Story
When did you first get involved with CCFI?
I began my term as a CCFI board member in September, 2016. I am now currently serving as the board President.
Why were you moved to join CCFI as a Board Member?
I had recently moved my family back to Norman where I grew up and attended both Norman High School and the University of Oklahoma. As a husband, father of three and business owner, I wanted to give back to this community that I truly love. While many great organizations exist for Norman and Cleveland County, I chose CCFI because of its focus on children and families, which are the core of our society and its future. Admittedly, I took my upbringing for granted and never realized that children in this community aren’t always as fortunate. Moreover, parents aren’t always equipped or prepared to handle all of the responsibilities of caring for their kids. CCFI addresses these issues with a well trained staff and necessary resources.
What do you enjoy most about your service on the Board?
First of all, I appreciate the varied dynamic of backgrounds, occupations, areas of wisdom and personalities that comprises our board. However, we all have a strong focus on the “cause” that CCFI addresses and doing everything to help ensure that this wonderful organization continues to have funding and guidance it needs to meet the needs of the children and families.
Second, the CCFI board offers multiple committees which is where each of us can dive deep into solving problematic issues or provide strategic planning for the future. Over my tenure, I have been able to work closely and develop new friendships with other pillars in our community.
Finally, as board members, we have a deep appreciation for the tremendous efforts and successes from our CCFI staff! They are the real heroes who fulfill the mission of CCFI which is to heal children, empower youth and strengthen families because every child deserves to grow up safe, nurtured and loved.
What do you feel is the biggest impact CCFI has made on the community?
I believe that CCFI achieves victories for children and families every day while going somewhat unnoticed in our community. Even before I got involved in this great organization, I knew very little about CCFI. And I can assure you that I had no idea the enormous need in our community for which CCFI addresses. Our families and children are the future. CCFI helps ensure that their future is bright!
What would you like to say to encourage others to get involved with CCFI, whether by donating or volunteering?
It’s hard to believe that this will be the 50 year anniversary of CCFI! So many children and families have benefited from our staff’s efforts and resources over the years. But the responsibility for CCFI to continue to achieve its mission is only getting larger and more important. Two import components that will enable CCFI to meet this growing need are volunteerism and monetary contributions.
If you have the time, you should consider volunteering! They have a multitude of opportunities available throughout the agency as well as in Boys & Girls Club of Norman too. Volunteers are a critical part of the agecny’s success, as they help offset the operations costs.
Another significant way you can support our community’s children and families is with your financial contributions. As a nonprofit organization, CCFI relies heavily on state & federal grants and corporate and personal donations. While government funding can be significant, it can also be erratic with the ebb and flow of the economy. Just over a year ago, the State of Oklahoma withdrew over $200,000 in funding for CCFI’s Bringing Up Babies program which effectively wiped out its entire budget. The only way to prevent such a negative impact from government funding shortfalls is with donations from our community’s businesses and individuals. As citizens of Norman and Cleveland County, I believe we have a responsibility to the children and families of our community to ensure they all have the opportunity to feel safe, nurtured and loved. Your financial support will ensure that CCFI can fulfill this mission.