Justin Sheets
Q: How did you first become involved in F&CS?
A: I was first introduced to F&CS through a friend and co-worker who knew I wanted to be more involved in the community. She introduced me to Board member Mark Lewellen, who with other Board members took the time educate me on depth and breadth of the long-term impact F&CS has on the behavioral health of our community. The services of F&CS and need in our community resonated with me on both personal and professional levels. After our meeting, I was later blessed to be given the privilege and opportunity to serve this great organization.
Q: What about F&CS’s mission and work inspires you?
A: Personally, growing up in a single parent household, I experienced (albeit somewhat unknowingly) the additional stresses that can be imposed in such circumstances. My mother and I were blessed to have additional support from family and friends. F&CS fills the gap and safety net for those in need of assistance who may not be able to receive it elsewhere. The impact on the success and well-being of individuals, families and our community through the hard work of the all of the great people at F&CS is truly inspiring.
Clint Swanson
Q: How did you first become involved in F&CS?
A: I first became involved with F&CS through the Ida M. McFarlin Memorial Trust. The prior beneficiary was privatized, leaving them ineligible for continued support. Following the advice of a consultant, F&CS was chosen as a replacement beneficiary—specifically to fund child physiatry for indigent and uninsured children in Tulsa County. I served on the F&CS Mental Health Board for several years before that organization was merged with the parent entity, F&CS, Inc.
Q: What about F&CS’s mission and work inspires you?
A: I am most inspired by the F&CS consumers, particularly children, who have to adapt and overcome significant obstacles such as abandonment, abuse, malnutrition, mental disorders, and other crises on a daily basis. I pray that they will be able to leave those crises in the past and move on to fulfilling lives.
Jill Thomas
Q: How did you first become involved in F&CS?
I’ve been aware of F&CS for decades and have known of the various services that they have provided for that long. I first became aware of F&CS through volunteer work that I was doing in 1987-1995 with the Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) agency doing site visits of agencies receiving benefits from TAUW. To see and hear about the different services and benefits being provided to the citizens of Tulsa and its surrounding communities through F&CS was heartwarming and inspiring.
Q: What about F&CS’s mission and work inspires you?
A: I am most inspired by the number of benefits being provided on a daily basis through a variety of services including Women in Recovery, parental counseling, child abuse services, the crisis center and the pharmacy. Individuals of all ages, with many different needs, are receiving not only benefits and services but HOPE for themselves and their families. I am humbled and honored to be a part of the F&CS Board.
