News and Upcoming Events

JULY 2022

Sooner SUCCESS hosted four Family Caregiver Retreats around the state during April, May and June

Family caregivers of children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities from 19 counties attended retreats in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Sulphur and Ringwood. The retreats were designed to offer a time of relaxation and recharging. A variety of fun activities were made available including chair massages, yoga, painting, fishing, live music, and games as well as delicious catered dinners. Thank you to the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma for supporting the retreats. Family caregivers often neglect their own health needs as they care for their loved one with special health care needs. Respite is a much needing temporary break from the demands of their daily caregiving. The Sooner SUCCESS team is highly knowledgeable of additional respite voucher programs to assist family caregivers with accessing regular planned respite. You may email sooner-success@ouhsc.edu or call 405-271-2710 to learn more.

Indian Creek Winery Retreat

Hard Rock Tulsa Retreat

Chickasaw Retreat Center

Caregivers' survey responses - "I sooooo needed this to recharge." **** "This respite retreat was so nice and helpful for a nice break and also so fun and helpful to have fellowship with other families who understand my situation." **** "I can't remember the last time I had the peace & quiet to just read a book!"

Sibling Camp held in OKC

Sooner SUCCESS held its first-ever Sibling Camp June 17-19. The camp was a partnership with Cavett Kids Foundation, Camp Trivera, Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma, and OKDHS Community Living, Aging & Protective Services . The camp provided an overnight, fun camp experience for individuals with special health care needs and their siblings. Additionally, family caregivers received a weekend of respite. Siblings connected with other siblings from across the state in an inclusive camp environment. Campers reported that they had not ever attended a camp previously and/or had not had the opportunity to attend a camp with their sibling with special health care needs. Sooner SUCCESS is committed to continuing to support siblings. To learn more about future camps or sibling programming, please check out our Sooner SUCCESS website or join our email list.

Parent quote from sibling camp - " This was their first camp where they all had the opportunity to participate together as siblings. It was such a BLESSING to see such a positive impact on each of them. They loved camp and it showed as they shared about all of the many activities they participated in. The connections they were able to make with other siblings was truly an answered prayer. Our family is so grateful and can't thank you all enough for having this AMAZING camp! ."