Focus on Kids: Vocational students build beds for Oklahoma foster kids

Oklahoma Human Services has partnered with Northeast Tech’s Foundation of Construction class, 111Project, and Pryor Lumber to distribute bunk beds for local children in foster care.

Amanda Smith – The Organizer

Amanda Smith with Oklahoma Human Services saw a need and reached out to community partners. “We needed bunk beds for our foster families,” she said. “So I started reaching out to see if it was something we could do.”

Ryan Mason – The Donor

Pryor Lumber donated all the wood and materials. “This one was near and dear to my heart,” said general manager Ryan Mason, who was once a foster parent himself. “It starts with a good night’s sleep, right?”

Ryon Moore – The Connector

The 111 Project uses a tool called Care Portal to match needs with resources. “It’s about connecting families to the community,” said general manager Ryon Moore.

Haley Madole – The Support

Fostering Mayes County stores the beds until they’re delivered. “We’re just here to help however we can,” said board member Haley Madole.

Tim Palmer – The Teacher

Construction instructor Tim Palmer got his students involved. “I like passing my knowledge down and doing projects that help people,” he said.

Caleb Henington – The Student

Second-year student Caleb Henington said, with his team of 4, each bed takes about an hour to assemble. “Measuring and prepping the wood takes the longest,” he said.

How Can I Get a Bed?

Foster families in Oklahoma can request a bed by contacting their caseworker who will then submit a request on their behalf through 111Project’s online platform, CarePortal.

So far, the team has built five bunk beds—and they’re just getting started. Because in this village, no child should sleep on the floor.