Oklahoma Family Network Inc: Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

The Oklahoma Family Network (OFN) is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Oklahoma families with critically ill infants or children with special health care needs or disabilities. Their mission is to improve the lives of Oklahoma children with special health care needs or disabilities and their families, ensuring that all families and children with special health care needs experience belonging in their community.

Primary Area of Focus

OFN focuses on providing informational, educational, and emotional support to families of children with various special health care needs, including:

Premature birth or NICU stays

Physical disabilities

Cancer

Rare or undiagnosed conditions

Autism

Cerebral Palsy

Cystic Fibrosis

Down Syndrome

Mental health diagnoses

Behavioral health concerns

Their services are designed to ensure that no family faces these challenges alone.

Industry Significance

As the only statewide parent-to-parent support network in Oklahoma, OFN plays a crucial role in connecting families to resources, offering emotional support, and advocating for children with special health care needs. Their comprehensive approach addresses the multifaceted challenges these families face, making them a vital resource within the community.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Emotional Support: Connecting families with others who have similar experiences to provide hope, encouragement, and assistance in locating beneficial resources.

Resources & Training: Offering a directory of resources and conducting training and workshops to empower families and professionals.

Leadership & Advocacy: Providing training for family advocates and engaging in state and national advocacy efforts to support children with special health care needs.

Areas of Specialization

OFN specializes in:

Parent-to-Parent Mentorship Programs

Family-to-Family Health Information Centers

Support for families of children with special health care needs

Key Technologies Utilized

While specific technologies are not detailed, OFN employs various tools to connect families, provide resources, and facilitate training and workshops.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

OFN primarily serves families in Oklahoma with children who have special health care needs or disabilities, including those with rare or undiagnosed conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, mental health diagnoses, and behavioral health concerns.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

OFN is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, indicating it operates as a non-profit entity.

Total Funds Raised

In the fiscal year ending December 2023, OFN reported revenue of $687,030.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details about recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

As a non-profit organization, OFN does not have investors in the traditional sense. Funding primarily comes from contributions and grants.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized to support OFN's programs, including parent-to-parent mentorship, resource directories, training workshops, and advocacy efforts.

Pipeline Development

As a non-profit organization focused on support and advocacy, OFN does not have a product pipeline or clinical trials. Their initiatives are centered around community support, resource provision, and policy advocacy.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

OFN utilizes various platforms to connect families, provide resources, and facilitate training, though specific proprietary technologies are not detailed.

Significant Scientific Methods

While specific scientific methodologies are not detailed, OFN employs evidence-based practices in their support and advocacy programs.

Leadership Team

Executive Team

Joni Bruce: Executive Director since December 1997, responsible for overall management and partnering with the Board of Directors.

Heather Pike: Associate Director with over 20 years of experience at OFN.

Angela Donley: Fundraising and Development Coordinator, supporting families and providing training.

Bonnie Lemonds: Business Manager overseeing payroll, budgeting, and financial accounting.

Board of Directors

Cristina O’Connor: President

Kevin Wittrock: Vice President

Maria Arroyo: Secretary

Shannon Filosa: Treasurer

Jeff Roby: Past President

Paula Brown: Member

Athena Captain: Member

Danielle Howell: Member

Michael Humphries: Member

Kelly Kimbrough: Member

Barbara O'Brien: Member

Gina Richardson: Member

Clifford Ahinnist Sipes: Member

Kodey Toney: Member

Steven Wells: Member

Leadership Changes

Specific details about recent leadership changes or appointments are not publicly disclosed.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for family support services in Oklahoma is characterized by a need for comprehensive, community-based resources for families with children who have special health care needs or disabilities. Organizations like OFN play a pivotal role in filling this gap by providing essential support and advocacy.

Competitor Analysis

While specific competitors are not detailed, other organizations in Oklahoma offering similar services include the Oklahoma Family Support Network (OFSN), which unites Family Resource Centers and partner organizations across the state to strengthen families and communities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

OFN collaborates with various local, state, and national agencies and programs, as well as local organizations, to enhance their support services. Notable partnerships include:

Family Voices of Oklahoma: OFN serves as the State Affiliate Organization for the national Family Voices organization, promoting partnership with families to improve healthcare services and policies for children.

Parent to Parent Alliance Member: OFN is a member of the Parent to Parent Alliance, supporting a national network of parent-to-parent programs to ensure access to quality emotional support for families of individuals with disabilities and/or special health care needs.

Operational Insights

OFN's strategic collaborations and partnerships strengthen its market position by expanding its resource network, enhancing service delivery, and advocating effectively for families with special health care needs.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

OFN aims to:

Expand its support services to reach more families across Oklahoma.

Enhance training and advocacy programs to empower families and professionals.

Strengthen partnerships with local, state, and national organizations to improve service delivery.

Future Business Directions

OFN plans to:

Develop new programs addressing emerging needs within the community.

Increase community engagement through events and workshops.

Advocate for policies that support families of children with special health care needs.

Opportunities for Expansion

By leveraging existing partnerships and identifying underserved areas, OFN has opportunities to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that more families receive the support they need.

Current Strengths

OFN's strengths include its comprehensive support services, experienced leadership team, and strong community partnerships, positioning it well to achieve its future objectives.