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CHILD PROTECTOR Alumna saves children
by The Vista
APRIL 1, 1999 THEVISTA PAGE 7 UCO Alumna receives award for helping children
By Stacy Brasher Staff&Viler
It shouldn't hurt to be a child.
However, in 1998, Oklahoma's child abuse rate increased by 23 percent. As a result, 45 innocent children died.
Such tragic statistics are released each year by the Department of Human Services (DHS), but they often go unnoticed.
However, UCO alumna Rose Harper took notice, and because of her heart-felt action, she has been chosen as the recipient of the 1999 Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. "I'm so very honored," she said. "Even though I don't like being singled out often, I'm extremely pleased."
Harper, along with her late husband George, first became foster parents in 1973. Over several years, they welcomed a total of twenty-four foster children into their home, along with their four children and two adopted children.
As a couple, they sympathized with the abused and neglected youth, and as Christians who believed in service and sacrifice for others, they felt a need to help.
The Harpers, with their pastor Joel Baker, formed the Edmond-based, nonprofit organization Citizens Concerned for Children in 1984 with the financial support of First Presbyterian Church of Edmond..
Now called Citizens Caring for Children (CCC), the group strives to break the cycle of abuse and neglect among Oklahoma's foster children.
From the humble beginnings in the Harper's home, CCC has grown to annually serve over 2,500 foster children throughout the state each year.
Their major services focus on independent living, mentoring and career and educational expenses.
CCC also distributes free clothing, toys, bicycles, books, school supplies and other items to local foster children at their volunteer-run Resource Center in Oklahoma City.
Although 15 years since its inception, Harper still maintains a high profile in the organization.
She serves on CCC's Board of Directors, and also works at their Edmond office.
As an Independent Living Specialist, Harper enjoys speaking to the youth about what's going on in their lives. "I think the relationships that I'm able to have with the teens is a privilege, and to see them succeed is wonderful to me," she said.
While encouraging the youth to pursue their own educational and career goals, Harper recently decided to do the same, and in 1996, she earned a BA in History from UCO. "Since I did not get an education when I was younger, it was good for me to be able to set an example and show the kids that you're never too old to get an education," she said.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Harper at an awards banquet on April 27. "We're glad to see she's being recognized for -all the years she's given to children," said CCC's Executive Director Patty Pace. "She's truly made a difference in many children's lives."
Since 1984, CCC has made astounding progress, Harper said.
Without abuse and neglect in the world, CCC services would not be needed. Harper hopes they can be put out of business.
Although it seems to be an impossible goal...it is the ultimate ending to their operation, and the ultimate dream for Harper. Rose Harper
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