Wish #4 – Thank You Note January 25, 2012

Wish #4 is a Thank You Note.
Recently, Director Howard Hendrick announced his retirement. I was saddened by the local media coverage of this nationally historic event. Director Hendrick was the longest tenured human services director in the nation and deserves gratitude and support. Not to mention, he should be honored and celebrated for leading such a large organization that serves our most needy and vulnerable neighbors who are dependent for food, shelter and safety. Most of the media mentioned his announcement to retire followed by a lengthy explanation of the settlement that was recently reached. I think they missed a great opportunity to celebrate an Oklahoma hero. He does a job that most would not want. He takes responsibility when a choice is made by one of his team that leads to a situation where a child is injured. He knows how many elderly have been discarded by friends, family & society. He strategizes how to feed, cloth and give shelter to the children of those who have been incarcerated. I don’t know how he turns off the horror stories that come across his desk each day. I can only imagine that he has to focus on the great things that his team has done…a family that was reunited with help from services, an elderly who was protected, a single mom who could afford housing and was not dependent in staying in a dangerous situation.
I’ve only met him personally a few times, but my guess is that each night he gives it to God & does the best he can each day with what God has equip him with. Thank you for your service to the people of Oklahoma Mr. Hendrick!
My birthday wish this week is for you to please join me in writing Mr. Howard Hendrick a thank you note!
Director Howard Hendrick
C/o OKDHS
2400 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Don’t forget to leave a comment to let me know that you fulfilled my 4th of 40 birthday wishes!

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