Members of the Beta Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, an esteemed honor society for women educators, recently toured the Center of Family Love in Okarche.

This visit was part of the chapter’s September service project during which it successfully raised $700 to support the center’s residents. CFL’s Special Events Coordinator Robyn Holly graciously guided the tour.

The Beta Beta Chapter, comprised of key women educators from Oklahoma, Kingfisher and Canadian counties, was established on June 2, 1970. As part of the larger Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, which boasts members in 17 countries and all 50 states, the chapter meets eight times yearly to foster its members’ personal and professional growth.

For the 2024-2025 year, the chapter has planned monthly service projects, including initiatives at the Center of Family Love, Compassionate Sharing Service, Clinton’s Veterans Home, Partner’s Club Prom, Jacob’s Cupboard, Project 34 and book donations to firstyear teachers in the home district elementary schools of its members.

Additionally, chapter scholarships are available for women pursuing advanced degrees or professional training.

The Center of Family Love has a rich history, beginning in the 1970s when a dedicated group of parents and Okarche Knights of Columbus members recognized the need for a supportive environment for their children.

Since its opening in 1981, the CFL has provided residential and vocational programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and neurodivergence, helping them to grow, learn and thrive.

The CFL’s mission is to create a nurturing environment where these individuals can flourish and lead fulfilling lives, emphasizing that each person has inherent strengths and abilities to be discovered and celebrated.

The CFL includes five group homes, five intermediate care facilities, a vocational training center, a garden center and a gift shop.

These facilities offer a range of services from semi-independent living to 24-hour care.

The vocational training center helps residents develop new skills, while the garden center and gift shop provide opportunities for meaningful work. The CFL also operates several businesses under CFL Enterprises, including the CFL Gourmet Coffee Shop, CFL Thrift Shop and CFL Sheltered Workshops, producing air filters and running a garden center for horticultural activities.

Following the tour, the Beta Beta Chapter held its September meeting at the Okarche Elementary School cafeteria.

The meeting was hosted by Ann Hufnagel, Vicki Bright, Susan Dobry, Megan Henderson, Ramona Paine, Beth Schieber, Debbie Stover and Mary Styron.