The Center for Children and Families Inc. (CCFI) serves children and their families who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing child abuse, neglect and other adverse experiences.
Through its strength-based programs and services, CCFI is able to heal children who have been wounded by relationship trauma, empower youth to reach their full potential as caring adults and strengthen families who are dealing with parenting challenges.
Brandon Brooks is CEO of the Center for Children and Families Inc., based in Norman, Oklahoma.
He is charged to lead a dedicated team of professionals and engage a caring community to ensure our children grow up safe, nurtured and loved. Brooks joined CCFI in June 2016 as CEO, following a nearly 15-year career at the University of Oklahoma in student services, program development and fundraising.
1. How did your organization become involved in this work?
Center for Children and Families Inc. (CCFI) began in 1969 as a shelter for youth, from birth to 18 years old, who needed a safe and nurturing place to stay while waiting to be placed in foster care.
Over nearly 50 years, the agency has evolved to meet the growing needs of our community while keeping children as the focal point of our services. Today, CCFI provides therapeutic counseling for children and youth, psychoeducational programs for parents, and outreach through the Boys & Girls Club of Norman, Oklahoma.
2. Why is this issue / initiative / ministry important to you and your organization?
Too often, we underestimate the lifelong impacts of adverse childhood experiences and the mental, emotional and physical impacts that can manifest as a result. In order for children to grow into healthy, happy adults, we must give them a legitimate opportunity to heal.
3. What are a few lessons you’ve learned through your involvement?
Everyone has strengths, particularly parents who want a better life for their children in spite of the circumstances in which they were born. Often, our work at CCFI is focused on breaking generational cycles of negative parenting, abuse and neglect. In addition, I have come to wholeheartedly believe prevention works, especially in scenarios where a child’s well-being is at stake.
4. How can people learn more about and support what you’re doing?
If you are interested in learning more about our work at CCFI visit our website, ccfinorman.org, sign up for our monthly digital newsletter and come take a tour of our agency.
5. Why is it important to support initiatives that promote social justice and care for the “least of these” in our local communities?
At CCFI, we believe we have a duty and a responsibility to make our community a better place for future generations. This sense of obligation to a greater good is at the heart of social justice. We are honored to work on behalf of those who cannot help themselves.
