Bartlesville, Okla. – Ray of Hope Advocacy Center teamed up with Woolaroc to give back to area child protection workers by surprising them with close to 100 free passes to Woolaroc’s Wonderland of Lights.
Several Washington County Child Welfare workers, Bartlesville Police Department investigators, Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigators and a Dewey Police Department investigator received two passes each to the area holiday event.
“These people work year-round protecting area families and often witnessing and processing some very traumatic cases,” said Rhonda Hudson, executive director of Ray of Hope. “It is mentally and emotionally very taxing. Ray of Hope and Woolaroc are very grateful for their hard work and commitment to our community and hope this small gesture can lighten their holiday season.”
“Child abuse is a dark problem that these workers face and fight on a regular basis,” said Bob Fraser, executive director of Woolaroc. “Being able to invite them to enjoy Woolaroc’s Wonderland of Lights with their families, is the least we can do. It’s nice to give back to the good guys.”
Lisa Cary, Child Welfare District Director for Washington and Nowata Counties, says this gift was a much needed surprise during a difficult time.
“Trying to ensure the well-being of children and investigate maltreatment is a difficult job but one we are proud to do,” Cary said. “ So when others in the community can recognize my team’s efforts and come alongside to support them, it really is a big boost to morale. We are so thankful to Woolaroc for this gift and for Ray of Hope’s continued partnership.”
Jordan Ihrig, board member of Ray of Hope, says that when approached with the idea, Woolaroc made it a reality within hours.
“I approached the Woolaroc staff with the idea Friday morning,” Ihrig said. “Despite being admist one of their busiest seasons, we were out delivering the passes by 12:30pm that same day. I have no doubt that Frank Phillips would be proud of their generous hearts and use of his ranch to provide these workers a place of rest and refuge from some of their more distressing cases.”
Woolaroc’s final weekend for Wonderland of Lights is Friday, December 18th through Sunday, December 20th from 5-9pm each night. For more information, please visit www.Woolaroc.org.
Ray of Hope Advocacy Center is a child-focused, facility-based program in which representatives from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy all work together to conduct joint forensic interviews and make team decisions about the investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child abuse cases. Ray of Hope serves families throughout Northeast Oklahoma. For more information, please visit www.RayofHopeAC.org.