Claremore First Baptist Church, a dedicated partner of 111Project, has made a profound impact on children and families in the Claremore area. Under the leadership of Danny Cotner, the church’s Local Missions and Care Minister, the congregation enrolled in CarePortal — a platform connecting churches to real-time needs in their communities. Linking arms with Primary Point Person Kim James, the church has responded to 46 requests, served 99 children, and generated an economic impact of $58,468.
This remarkable community has consistently risen to meet the needs around them.
As part of the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and mobilize support, Cotner, James, and Rogers County Community Coordinator, Jennifer Burton, organized a local screening of Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. Scheduled for February 23, 2025, the event was promoted to 111Project and CarePortal members, OKDHS workers, the Legacy Family Network, and the broader community.
Despite concerns over Oklahoma’s harsh winter weather and the fact that the screening had already been postponed once, more than 120 people showed up, ready to watch the film and learn about how they can get involved.
What followed was a powerful night of inspiration and action. After the film, the church outlined several next steps, including the launch of a monthly community support group for foster families. These gatherings, held on Wednesday evenings, will provide free childcare and meals to participating families. Church leaders also shared their broader vision: once foster families are fully supported, the church will explore expanding this initiative to serve more of the broader Claremore community.
In addition, Claremore First used the film screening to grow their CarePortal response team, inviting attendees to get involved in tangible ways. Their vision extends beyond simply recruiting volunteers or delivering items to families; they aim to build a relational community rooted in mentorship, discipleship, and personal, committed support.
In the midst of the evening’s momentum, Danny Cotner received a text from the church’s lead pastor, who made a bold commitment: for every foster child within the Claremore First community, the church would provide $5,000 per child per year until that child is placed in a permanent, safe home.
Reflecting on the night, Ryon Moore, 111Project’s Regional Manager, shared:
“You could tell there was something in the atmosphere that was changing at Claremore First Baptist. That church is at a pivotal moment in its history — on the verge of making an even greater impact in the community. They are a generous, caring church that is pursuing Jesus.”
Following the screening, the impact was immediate and encouraging: several people expressed interest in joining the response team, at least three stepped forward to explore fostering, others volunteered to provide respite care, and many connected with opportunities through Legacy Family Network.
Have You Seen the Film?
Have you had the chance to watch Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot yet? Inspired by the powerful true story, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace kids in the foster system that nobody else would take. By doing the impossible – adopting 77 children – this East Texas community proved that, with real, determined love, the battle for America’s most vulnerable can be won. Click HERE to learn how you can watch the film today! Also, don’t miss out on 111Project’s Sound of Hope Oklahoma Discussion Guide, written by our very own Church Engagement & Eastern Oklahoma Director, Dree Hogue. Click HERE to download the free resource! (The Appendix for the Discussion Guide can be found at 111project.org/resourcelibrary)
Be Part of the Movement
The impact of CarePortal in Oklahoma is undeniable. More than 780 churches statewide have helped serve over 45,000 children, contributing to an economic impact in Oklahoma of over $20 million since 2015. Even though every county is now activated with 111Project’s CarePortal, your support and action are needed more than ever, and we believe everyone can do something to help!
We invite every church across Oklahoma to get involved in this movement. Enrolling in CarePortal is free and provides real-time opportunities to support local families. Together, we can be the hands and feet of Christ, responding to needs as they arise and showing the love of Jesus through action.
Enroll today by going to 111project.org/careportal!
Help us spread the word! Share this post on your social media and let’s continue building a network of care and support – one church, one family, for one purpose – so every child has family.