We are deeply grateful to case workers year-round, but March is especially meaningful as “Case Worker Appreciation Month.” We’re continually inspired by the creative ways churches across Oklahoma show love and support to the case workers in their counties, some of which are shared below.
SPONSOR A MEAL
Cater breakfast or lunch at your local DHS office. Everyone appreciates a delicious meal.
COFFEE & DONUTS
Case workers are often in and out of the office. Deliver donuts and coffee early one morning.
BAKERY DAY
Drop off baskets of baked goods – brownies, cookies, sourdough slices, etc.
SNOWCONE TRUCK
Yep, we’ve seen churches send snowcone trucks to the local office during the summer months. This is a fun and unexpected way to show a little love to workers.
COFFEE TRUCK
Like the snowcone truck in the summer, sponsor a coffee truck to bring warm drinks to your local office.
TACO TUESDAY
Who doesn’t love tacos?! Drop off tacos, a couple of decorations, and notes of appreciation. Bonus points if you tie the taco theme into the notes!
GIFT BASKETS
Make gift baskets or bags to deliver to the office. Possible themes could be breakfast, snacks, rest, or movie night. Ask local businesses to donate small items to include.
OFFICE PARTY
Gather fun office supplies like pens, post-it notes, notebooks, etc. and drop them off at the office with notes of support.
AN APPRECIATION LUNCH
Host a lunch at your church. Make it welcoming. Decorate. Write notes. Go all out to make it special and have your members there to show their support.
NOTES OF GRATITUDE
Whatever way you choose to show support and appreciation, be sure to include handwritten notes or signs of appreciation. Words are powerful – enouragement goes a long way!
A LISTENING EAR
One of the greatest gifts you can give a case worker is a listening ear. Ask them about their story and why they chose to work in this field. Give them your full attention and provide space for them to talk as little or as much as they’d like. Let them know you see them and want to support them.
THINGS TO AVOID & CONSIDER
Many DHS offices do not allow staff to accept gift cards. Some also have a price limits on gifts. It is always a good idea to contact your local office to go over your ideas and get approval first.