Artistic Talent Runs in the Family

Students can submit their entries for Family & Children’s Service’s annual poster contest August 29 through October 28.

Gail Lapidus, CEO of Family & Children’s Services.

To Family & Children’s Services (F&CS), family is one of the most important ­influences in a child’s life. A family offers support and strength, enhances life ­experiences, and builds traditions. To F&CS, a “family” can include parents, grandparents, ­stepparents, and even friends – any member of the group that has a common bond with and an interest in the well-being of the other members.

F&CS is currently holding its 19th annual poster contest, sponsored by Hilti and “Tulsa Kids” magazine. The poster contest was developed as a sustainable project to celebrate National Family Week and commemorate the importance of families. F&CS invites all Tulsa area ­students from kindergarten through twelfth grade to create posters on this year’s theme, “Today’s Family.” This artwork may include illustrations of ­family traditions, shared ­activities, daily routines, special memories, or what “family” looks like to the student.

Poster contest contestants will be categorized by school grade. First place winners in each category will receive $100, second place winners $50, and third place winners $25. All first place winners’ teachers will receive $100 as well. The Best of Show winner will receive $250, and his or her teacher $150. Winning artists and their teachers will be honored at a reception at the Family & Children’s Services central office, and will be featured in an issue of “Tulsa Kids” magazine. Posters must be between 8.5 inches by 11 inches and 14 inches by 20 inches, and may be submitted August 29 through October 28 to the F&CS central office (650 S. Peoria, Tulsa).

Family and Children’s Services was founded in 1925. Since then, F&CS has worked to provide families, children, and individuals experiencing emotional, behavioral, and family problems with a place to turn to for professional help, regardless of income or stage in life. F&CS estimates that today, their services benefit one out of every six Tulsans.

Family & Children’s Services is devoted to ­strengthening families and being a force for good in the ­community through targeted ­programs that deliver hope and achieve real results, from helping families in crisis to serving ­people who struggle with mental ­illness, addiction, and ­homelessness.

“As an agency, we strive to enhance and strengthen the development of family life. What better way to do this than through a creative channel that inspires children to think about the importance of their own ­family?” says CEO Gail Lapidus.

The organization has been certified as a community mental health center by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation. F&CS is a member of the Tulsa Area United Way and the Rogers County United Way, as well as the Mental Health Corporations of America­ and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare.

The 19th annual poster ­contest is open to all Tulsa-area students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Posters can be submitted beginning August 29 through October 28. For more information on Family and Children’s Services, visit them on the web at www.fcsok.org. 

For more information, contact

Family & Children’s Services

(918) 587-9471