Alva Review-Courier -

Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s department of social work has received a $1,000 gift from the Potts Family Foundation out of Oklahoma City.

Dr. Kylene Rehder, social work department chair and professor of social work, said that the funds from this gift will provide continued support for a focus on infant health in the curriculum. The department also will be able to use the funds to join the Oklahoma Association for Infant Mental Health, which promotes awareness, understanding and excellence in infant and early childhood mental health through education, workforce development, multi-disciplinary collaboration and advocacy for best practices.

Rehder added that the department is honored to be supported by the Potts Family Foundation, whose mission is to provide support for sustainable early childhood initiatives and nonprofit capacity building.

Rehder said the social work program is focused on developing professionals able to support the healthy social-emotional development of infants, toddlers and their families.

Kevin Evans, a board member of the Potts Family Foundation and executive director of Western Plains Youth & Family Services, presented the gift to Rehder.

For more information about Northwestern’s social work program, visit https://www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/social-work or contact Rehder at 580-327-8135 or [email protected].