OCA Volunteer Spotlight: Derrick and Amanda Singletary
Get to know our newest Connect Group leaders Derrick and Amanda Singletary! They are serving as leaders for a new connect group in Jefferson County.
Q: Tell us about yourself....
A: We became foster parents in Feb. 2012 and adopted three siblings in Dec. 2015 (now ages 13, 11, and 10). We have four biological children ages 19, 15, 8, and 6.
Amanda decided to homeschool our children after teaching elementary school children for eight years.
Derrick is a CPA for a regional bank and recently hiked 26 miles in the wilderness at the Grand Canyon from rim to river (bottom) to rim. Just got permits for September 2023 to hike 36 miles of the Continental Divide Trail in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Q: Why did you decide to volunteer with OCA?
A: While foster parents, we attended several OCA events and training courses. We wanted to give back and offer a Connect group to support foster and adoptive parents in Jefferson County as those meetings were so important for us, especially when we were foster parents and you can feel alone in your journey. We have experience with resources for children with severe mental illness as well as special needs and navigating Medicaid waivers, etc. and so we feel we can encourage and support foster and adoptive parents. Finally, our church, Summit Heights Methodist Church, has been so incredibly supportive of our family and was excited to offer space and childcare for Connect meetings.
Q: What is your favorite memory serving with OCA?
A: We started our Connect group in March and were so happy to have 8 parents attend. We had great open and honest conversations and everyone was so encouraging and supportive of one another. The leaders were passionate about self-care and helping parents find resources. Everyone said they plan to attend our next meeting and we're advertising more this time to get the word out.
Q: What's something you want people to know about what it's like serving with OCA?
A: They are a very supportive organization - everyone has been helpful with everything from fliers to social media - doing whatever they can to support the volunteers.
Q: What's your favorite Bible verse?
A: Derrick - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)
Amanda - "He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” - Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
