We are thrilled to introduce you to the newest Oak Tree team member, Karina Cortes!

For years now our board of directors have discussed the need to have someone with a social work skillset on staff as we walk with families to overcome the seemingly never ending mountain of obstacles that daily face our community. God has answered that prayer through one of our faithful volunteers! Karina is not only bringing her knowledge and skills to the team, but also her heart for justice and her love for the Marks Village community. Next week she will become a full time team member taking on the role of Development Coordinator.

Interactions with social workers are often marked by extremely difficult circumstances and many barriers can prevent authenticity and mutual transformation. We desire to be a part of changing the stereotypes and fears that come to mind when social work is mentioned. As Development Coordinator, Karina will be a friendly face ready to walk with people in relationship and coaching. We always say that we are a bridge to connect people with resources across our city and Karina will help us be much more effective in this area of our mission.

Karina will also join us in planning for future development projects as a ministry. We are currently dreaming with our neighbors about where we want to see growth in our community. How can we be a part of removing the obstacles we see and be a part of creating access to jobs, therapy, and more opportunities for our kids? We can’t wait to see what God has in store!

Please pray for Karina as she transitions into this new role and all that it entails!

Karina Cortes has been a volunteer with Oak Tree for the past two years. She recently graduated from Samford University with a community development Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. In graduate school she had opportunities to serve in Haiti and Tanzania evaluating child development and teaching women and young girls life skills. She also served as an ESL teacher in Thailand and as a missionary to various countries in Central America and South East Asia. She is very excited to join the Oak Tree family!

Help us praise the Lord for His provision of more laborers and let’s give Karina a big Oak Tree welcome!