The “I am OIC” program started a few years ago and continues to be a powerful way for our clients, staff, donors and volunteers to express why they are a part of the OIC Family. The following is a story submitted by Margaret as she speaks about her experience working at OIC as a program assistant:
“While transitioning between full-time employment and retirement, I realized that I was not ready to stop working entirely. Though I continued to remain active as a volunteer, I still wanted to apply my knowledge and skills in an office setting.
I was connected to the Chester County OIC through their partnership with the Goodwill Senior Program. Working as Goodwill Scholar Program. Working as a Program Assistant allows me to use my people skills to interact with and support the clients that our department serves. This role also provides a unique opportunity for me to dedicate and honor the servicemen in my family, who have served the United States military in various branches and capacities.
Now working at the Chester County OIC, it warms my heart knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of those who have given so much of themselves for our country.
I am successful because…I am OIC!”
If you have been touched by OIC we would love to hear your story on how you are a member of the “I am OIC” family. Please email cynthia@ericsonsms.com and include your full name and a paragraph on your experience. If you are comfortable please also attach a picture of yourself, note that testimonials may be included in OIC’s social media program and website.
CCOIC will hold its 40th Annual Awards Gala on Friday, November 15, 2019 at the Desmond Hotel, in Malvern PA.
For our 2019 event, we will be hosting an exclusive “Trips of a Lifetime” Auction sponsored by the nonprofit organization AmFund. These bucket list trips will be good for three years with no blackout dates, they include deluxe accommodations, round trip airfare and a travel specialist to do all of the booking for you!
Bidding will only be open during Cocktail Hour! So come ready to BID, WIN & TRAVEL in support of CCOIC!
Tickets for our 40th Annual Awards Gala can now be purchased on our Eventbrite page. You can access it easily by clicking the image in the scrolling header on the front page of the site.
Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (CCOIC) will hold its 40th Annual Awards Gala on Friday, November 15, 2019 at the Desmond Hotel, in Malvern PA. We are excited to celebrate our 40th year serving the Chester County community, and more importantly, our return home to the City of Coatesville. This year our theme is, “There’s No Place Like Home!”
You are cordially invited to join us for a night of live music, awards, and an elegant buffet with a host of delicious options as we celebrate our involvement in the community of Chester County and the ways we’ve worked to help people help themselves! Get your tickets now!
The “I am OIC” program started a few years ago and continues to be a powerful way for our clients, staff, donors and volunteers to express why they are a part of the OIC Family. The following is a story submitted by Diane as she speaks about serving on our Board of Directors:
“Chester County OIC is a transformational force in helping people help themselves through adult education and job training programs. I am truly honored and humbled to serve on the Board of Directors and be a part of the CCOIC mission and the original vision of this community service agency as designed by the founder, Reverend Leon Sullivan. Over the years it has been inspirational to see the hard work, dedication, and expertise of CCOIC staff and volunteers (led by our incredible President and CEO, Joyce Chester) as they give hope, caring support, and provide clear pathways to success for each individual. Each year of our annual Awards Gala it touches my heart to hear the impact CCOIC has made for individual lives as students share their personal success stories. The move to our new headquarters in Coatesville is an exciting time as we develop new programs and partnerships for the future that will continue the proud CCOIC legacy of making a difference.”
If you have been touched by OIC we would love to hear your story on how
you are a member of the “I am OIC” family. Please email
cynthia@ericsonsms.com and include your full name and a paragraph on
your experience. If you are comfortable please also attach a picture of
yourself, note that testimonials may be included in OIC’s social media
program and website.
Do you have a family member, or loved one, involved in the adult or juvenile justice system? Do you feel alone in this process? Have you asked yourself, “How did we end up here? What do we do next? Who can I talk to that will truly understand the emotional stress I am going through?” Would you like to meet with our family members who are walking in similar shoes? Then please join the Justice for Families Support Group every first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Coatesville Bible Church (6 N. 5th Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320) for a very informal time of sharing and supporting each other. For questions or to register, please call Deborah Willett at 610-246-2261.
Chester County OIC would like to congratulate the three students that completed The Chester County Food Bank’s FRESHStart Kitchen Culinary Program on August 12th.
We would especially like to congratulate Daryll and Shaqueena as they walked into the doors of OIC over 10 weeks ago and were brave enough to start a new thing! We would lastly like to thank Chef Ranney, Chef Wayne and Ms. Amy and any other food bank staff for their hard work, dedication and will—- this program is about more than cooking!
The FRESHStart Kitchen is a 12-week culinary job training program provided by the Chester County Food Bank. Participants receive a set of professional cooking materials, ServSafe Managers certification, resume assistance, any many more assets for those looking to enter a culinary career. Call 610-692-2344 to learn about applying for the September 16th session.
The “I am OIC” program started a few years ago and continues to be a powerful way for our clients, staff, donors and volunteers to express why they are a part of the OIC Family. The following is a story submitted by Gina as she speaks about teaching in our ESL Program:
“I came to OIC as an ESL teacher, thinking about what I could give to students to adjust and develop their lives in the United States. Instead, the students and staff at OIC broadened my worldview and gave me the opportunity to use and share my experience and talents as an educator, manager, and writer. Thank you to all who helped me to be able to say, ‘I am OIC!’ I am successful because…I am OIC!”
If you have been touched by OIC we would love to hear your story on how you are a member of the “I am OIC” family. Please email cynthia@ericsonsms.com and include your full name and a paragraph on your experience. If you are comfortable please also attach a picture of yourself, note that testimonials may be included in OIC’s social media program and website.
Chester County OIC invites you to come, visit, and relax with us at our table at the Coatesville “Sounds of Summer” Jazz Series at Gateway Park Friday nights through August 23rd! Enjoy the improvisational sounds of Beebop, Cool and Contemporary Jazz, Cross Over, and many more artistic styles of music at this fun for everyone event. Be sure to bring a lawn chair, and don’t be shy to stop on over and chat with us about all the important work CCOIC is doing for the community!
The “I am OIC” program started a few years ago and continues to be a powerful way for our clients, staff, donors and volunteers to express why they are a part of the OIC Family. The following is a story submitted by Miroslawa as she recalls her experiences with our ESL Program:
“I am OIC because it’s never too late to learn! I am a 37 year-old Pole and English is my second language. Its been almost two years since I started living in the United States and soon I’m going to apply for US Citizenship. I had been looking for a place where I could study English and prepare for the new naturalization test.”
“At Chester County OIC, I found everything I was looking for. I found myself surrounded by students from all around the world. Learning a new language doesn’t only mean learning its grammar. You need to experience the language by talking, reading, and listening. OIC provides everything starting with the most important—professional and experienced ESL teachers.”
“Now I have completed my second semester in my ESL/ Civics class. I plan to make an appointment for my citizenship interview and in the fall continue at MY OIC–in the GED class. In the future I hope to get a job or to start college.”
If you have been touched by OIC we would love to hear your story on how you are a member of the “I am OIC” family. Please email cynthia@ericsonsms.com and include your full name and a paragraph on your experience. If you are comfortable please also attach a picture of yourself, note that testimonials may be included in OIC’s social media program and website.
Last Wednesday, we hosted a Community Dinner–pasta style! Several young people attended and received iPhone 5s with minute cards and chargers!
At this dinner we were able to discuss community development, community involvement, millennial ideas, the history of Chester County OIC and OIC of America at large.
We appreciate all the young adults that came out to socialize and prioritize the growth of Chester County and their community. More photos from the event can be viewed on our Facebook page. A special thank you to Lamb Beverage, Coatesville Community member Ms. Shelika Spain and Wegman’s for contributions to our community dinner!
Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center is a non-profit community- based organization that has been meeting the needs of the economically disadvantaged individuals throughout the community.
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