The
Opportunities Industrialization Center of Washington, DC (OIC/DC)
is a newly chartered operation, which is an affiliate of OIC of
America, that has been re-established in Washington, DC to tackle
the growing need to provide job skills training and job placement
for individuals with multiple barriers to employment. Opportunities
Industrialization Center of Washington, DC OIC/DC will draw on the
expertise of the national office, engage the major corporations
that support OIC/DC, and build on the more than 35 years of experience
that Local OIC affiliates have in preparing disadvantaged youth
and adults for work and possible ownership of there own corporations.
History
and Mission of Organization
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Rev.
Leon Howard Sullivan
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OIC,
born out of the needs of the people, was founded by Reverend Leon
H. Sullivan and 400 African-American ministers. Those needs were
addressed by two programs, which developed prior to OIC's birth.
One, the North Philadelphia Youth Service, was established to combat
gang violence by providing jobs for minority youth to get them off
the streets. The other, the famous Selective Patronage Program succeeded
in breaking barriers to minority employment. Later, it became evident
that skills training were needed. The community faced a paradox.
Thousands were unemployed; thousands of jobs were vacant. A program
was needed to bring jobs and the unemployed together. The answer,
OIC.
The
first OIC was dedicated on a cold day in January 1964 in an abandoned
police station in North Philadelphia. The dilapidated building was
renovated using the nickels, dimes and quarters of the people of
the community and an anonymous grant. Industry gave its support
by contributing equipment, machinery and technical assistance. Government
funding would come later.
Since
that day in 1964, OIC has spread across America and the world.
Help
people to help themselves!
This
has been the overarching principle behind Opportunities Industrialization
Center, a network of comprehensive employment and training programs
serving disadvantaged people and their communities. OIC has grown
into a national organization offering employment and employment-related
services to the disadvantaged, and to those experiencing artificial
barriers to employment. Currently, local OICs exist throughout the
USA, with each Center being independently incorporated and governed
by a Board of community representatives. The commitment to the principle
of self-help and strong ties within local communities has permitted
OIC to become a strong facilitator of community empowerment.
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