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Annual Report 2023-24

A Year of Growth — Laying the Foundation for Success
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OIC Founder, Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan

Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan's founding of OIC Philadelphia in 1964 sparked an international movement centered on empowering communities through economic opportunities and training. What began as one man's vision for social justice and self-sufficiency in North Philadelphia blossomed into the global OIC network, with OIC Philadelphia standing today as the flagship institution 60 years later. Sullivan embodied the intersection of civil rights, faith-based activism, and equipping individuals with skills for economic mobility. 

A Year of Growth — Laying the Foundation for Success

Dear Friends and Supporters,
Annual reports provide important reflection points for organizations and as I reflect on my first 18+ months as President and CEO of OIC Philadelphia, I am happy with the progress we have made and filled with optimism for our future. Our organization has experienced significant growth, expanding our programs from 4 to 14 and increasing our applicants from 895 in 2023 to more than 5,150 in 2024—an astounding 475%+ increase. This tells me that the need for connection between people seeking opportunities and organizations seeking talent is stronger than ever. That need will only increase as we prepare for major international events in 2026, including the Semiquincentennial, FIFA World Cup Club, MLB All-Star Game, and more.
These events represent a clear opportunity to move the dime on poverty in Philadelphia. Here at OIC Philadelphia we have ambitious plans to answer the call that these opportunities represent, which you will read about in this report. Innovation, collaboration and leveling the playing field for the people that we serve is nothing new to OIC Philadelphia. Our organization’s rich history dates back to 1964, when it was founded by the renowned civil rights leader and social activist, Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan. The origin is deeply rooted in addressing the profound disparities faced by African Americans and underserved communities in Philadelphia during the Civil Rights Era. Dr. Sullivan recognized the urgent need for collective action to level the playing field for economic empowerment.
His unwavering belief in self-help, resource development, and skills training led to the founding of OIC Philadelphia. He famously asserted that "integration without preparation leads to frustration, " emphasizing the importance of equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to seize new opportunities. Our approach includes professional and vocational skill development, job readiness training, and placement services, empowering individuals to gain employment, advance their careers, and achieve financial independence. Perhaps more importantly, we’re deeply focused on helping people build the lives of their choosing, igniting that spark of greatness that allows them to take hold of the American dream – opportunity for all. This approach has transformed lives and built stronger, more resilient and inclusive communities.

"I believe that, as we continue our work in this upcoming year, we must remember that, collectively, we hold the power. The power to change outdated systems, hold ourselves accountable, and create the future we envision.

Friends, family, and supporters, I hope you’ll join us on this journey."

SHEILA IRELAND

Sheila Ireland

CEO & President

Success Starts with OIC Philadelphia


%

Job Placement Within 90 Days

00

+

People Trained Yearly


+

Lives Transformed, Since 1964

Celebrating 60 Years of Impact

OIC Philadelphia marked a major milestone by commemorating our 60th anniversary at the "Beacon on Broad Street" Gala. With 60+ corporate, foundation and nonprofit partners sponsoring the evening, the OIC Philadelphia’s 60th Anniversary rekindled hope and excitement in our city.

"Few organizations in Philadelphia have the legacy, impact, and leadership of OIC Philadelphia. With a renewed sense of optimism sweeping the city, OIC Philadelphia will be one of the driving forces as the Greater Delaware Valley builds our workforce to take advantage of the opportunities that will present themselves in the years to come."

Kenyatta Johnson

Council President

Inaugural Alumni Block Party

600 alumni spanning 59 years of OIC Philadelphia history gathered in unity and pride to celebrate our legacy and envision our future at our Inaugural Alumni Block Party. Distinguished guests included Philadelphia's first female black mayoral candidate, Cherelle Parker; Congressman Dwight Evans; and Senator Sharif Street. 
Compared to FY 2022-23

Organizational Growth

250

%

10 New Programs Launched

98

%

876 Participants Served

475

%

5,150 Applicants

86

%

Placement Rate

Who We Serve

OIC Philadelphia is located in the 19122 zip code and focuses on serving its six surrounding zip codes: 19121, 19123, 19125, 19130, 19132, and 19133, however, we do accept applicants from all over Philadelphia. These communities are characterized by high poverty levels, elevated crime rates, low educational attainment, and high incarceration rates. 

According to the Lenfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative, the region has a 43% unemployment rate, a median household income of $25,000, and a significant number of residents with incarceration records.
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"OIC Philadelphia serves as a linchpin in our city's workforce development landscape, and this investment is pivotal to advancing access to Economic Opportunity for All, ” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "Investing in OIC Philadelphia's healthcare training programs underscores my commitment to bridging economic disparities and creating innovative pathways to jobs and careers that benefit local workers."

Mayor

Cherelle Parker

Cultivating Food Entrepreneurs

Kristol Bryant
CHOPPED Champion 
Host, City Eats TV
Since joining OIC Philadelphia in 1999, Kristol Bryant, a Philadelphia native, pursued her culinary dreams with zeal. Graduating at the top of her class, she impressed at the "Book and the Cook" Rising Star event and earned externships at Philippe on Locust and the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue. Rising to Executive Chef at The Sonesta Hotel, she was named "Top Chef of Philadelphia 2016" by Thrillist Magazine. A CHOPPED Champion, Kristol now hosts City Eats TV, solidifying her status as a culinary trailblazer.
Ernesto Venturo
Founder, La Ingrata
Restaurant
Ernesto, a passionate cook from South Jersey, sought to elevate his culinary skills but found the Art Institute's tuition too high. Instead, he enrolled in OIC Philadelphia's culinary program. After graduating, Ernesto worked at Osteria and then at Sampan, where he met his wife, Karla. On April 1, 2022, they opened La Ingrata Restaurant in Camden, New Jersey. Since then, they have received significant recognition, including a write-up in the Philadelphia Inquirer by Craig LaBan.

Darlene Jones
Founder, Star Fusion
Express Restaurant
Chef Darlene Jones is the visionary Founder and CEO of Star Fusion Express Restaurants, a pioneering culinary empire in West Philadelphia. Overcoming early life challenges, Darlene achieved her GED through OIC Philadelphia in 2001, which propelled her towards her culinary dreams. Renowned for her unique fusion of global flavors, Darlene's dedication to sustainable sourcing and community empowerment has garnered her numerous accolades, making Star Fusion a beacon of innovation and social responsibility.

Celebrating Our Future Workforce

OIC Philadelphia proudly celebrated the accomplishments of over 100 graduates at the prestigious PECO’s Energy Hall, our long-term partner. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of our latest workforce training programs, where each graduate received a well-earned certificate of completion, signifying their dedication, hard work, and resilience.

Generational Impact

The Parler & Jenkins Family: A Story of Generational Impact

The Parler & Jenkins family story highlights the profound, multi- generational impact of OIC Philadelphia. From Eboney's career success to her daughter Summer's professional growth, OIC Philadelphia has been a catalyst for their achievements. Their journey underscores our mission to provide equitable education and training, enabling individuals and families to overcome barriers and reach their full potential, striving for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Eboney Parler, now an Engineer at Comcast, began her transformative journey with OIC Philadelphia in 1998. Referred by a friend, she honed her skills in front desk operations and secured her first job at the Four Seasons Hotel in 1999. Over eleven years, she excelled in communications, reservations, and sales, eventually becoming a trainer. Joining Comcast in 2018 as a contractor and becoming full time in 2019, Eboney now works with software and hardware applications and recently achieved scrum certification, aspiring to become a Scrum Master. She enjoys the benefits of a 401k, pension, and comprehensive benefits package.
Eboney Parler, Engineer at Comcast
Summer Jenkins, Digital Media Intern for Councilmember Jeffery Young

Summer Jenkins:
Following in Her
Mother's Footsteps

Summer Jenkins' journey highlights the generational impact of OIC Philadelphia. Passionate about video production, she missed her initial goal of attending film school but found a new path through OIC Philadelphia, creating an OIC commercial. Through the program, she learned to believe in her ideas and found her voice, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Now, as a Digital Media Intern for Councilmember Jeffrey Young, she strategizes content, updates media lists, and enjoys photographing City Council events.

"OIC Philadelphia has been an invaluable partner to the Philadelphia community. Thanks to their program, Summer Jenkins has become an essential member of my Communications team. She learned to believe in her ideas and find her voice, fostering a sense of community. Now, she strategizes digital content, updates media lists, and enjoys photographing City Council events. Summer’s journey shows the power of her tenacity, community support, and mentorship."

Jeffery Young

Councilman
Healthcare students in front of OIC wall in North Philly

Advancing Healthcare Careers at OIC Philadelphia

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of the first cohorts of our Clinical Medical Assisting and Administrative Medical Assisting students. These students have completed their programs and are now gaining valuable experience through externships or have already secured placements in the healthcare field. 

Program Achievements and Growth

What began as a summer phlebotomy course has rapidly expanded into one of the most sought-after sectors at OIC Philadelphia. Thanks to the generous support of Congressman Brendan F. Boyle, who granted his first federal earmark of $575,000 to OIC Philadelphia, we have successfully launched our Clinical Medical Assisting (CMA) and Administrative Medical Assisting (AMA) programs. This funding has enabled us to create a comprehensive healthcare career pathways, providing career ladder opportunities for growth.

"Advocating for federal funding for healthcare employee training is essential to promoting equity and providing individuals with the necessary job skills to succeed in the workforce. OIC has proven time and again that by investing in comprehensive training programs, we ensure that healthcare workers, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to develop the expertise required to deliver high-quality care and improve health outcomes in their communities."

Brendan F. Boyle

Congressman PA-02

OIC Philadelphia in the News

The Beacon on Broad Street

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