In a significant boost to community health and workforce development, we've been awarded a $399,552 grant from The William Penn Foundation. This generous funding will enable the scaling of our innovative Behavioral Health workforce development program; initially funded through a pilot from Mayor Cherelle Parker and the Department of Commerce. This innovative program addresses both career advancement and community healing in underserved areas of Philadelphia.
The expansion of this program, made possible by the William Penn Foundation's support, comes at a crucial time when the need for mental health services is at an all-time high, particularly in North Philadelphia.
By increasing the number of trained professionals from within the community, OIC Philadelphia aims to break down barriers to access, provide culturally competent care, and contribute to long-term community healing and social equity.
Sheila Ireland, President & CEO of OIC Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of this approach: "Thanks to the William Penn Foundation's generous support, we're not just creating jobs; we're fostering a new generation of healers who understand the unique challenges faced by our communities. This dual focus on career development and community well-being is at the heart of our mission."
What sets OIC Philadelphia's program apart is its recognition of the whole person in the workforce development process. Understanding that personal challenges can often be barriers to career advancement, we've integrated mental health support directly into our training programs.
In partnership with Jewish Family and Children's Service (JFCS), OIC Philadelphia proudly offers on-site therapy, free of charge, to all participants in our workforce training programs. This innovative aspect underscores our commitment to holistic support, ensuring that participants have access to mental health resources as they pursue their career goals.
"By providing mental health support alongside career training, we're addressing the whole person," said Andrew Bergman, Chief Advancement Officer. "We recognize that healing and personal growth are integral to professional development.
The William Penn Foundation's support of this initiative isn't a new chapter – it's the continuation of a story decades in the making. Since the 1970s, the Foundation has been a steadfast partner in OIC Philadelphia's mission, with representatives serving on the advisory council and providing crucial support at every turn.
"As we launch this expanded program, we're standing on the shoulders of giants," Ireland reflects. "The William Penn Foundation's long-standing commitment has been a cornerstone of our work. Together, we've been making a difference in Philadelphia for over half a century. This latest chapter? It might just be our most exciting yet."
As OIC Philadelphia prepares to expand its Behavioral Health workforce program with the William Penn Foundation's $399,552 grant, there's a sense of anticipation and purpose. This initiative represents more than just a training program or mental health service – it's a community-driven approach to addressing critical needs in caring and healing.
For the people of Philadelphia, this program offers hope for a healthier, more empowered future. It has the potential to serve as an innovative model for other cities facing similar challenges in mental health care and workforce development.
The evolution from a mayoral pilot program to this expanded initiative, supported by the William Penn Foundation, marks an important milestone. However, it's just the beginning of a larger journey. The true impact will be seen in the lives transformed, the communities strengthened, and the overall improvement in our city's well-being.
With the support of the William Penn Foundation, OIC Philadelphia is well-positioned to make a significant contribution to our city's future. We're embarking on a new chapter that promises hope, healing, and expanded opportunities for our community members.
President Lyndon B. Johnson photographed with Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan at OIC Philadelphia.
Earlier this month, we marked a significant milestone in American history – 60 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law. This landmark legislation fundamentally reshaped our society, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and paving the way for greater equality and opportunity for all Americans.
President Johnson's unwavering commitment to civil rights was instrumental in passing this historic legislation. His famous words, "We shall overcome," not only echoed the sentiment of the civil rights movement but also solidified his dedication to the cause. This commitment extended beyond rhetoric into action, as evidenced by his visit to OIC Philadelphia in 1967.
In a powerful image from that visit, we see President Johnson standing alongside our founder, Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan. This photograph captures more than just a moment in time – it represents the collaboration between national leadership and grassroots efforts in the ongoing fight for equality.
Dr. Sullivan's work, including the development of the "Sullivan Principles" in 1977, carried forward the spirit of the Civil Rights Act. These principles provided guidelines for U.S. companies operating in apartheid South Africa, promoting workplace equality and fair employment practices on an international scale. Dr. Sullivan's efforts demonstrated how the ideals of the Civil Rights Act could be applied to create tangible change in the business world and beyond our borders.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 laid the foundation, but the work continues. At OIC, we recognize that true equality encompasses not just legal rights, but also economic opportunity. As we reflect on the progress of the past 60 years, we also look forward to the challenges ahead, committed to building on this legacy and creating pathways to success for all members of our community.
OIC is proud to announce the launch of our Statewide Keystone Clean Energy Expansion Project, powered by a $140,000 investment from Santander. This initiative aligns directly with clean energy goals at the federal, state, and local levels.
Thanks to new investments from Santander and Philadelphia Works, we are now poised to expand our programs and train even more clean energy professionals. This expansion comes at a crucial time, aligning with broader national and state initiatives:
The expansion of our programs couldn't come at a better time. The clean energy sector is experiencing rapid growth and increasing demand for skilled workers:
These statistics underscore the importance of our training programs in preparing a workforce ready to meet the growing demands of the clean energy sector.
OIC Philadelphia is pleased to announce a new partnership with Bank of America, which recently opened a Financial Center in North Philadelphia. As part of their commitment to our community, Bank of America has generously invested $10,000 in our organization.
This contribution will bolster our efforts in workforce development and vocational training, allowing us to expand our programs and reach more individuals seeking economic empowerment. The partnership aligns closely with our mission to continue the legacy of our founder, Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan, by creating pathways to success for Philadelphia residents.
On the last day of the Financial Literacy Workshop, OIC students celebrate a newfound confidence in managing their finances. Throughout the workshop, students have gained invaluable knowledge on budgeting, saving, and investing, equipping them with the tools necessary to handle their earnings wisely.
Our Certified Medical Assistants are off to a fantastic start as they begin their second week of the program. This week, students are delving into the essentials of patient care by learning how to take and interpret vital signs—an indispensable skill in any healthcare setting.
In the OIC program, students receive comprehensive training in patient care fundamentals and physician assistance procedures. This robust curriculum ensures they acquire a strong foundation for a variety of healthcare careers. Through real-world clinical experience, our students gain an in-depth understanding of healthcare practices, preparing them to excel in their future roles.
As they progress through the program, these aspiring medical assistants are not only building their technical skills but also embodying the principles of dedication and community service championed by our founder, Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan. We are proud to see them embrace these opportunities, equipped to contribute significantly to the health and well-being of our community.
OIC Phlebotomy program started this week with an inspiring orientation. Our new cohort participated in an engaging activity where they shared their personal journeys, aspirations, and the changes they plan to make to reach their goals. This was a powerful start to a program that offers so much more than training. At OIC, we’re here to nurture growth and help individuals become the best versions of themselves!
Mark Fisher's journey from unemployment to a 30-year career exemplifies the Sullivan mission. After losing his job at a candy factory, Mark spent two years on welfare. His case worker introduced him to a four-week flooring program at OIC, which provided a $50 weekly stipend.
OIC's support continued as they helped Mark secure an internship in the Days Inn Hotel laundry department. When that didn't lead to permanent employment, fate intervened. An accident involving an OIC maintenance worker created an opportunity for Mark to step in and showcase his skills.
Impressing the team with his dedication and abilities, Mark soon became a permanent member of the maintenance crew. Over three decades, he has witnessed OIC's growth and expansion, crediting much of its recent success to President and CEO Sheila Ireland's leadership.
To current OIC students, Mark offers straightforward advice: "If they place you on the job, keep it." He encourages others to maximize the opportunities OIC provides and to support the organization in return.
Mark's passion for repairs and maintenance shines through in his work, as he takes pride in maintaining and improving OIC's facilities. His story embodies OIC's mission of helping city residents find stable employment and build fulfilling careers, demonstrating the profound impact of perseverance, opportunity, and support.
We're thrilled to invite you to our biggest community celebration of the year! OIC's 2nd Annual Alumni Block Party is back and better than ever. This event is our way of bringing together our amazing alumni, current students, staff, and the entire community for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and entertainment.
We are thrilled to announce Sheila Ireland's reappointment to the Board of Trustees for the Community College of Philadelphia. Sheila's continued leadership is a tribute to her unwavering efforts to advance the vision of our founder, Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan. Rev. Sullivan believed deeply in the transformative power of education and vocational training, and Sheila has passionately championed this cause, creating numerous pathways to success for Philadelphians from diverse backgrounds.
Congratulations to Sheila Ireland for being named a Woman of Influence by the Philadelphia Business Journal! This honor recognizes her outstanding leadership in workforce development and community empowerment. Sheila's dedication to creating economic opportunities has driven OIC Philadelphia's success and inspired positive change citywide.
Andrew Bergman, our Chief Advancement Officer, has been selected as one of just 10 leaders across the United States for the 2024 Eisenhower Fellowships USA Program. Andrew will travel to the Netherlands and India to study mental health workforce training models and holistic supportive services in underserved communities. His insights will inform OIC Philadelphia's upcoming behavioral health program, supported by Mayor Parker & the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, and the William Penn Foundation.
Ready for your next opportunity? We are beginning to accept applications for the Summer Sessions
Exciting opportunities are waiting for you at OIC Philadelphia! Discover our available openings and begin your journey with us today.
