Our vision is to provide support to Oxford Circle community residents through the following program areas: youth development, family enrichment and support, economic and community development. Programming is targeted to the Lower Northeast, Oxford Circle neighborhood of Philadelphia and the surrounding zip codes of 19124, 19149, 19111.
For program enrollment and further information, please contact us.
Our purpose in ministering to youth is to develop leaders who become adult leaders in our community through:
- Academic improvement and the development of critical thinking skills
- Positive mentoring relationships
- Development of creativity and giftedness in the arts
- Improved self-esteem and decision-making
Staff and volunteers develop long-term relationships in small learning environments which model conflict reconciliation, spiritual discipline, and critical thinking skills. These qualities are taught through the creative arts including drama, creative writing, visual arts, dance, and music. All mentors and staff are required to complete on-site training, interviews, and background checks. Programs are provided on-site at 900 E. Howell Street, 19149 unless otherwise designated.
Current youth programs include:
After School Program - 3:30pm to 5:30pm Tuesday through Thursday from September through May and is currently geared to elementary age children. If interested in volunteering, please find information on the “Opportunities” page. If you or your children are interested in attending the program, please contact us at (267) 265-6070.
Summer Art and Enrichment Program - 1:00pm to 4:30pm Monday through Tuesday from July 5th through August 12th. Programming includes art, music, reading and recreational programming as well as a closing family event to highlight accomplishments of participating youth. We are still in planning for the summer program but hope to be able to provide programming for middle school as well elementary school age youth. If interested in volunteering, please find information on the Opportunities page. If you or your children are interested in attending the program, please contact us at (267) 265-6070.
Conflict Resolution Program - 1:30pm to 2:30pm Friday from October through April at Carnell Elementary School. 4th and 5th grade students are currently referred by the school administration for participation in the program which teaches violence prevention, conflict resolution/mediation, and positive decision-making skills. This a partnership program with the Philadelphia Mennonite High School.
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Our purpose in ministering to families is to develop support networks which enhance family stability and teach reconciliation through:
- Development of peer-support networks
- Improved parenting skills and knowledge of child development
- Utilization of reconciliation skills in the family setting
Programs are provided on-site at 900 E. Howell Street, 19149 unless otherwise designated.
Current family programs include:
Emergency and Holiday Food Assistance - Provided as needed. We work in partnership with the Oxford Village Food Bank and through referrals from local agencies. We also provide an annual holiday food distribution over the Christmas season in partnership with the Oxford Circle Mennonite Church youth group. If you need to make a referral, please contact us at (267) 265-1709 or by e-mail at contact@occcda.org
Oxford Circle Community Festival - Takes place annually from 12:00pm to 4:00pm on the 2nd Saturday of September. The festival includes free food, children games, petting zoo, face painting, fire trucks, prayer tent, pony rides, as well as contemporary Christian music. Representatives of various employers, social agencies and faith based institutions are also on-site to provide resources. If you would like more information or to register for a table in the resource tent, please contact us at (267) 265-1709 or by e-mail at contact@occcda.org
Food Trust Farmer's Market - Takes place at intersection of Summerdale and Oxford Avenues from late spring through early fall. Seasonal produce is sold and food vouchers are provided by the Food Trust to community seniors. We are the host partner for the site. For more information, visit The Food Trust website.
Red Cross Blood Drive - Scheduled early summer in partnership with Einstein Hospital and the American Red Cross. We have successfully provided over 50 pints of blood annually over the past 2 years. Check our “events” listing for dates.
Family Support Programs (Coming Soon!) - We are currently in the planning stages for beginning Family Support Programs for Fall, 2010. Services are being planned to assist parents/families including basic case management, support groups, parent(s) night out activities, and adult learning opportunities. Support will be targeted to the high number of young families and single heads of households living in the community. More information will be provided closer to the start up.
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Our purpose in ministering to adults is to develop character and employment skills through:
- Accomplishment of employment and educational goals
- Employment with self-sustaining wages and benefits
- Development of small business projects
Participants will be assisted to meet their employment goals through an employment skills assessment including: employment readiness, computer/technology skills, and trade internships. Economic development will also include small business ventures which provide employment and training opportunities as well as assist in supporting OCCCDA financially.
This area of programming is still in development and our goal is to begin providing these services in 2011.
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