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OCCCDA Opens New Oasis Room at Fels High School

          In partnership with Samuel Fels High School, the Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association is pleased to introduce The Fels Success Center (FSC). This new program, led by OCCCDA’s Fiona Baynard, will work to encourage socio-emotional learning in an effort to mitigate community-based violence through relevant resources, education, and activities. Fiona and the FSC team (below) plan to closely collaborate with the school staff, families, and additional OCCCDA programs to ensure the needs of the Oxford Circle and Fels community are being met.

Pictured (left to right): SEL Educator Pheoby Kenschaft, Oasis Counselor Charlene Lewis, Case Manager Taahira Avans, Program Director Fiona Baynard, Oasis Facilitator Sarina Vergara.

          Located in the Fels library, the FSC is organized into two programs: the Family Resource Center and the Oasis Room. The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers case management, SEL education, parent workshops, and field trips. The Oasis Room offers SEL counseling during one-on-one and group sessions.

Since the program’s official opening on Monday, September 18, there has already been an undeniable impact on students: Students are walking into the Oasis and FRC to spend their lunchtime with us; students at risk of out-of-school suspension are opting to be at the center instead; the Carnell FRC, Fels FRC, and Food Distribution teams have coordinated to give emergency support to a family in need; and so many more examples of the program’s success are being celebrated each day.

The FSC is made possible by funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

As our program grows, we look forward to sharing more updates and providing much-needed support for our community. If you have any questions, thoughts, or ideas about the Fels Success Center, please feel free to contact felssuccesscenter@occcda.org or visit us during our opening hours. We value your perspective.