Giving Tuesday -- CC-OIC

An Urgent Call to Action From Chester County OIC
It has been over 100 days since we have gotten funding through the state of Pennsylvania -- our most major funder.  Although we are making strong attempts to diversify funding, much of our funding comes from state and federal resources.  Due to the Pennsylvania budget impasse we have received neither the state or federal funding that has been allocated for this year.
Yes we are a non-profit -- Chester County OIC.  Our mission is opening opportunities for individuals to prepare for sustainable employment and financial independence through education, training and support services.  It is tough to live this mission when we are quickly running out of reserve funding.  Without help soon our doors will have to close.

We help those who are economically disadvantaged get skills and jobs.  This work serves the entire community.  We work with youth and adults who would otherwise  continue to be impacted by social and economic barriers.  Chester County OIC has done this work in the community for 36 years.

What one of our students says (his name is withheld to protect his identity) -- 

I’m 55 years old, and the oldest of 3 boys. I've been in trouble most of my life, starting at an early age in elementary school. My father sent me to Valley Forge Military Academy in 72', but I was summarily thrown out after just 4 short months. I was not ready for the regimentation at a school like that. I was later expelled from high school in 77' and joined the Army, as I was on parole and would’ve had to return to juvenile detention if I had not entered the Army. I successfully completed my 3 years in the Army and was honorably discharged.  

I’ve had various jobs since being discharged from the Army, but none ever made me happy or brought me any fulfillment in life. In 1985, I got back into trouble and ended up returning to prison for parole violations. I’ve done a total of 21 ½ years of prison for charges related to burglary, violence, and substance abuse. 2 years prior to my release, I ended up going into “the hole” for a fight. At that moment, I decided that it was truly time to get my life together. I

I began to think about my future and career and decided that I wanted to get my CDL. After being released from prison, I found it very difficult to find a program that could help me with my goals and move forward with my life. That was until I found the CC-OIC and was introduced to Chris Pielli in the Workforce Integration Program. He helped me to obtain my CDL and I’m happy to say that I have been living a sober life, staying out of trouble, and working as a truck driver!

This is just one story.  We serve about 700 youth and adults annually and there are many more success stories that resemble the one above.  In 36 years we have helped 10's of thousands access employment and better their chances for economic self-sufficiency.

Chester County OIC provides Certified Nurse Aide Training, General Education Diploma Preparation and Testing (for high school equivalency degree), Academic Tutoring, English Language Training to immigrant students, and an Out-of-School Youth Program.

At Chester County OIC -- we help people who help themselves.  We can only do that if our doors are open.  Thanks for your urgent reponse.

Joyce Chester, President & CEO
Chester County OIC