BIBLE CENTER CHURCH - THE OASIS PROJECT

Results: The Oasis Project's two-generation interventions annually educate, feed, and transport hundreds of K–12 children, train and employ dozens of young adults as mentors, instructors, and interns, and provide hundreds of thousands of dollars of supplemental income in the form of free childcare, free meals, and other supports to low-income parents, most of whom are employed single moms. Responsiveness to community needs is the cornerstone of TOP’s programming. A prime example of this is our pandemic response. We shifted to providing a full-day learning hub for 54 children in K–7th grades. We also delivered meals and diapers weekly to local families. The financial impact on families was well over $1 million in free food, supplies, learning support, and childcare. Own Our Own has graduated 104 entrepreneurs since its launch in 2019. In recent years, we have expanded Oasis Farm and Fishery education with adult programming on growing, sourcing, and cooking local fresh foods for improved well-being. The Maker's Clubhouse expanded enrollment to serve approximately 322 students annually.

Target demographics: Children & Families in Homewood

Direct beneficiaries per year: 1,500 children ages 5-17 and 100 adults

Geographic areas served: The Homewood community of Pittsburgh, PA

Programs: TOP directly serves thousands of people through its programs and activities for children, youth, individuals, and families from the predominantly African American neighborhoods of Pittsburgh's east end (i.e., Homewood, East Hills, Larimer, Lincoln-Lemington, Belmar, Wilkinsburg). The current programs and activities of The Oasis Project include: The Maker’s Clubhouse (TMC) is TOP’s principal education program, serving children from ages 3 – 13 through a variety of high-quality programs. Out-of-School-Time programs offer STEAM (science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and math) focused educational enrichment through a 30 weeks after-school program for K-5th graders, a 7-week full-day summer camp (Green STEAM & Play) for both elementary and middle school age children, school-wide activities, and community events. TMC's Early Learning Center provides high-quality education and child-care services for preschool-aged children through a Montessori-inspired curriculum and year-round extended-day options. Oasis Farm and Fishery (OFF) is TOP’s urban farming, nutrition, and cooking program that teaches children and adults about various agricultural methods designed for urban settings. Nutrition and cooking classes focus on the connection between what is eaten and how you think, feel, and act. Community Health Assistance, Programming & Engagement Leadership (CHAPEL) is a community-led informal mental health support program that leverages the connection between church community and holistic well-being. CHAPEL is presented in partnership with A Second Chance, Inc. Oasis Community Kitchen (OCK) is a certified, professionally-equipped, shared-use commercial kitchen and small event venue. The on-site Chef is a business planning resource for beginner, intermediate, and seasoned independent entrepreneurs, and provides oversight and catering for the venue and Everyday Café. Oasis Transportation Services (OTS) is a discount transportation company whose mission is, “To Transport Our Community to Opportunity.” Own Our Own (OOO) Entrepreneurship Academy and Business Development Center offers a 13-week business development course and shared-use office space, meeting space, and resource center. Its purpose is “To Help African American and Other Underestimated Entrepreneurs Build Successful Businesses.” Everyday Café (EDC) is Homewood’s premiere “third space” to meet, greet and eat and one of TOP’s workforce development and youth employment venues.