The OEC Advocacy Program
OEC has built a reputation as an advocacy group that works from within an organization, becoming part of the solution by working directly with boards and executive directors. A great number of churches exist in urban areas with a mandate to serve the community in which they are located. All too often, however, their programs do not reach the mass population and are, therefore, limited in their effectiveness. OEC brings the church and non-profit organization together to create a non-profit community development organization whereby the collaborative partnership strengthens the ability to demonstrate the necessary measurables and performance to generate funding for programs. Joining these two entities gives them the ability to expand their service areas and become more viable to the surrounding community.
OEC has established its advocacy program and formed five areas of concentration which allow us to work closely and more effectively with churches and community organizations:
- Children and Youth - Day care, online tutoring programs for K-12, skills and development training, abuse counseling, clothing and guidance counseling, nutrition courses, self-awareness and Big BrotherT/Big SisterT programs.
- Education and Training - Coaching for children and adults, including GED completion, counseling/training for college preparation, skills training models for trade jobs, and soft skills components as an instruction model.
- Men and Women Veterans - Housing, counseling, and transportation to veterans' facilities. These programs are coordinated through the Veterans Administration and non-profit organizations with a concentration in this area.
- Displaced Families - Home Ownership - Temporary housing, training on home care, payment for defaulted rents, rehab of existing property for low-income home owners, first-time home ownership programs (including sweat equity initiatives), and neighborhood education programs (including community clean-up and basic improvements training).
- Senior Programs for Health, Housing and Retraining - Health seminars/workshops, nutrition and exercise programs, home-delivery and shopping programs. Companion programs, such as next-of-kin and adult day care, letter writing, emergency communication (including cell and in-home communication links) and grandparent programs. Quality housing for seniors and special-needs seniors in single- and multi-family structures, assistance with home repair and refits, and full-service facilities with staff on premises. Retraining of seniors with a desire to return to the workforce, counseling on job availability, placement and employment at non-profit agencies.
OEC uses an out-of-the box approach in its association with organizations that have dedicated themselves to provide the various services needed to accommodate the above concentrations. We join with collaborative partnerships, bringing expertise and the necessary skills and oversight capabilities to maximize the efficiency of service. OEC assists and monitors progress and works closely with an organization, allowing that unit to keep its focus on community service while OEC brings in funding and executive level management to ensure total compliance with funders and agencies.