Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association
OCCCDA‚?s overall areas of focus are:
Youth development and education,
Family support related to social concerns, and
Employment and economic development to improve community life.
To date, the first two program areas have begun in support of the timeline developed by the board of directors.
Youth
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
Current youth programs include mentoring, after school, and summer programs. Programs include art, music, reading and recreational programming as well as various family events to highlighting accomplishments of participating youth. In addition, we provide focused violence prevention and conflict mediation activities and strategies. All mentors and staff are required to complete extensive interviews and background checks .
Families
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
For the past 6 years, we have implemented an annual community festival which provides free activities and support services for families. We also: provide workshops for parenting and financial counseling on a scheduled basis; host foster care training; organize an annual Blood Drive; host the local soup kitchen; and partner with the Food Trust to provide a Farmer‚?s Market which provides coupons to senior citizens and a nutrition education program in area schools.
