Organization: OASIS - A HAVEN FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN INC
Mission: THE MISSION OF OASIS IS TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN BY BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY THROUGH COMPASSIONATE PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO FEED, CLOTHE, EDUCATE AND EMPOWER WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN NEED.
Activities: MEAL PROGRAM FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN LIVING IN POVERTY. Oasis serves those fighting poverty by offering daily breakfast and lunch IN OUR SOUP KITCHEN. ANNUALLY, OASIS SERVES 65,000 MEALS, BOTH TO CLIENTS RECEIVING OTHER SERVICES AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE GREATER PATERSON COMMUNITY. IN RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC, FROM MID-MARCH THROUGH JUNE, OASIS SHIFTED FROM THEIR NORMAL OPERATION TO A "GRAB AND GO" THAT RESULTED IN SERVING FROM 150 MEALS PER DAY TO A PEAK OF 1,900 MEALS PER DAY.
PROGRAMS PROVIDING SOCIAL SERVICES TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN LIVING IN POVERTY. THE GOAL OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES PROVIDED IS TO feed, clothe, and MENTOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL. THESE SERVICES INCLUDE FOOD BAGS FROM OUR PANTRY (10,000 ANNUALLY), DIAPERS AND OTHER BABY NEEDS, CLOTHING, FURNITURE, SOCIAL SERVICE SCREENINGS AND SUPPORT ON TOPICS INCLUDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND WOMEN'S HEALTH. ADDITIONALLY, OASIS DISTRIBUTES 1,200 TURKEYS AT THANKSGIVING AND 5,000 TOYS AT CHRISTMAS. IN RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC, FROM MID-MARCH THROUGH JUNE, OASIS SHIFTED FROM THEIR NORMAL OPERATION OF HANDING OUT 10 FOOD BAGS PER DAY TO 200 BAGS PER DAY.
Over 800 children and teens benefit from Oasis youth development programs during the academic year as part of Michael Wagner After School Academy Program, Full Service Community School Program at PS2, the Teen Empowerment and Enrichment Network, The Rise and Shine Saturday Program, and the Paterson Youth Photography Program. During the summer, 170 children participate in Carls Kids Summer Camp while 10 Paterson teens partake in the Oasis First Jobs program as Camp Counselors. All of our youth programs provide a safe haven from tough Paterson streets while promoting learning, encouraging respect, and furthering life skills development.
NTEE category: Human Services
Secondary category: Food, Agriculture & Nutrition