The OISC is a day center for mentally ill adults, whose clients all have decision-making power. Services include medication, monitoring, advocating for entitlement programs, legal services, psychologist referrals, free breakfast and lunch, shelter advocates, and free clothing. OISC works in coalition with a 30-bed shelter around the block, and is part of HUD's Shelter Plus Care program.
Most clients are dually diagnosed, so substance abuse counseling is available.
The basis of OISC's program is that the client advocates for himself and others through our volunteer program. We also have a job training program, funded by the city. Participants go to a two-day workshop, develop a resume, get a counselor, do videotaped mock interviews, etc. Many patients in the early 1970's were being released from hospitals without support, so Howie set up OISC to support them living in the community. Howie had to do conspicuous protesting to open the center, including handcuffing himself and others to the State Legislature in Sacramento.