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Enriching the Lives of Mature Adults |
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News OASIS Marks 25th Anniversary at National Conference Organization unveils five-year business plan to increase its impact October 10, 2007 
St. Louis - OASIS celebrated its 25th anniversary with a national conference on active aging Oct. 2-5 in its hometown.
The Honorable Josefina Carbonell, assistant secretary for Aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was the keynote speaker at the celebration on October 4. Carbonell recalled the original grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) that funded the OASIS pilot in 1982, calling OASIS one of AoA's "oldest success stories, and a catalyst of civic change."
Carbonell presented each OASIS director with a letter of recognition for their "dedication, inspiring work, and creativity on behalf of those we are entrusted to serve."
"OASIS exemplifies what is possible when private and public organizations join together for the better good," Carbonell said. "From the beginning, AoA and OASIS shared the same vision - successful, independent community based living for older adults. We know that people who stay engaged in their communities feel empowered - they feel connected and that they are accomplishing something."
During the conference, Marcia Kerz, president of The OASIS Institute, announced an ambitious five-year business plan to increase OASIS' impact through programs to reach a broader audience.
Developed with support from The Atlantic Philanthropies, Phase I of the plan calls for $12.9 million in funding and gives OASIS a blueprint for increased sustainability and growth in programs that mobilize mature adults to strengthen their communities.
OASIS history publication traces the organization's roots
Participants got a look at a new publication that chronicles the organization's first quarter century. Enriching Lives: The History of OASIS tells the organization's story through the experiences of dozens of volunteers, staff members and participants. Copies are available from the OASIS Institute.
Marylen Mann and a cadre of educators and volunteers established OASIS in 1982. It was a time when many programs for older adults were oriented around games and passive activities. OASIS pioneered stimulating educational, wellness and volunteer programs that helped older adults stay healthy and engaged within their communities.
Over the years, OASIS grew into a nationally recognized organization with programs in 27 cities that serve 365,000 people. OASIS has won dozens of awards and recognition over the years from organizations and agencies like the AARP, the U.S. Administration on Aging and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
OASIS President Marcia Kerz led a team that developed the five-year plan. The team's first decision was to recommit to Mann's original mission from 1982: to provide opportunities for mature adults to challenge their minds, improve their health, connect with others, build skills and serve the community.
As 72 million people approach retirement over the next 20 years, Kerz says it's now the responsibility of OASIS leadership to identify new ways to meet the needs of its constituency.
"We want to increase and diversify participation in our programs, maintain program excellence, increase sustainability and ensure OASIS continues to be a leader in the field of aging," Kerz says. "We have an unprecedented opportunity to change lives. The time to act is now."
New award announced to recognize creative programs
During the celebration, members of the OASIS Institute Board of Directors announced that they have established the Marylen Mann Leadership Award for Creativity and Excellence. The honor will recognize outstanding programs offered each year at OASIS centers nationwide with awards of up to $2,500. The board has raised approximately $50,000 for the award to date. The announcement came as a surprise to Mann.
"OASIS is truly an organization that works thanks to Marylen's vision," said Carolyn Losos, board member. "We wanted to honor Marylen for her spirit and ingenuity but we knew, too, that it would mean much more to her if it rewarded innovation at OASIS centers across the country."
For more information:Janice Branham, Director of Communications The OASIS Institute 314.862.2933 ext 229 jbranham@oasisnet.org OASIS News Releases April 28, 2008 OASIS Video to be Broadcast on National Television April 1, 2008 OASIS Receives $2.5 Million from The Atlantic Philanthropies Supporting Business Plan for Expansion October 10, 2007 OASIS Marks 25th Anniversary at National Conference, unveils five-year business plan to increase its impact March 14, 2007 AT&T Foundation Makes $1 Million Technology Grant to The OASIS Institute March 7, 2007 OASIS Receives National Leadership Award from NCOA February 8, 2007 OASIS Plans to Expand Programs to Reach a Broader Audience Atlantic Philanthropies Grant To Support Expansion Plan February 5, 2007 OASIS Institute Names Five Centers of Excellence for 2007-08 November 6, 2006 Marylen Mann Receives Distinguished Alumni Award from Washington University October 30, 2006 OASIS Institute Receives National Award from HHS for Promoting Healthy Lifestyle August 2, 2006 New Research Shows Active Living Every Day a Success at Activating Sedentary Adults June 21, 2006 Four New Directors Elected to the Board of The OASIS Institute April 11, 2006 OASIS Wins National RespectAbility Program of Excellence Award Recognizing Promising Practices in Civic Engagement April 11, 2006 OASIS Awarded $45,000 Grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for Intergenerational Healthy Lifestyles Program January 24, 2006 OASIS Receives $778,424 in Grants from the Missouri Foundation for Health to Improve Physical and Mental Health for Mature Adults January 18, 2006 OASIS President Participates in White House Conference on Aging December 5, 2005 OASIS Founder Marylen Mann Receives AARP Impact Award August 25, 2005 SBC Foundation Funds OASIS Project to Expand Workforce Development and Community Service June 27, 2005 Survey Finds Older Americans, Baby Boomers Want Jobs With a Purpose April 5, 2005 Department Store Helps City Seniors Find Haven to Continue Learning March 16, 2005 AoA's You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging Campaign Recognizes Joint Project of OASIS and San Antonio Partners March 5, 2005 More Seniors Use Technology to Stay Connected New study shows Internet use by mature adults up 6 percent (age 50-64); 9 percent (age 65+) |
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