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Indianapolis OASIS Named 2007-2008 Center of Excellence
Dynamic programming and innovative community outreach are among the reasons Indianapolis OASIS has been named a 2007-2008 Center of Excellence by the OASIS Institute. Indianapolis OASIS is one of five centers in the country to be recognized for taking OASIS education and volunteer programs to a broader audience.
Indianapolis OASIS offers up to 500 programs each term through four OASIS centers and many outreach locations. "We've focused on building strong partnerships," says director Melony Barney, "but there are still so many opportunities."
A partnership with the Anthem Foundation in 2006 provided funding to introduce Active Start, a program to increase physical activity levels among sedentary older adults, in underserved areas of town. More than 75 people have already enrolled.
AT&T funding and a collaboration with the Urban League enabled OASIS to expand its Connections computer classes to an underserved area of the city reaching more than 150 adults. Jim Tackett, executive director of external affairs at AT&T Indiana, says the partnership illustrates the best of corporate and non-profit efforts to tackle community problems.
"The Urban League has an underutilized facility, OASIS has computer expertise and AT&T has a mission to improve the quality of life in the community using technology," he explains. "Together, we're able to provide access and effectively train older adults on how to integrate computers into their lives."
Volunteers are the FoundationMargaret Shaw, an OASIS advisory council member and computer lab volunteer, says the range of classes is what initially drew her to the organization 14 years ago. Today, that's only a part of what keeps her involved.
Shaw is one of about 750 Indianapolis OASIS volunteers, but she credits staff with making her feel like she is number one. "OASIS volunteers are extremely loyal because we're respected and appreciated," she explains.
Mickey Miller feeds her passion in OASIS volunteer performance groups. "Clogging, tapping, singing, acting - I've done it all with OASIS," Miller says. "And while I love performing, it's the lifelong friends I've made and the ability to make someone else's day brighter that keep me coming back."
Barney says volunteers are the foundation of OASIS; they make significant contributions not only at OASIS but also out in the community. The Intergenerational Tutoring program is one example; more than 450 tutors are helping over 500 students in 10 school districts each year.
Read about more OASIS Centers of Excellence.