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View our current catalog (pdf)  View our May Volunteer Newsletter (pdf) | |
St. Louis OASIS Named 2007-2008 Center of Excellence
The Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club is just one example of a successful model for collaboration. With their primary audience in school during the day, the halls of the Club were typically silent - until last year. Now the sounds of laughter and companionship come from new OASIS members. The alliance has involved hundreds of adults in health screenings, wellness programs and computer classes.
"It's a great match," says Deborah Harris, the club's program director. "We're in a central location for a population that really needs what OASIS offers, and we have established relationships with many of these folks through their grandchildren."
The relationship has blossomed since those first classes. This summer OASIS worked with Forest Park Forever to bring together OASIS volunteers and kids from the club for active outdoor activities.
Such intergenerational activities build on the strength of the largest tutoring program in the country. OASIS tutors work with with more than 3,400 students in 33 St. Louis area school districts.
"These partnerships are never one-sided," says OASIS director Barbara Turkington. "When you find organizations with similar visions, joining forces makes you so much more effective."
Bringing People Together
Through the Person to Person peer support program, group discussion leaders assist those coping with health problems, loss or loneliness. OASIS works with BJC Healthcare, Lutheran Senior Services and St. Andrews Resources for Seniors to train local residents as program facilitators in more than 20 neighborhood sites, reaching adults who have not had these opportunities.
"Person to Person gives people a way to meet one another, resolve problems and lead healthier lives," Turkington says.
Gloria Curtis understands well how important that support can be. "Ten years ago when I was newly widowed, OASIS opened a new world for me," Curtis explains.
She now volunteers for a program that involves people with disabilities in OASIS classes. "I've gained so much - life-long friends, respect, laughter - and I know I've made a difference."
Read about more OASIS Centers of Excellence.