Our vision is to provide support to Oxford Circle community residents through the following program areas: youth development, family enrichment and support, economic and community development. Programming is targeted to the Lower Northeast, Oxford Circle neighborhood of Philadelphia and the surrounding zip codes of 19124, 19149, 19111.
Video – Our Programs
Youth Development
Check out the claymation video our afterschool kids created on MLK day! http://youtu.be/axGwIlwCLuo
Coming soon!
2013 Summer camp for middle school students.
Our purpose in ministering to youth is to develop young leaders in our community through:
- Academic improvement and the development of critical thinking skills
- Positive mentoring relationships
- Development of creativity in the arts
- Improved self-esteem and decision-making
Our staff and volunteers develop long-term relationships in small learning environments which model conflict reconciliation, spiritual discipline, and critical thinking skills. These qualities are taught through the creative arts including drama, creative writing, visual arts, dance, and music. All mentors and staff are required to complete on-site training, interviews, and background checks. Programs are provided on-site at 900 E. Howell Street, 19149 unless otherwise designated.
Current youth programs include:
21st Century Community Learning Center Out-of-school Enrichment Program (Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education)
After School Program - This program is Monday through Friday, 3:00pm to 6:00pm, from September 24th through the third week of June and is currently serving children grades Kindergarten through 6th (students are placed in two separate student groups). To enroll your child(ren) in the program, please contact the out-of-school coordinator at raquel.oxfordcircle@gmail.com or (215) 288-8506 for registration information. If you interested in volunteering, please find information on the “Opportunities” page.
Please see our program schedule below:
April, May, June 2013 - 4th Quarter for Grades K-6
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 3-3:30 | Snack & Nutrition Education (15 min) | Snack & Nutrition Education (15 min) | Snack & Nutrition Education (15 min) | Snack & Nutrition Education (15 min) | Snack & Nutrition Education (15 min) |
| 3:30-3:45 | Recreation (15 min) | Recreation (15 min) | Recreation (15 min) | Recreation (15 min) | Recreation (15 min) |
| 3:45-4:15 | Tutoring (30 min) | Arts & Crafts (30 min) | 3:30-400 pm Tutoring (30 min) | 3:45-4:00 Tutoring (15 min) | 3:45-4:00 Tutoring/Reading (15 min) |
| 4:15-5:00 | Literacy (45 min) | Literacy (45 min) | 4-5pm STEM/Nutrition-whole group (1 hr) | 4-5 Cross-Cultural class & Beading (1hr) | 4-6 Edge-1hr w/ each class |
| 5:00-5:45 | STEM (45 min) | Tutoring/Pen Pal (45 min) | 5-5:55pm Photography-2 groups simultaneously (1hr) | Music (1 hr) | 4-6 Technology-1hr w/ each class |
| 5:45 | Recreation (15 min) | Recreation (15 min) | Recreation (15 min) | ||
| 6:00 | Goodbye: Sign-Out | Goodbye: Sign-Out | Goodbye: Sign-Out | Goodbye: Sign-Out | Goodbye: Sign-Out |
Summer Art and Enrichment Program – The Summer Art and Enrichment Program is a six (6) week day camp held Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm (hours subject to change) and runs from July through mid-August. Check out this video of the 2012 Summer Camp! The 2013 Summer Camp dates are July 1 – August 8, 2013 (note: this is a change from our previously posted dates). The camp is for students from Kindergarten through 8th graders, with a new program especially for middle school students (6th – 8th grade). Programming includes literacy,STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), art, music, and culinary classes taught by caring and professional teachers. We also have structured recreational activities and a weekly field trip to fun and educational locations. The program closes with a family event highlighting the accomplishments of participating youth. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. For more registration details, please contact us at raquel.oxfordcircle@gmail.com or (215) 288-8506. The summer program also provides volunteer and employment opportunities for both youth and adults. Please look for information on the “Opportunities” page beginning in May/June
EDGE stands for “Excellence Drives Growth Everyday” and is a conflict resolution based program held at the local elementary school, Carnell, in partnership with Philadelphia Mennonite High School and in the out-of-school program. The classes at Carnell Elementary, are held every Friday afternoon and consist of 4th and 5th grade students who are referred by the school administration for participation in the program. The EDGE class at the out-of-school program is held Fridays for K – 6th grades. This program teaches and provides the students’ tools to address violence prevention, conflict resolution/mediation, healthy self-esteem, and positive decision-making skills. This program is facilitated in partnership with the Philadelphia Mennonite High School. For more details or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please contact the Youth Outreach Coordinator at bridget.oxfordcircle@gmail.com or (215) 288-8508 .
Find out about EDGE from our coaches and students!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGmxPVGh28Y&feature=share
Family Support
Our purpose in ministering to families is to develop support networks which enhance family stability and teach reconciliation through:
- Development of peer-support networks
- Improved parenting skills and knowledge of child development
- Utilization of reconciliation skills in the family setting
Programs are provided on-site at 900 E. Howell Street, 19149 unless otherwise designated.
Current family programs include:
Emergency and Holiday Food Assistance – We work in partnership with the Mennonite Central Committee(MCC), East Coast office to provide food bags to families in need. We also host a Christmas food, toy and comfort distribution in partnership with the MCC East Coast office and Oxford Circle Mennonite Church youth group. All emergency and holiday distributions are made by a referral system in coordination with community agencies.
Back to School Day - Our Back to School Day will take place from 12:00pm to 4:00pm on the 2nd Saturday of September. We will distribute food bags and school kits to attendees.
Food Trust Farmer’s Market – A weekly farmer’s market is held at our location, 900 E Howell Street, 19149. The season is typically June – October. Seasonal produce is sold and food vouchers are provided by the Food Trust to community seniors. You can also use Access cards to purchase the produce. We are the host partner for the site. For more information, visit The Food Trust website.
Second Space Arts – An art gallery is located on the second of floor of our location at 900 E. Howell Street, 19149. This gallery showcases artwork from various artists, with a new show and opening night every four months. Come by and enjoy great artwork for free! Our current exhibit is Big Small Town featuring drawings by Jonathon Bean and Ammon Perry. For more details visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SecondSpaceArts
Bridge of Hope – Program Site – We are and are currently accepting referrals for program participants and interest in joining a church mentor group. Please contact the BOH Caseworker, Maire Toussiant for more details about referrals or church mentor groups at bridgeofhope@occcda.org or (215) 215-288-8507.
Employment and Economic Development
Our purpose in ministering to adults is to develop character and employment skills through:
- Accomplishment of employment and educational goals
- Employment with self-sustaining wages and benefits
- Development of small business projects
All of our programs are located at 900 E Howell St, 19149, unless otherwise noted. The programs listed below are ongoing.
GED/ABE Prep Classes- GED prep courses are offered for students who do not have a high school diploma but wish to take the exams to gain their GED, a high school degree equivalency. Classes are instructed by caring and knowledgeable teachers on Tuesday and Thursday each week from 5pm to 8pm. Participants are required to take a pre-test to determine the courses you will need to study. Books available for $10 and the class is free of charge. To register for the class, please call (215) 353-3235.
ESL Classes- The ESL (English as a Second Language) classes are free and are for those who want to improve their English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Participants will learn English for work, home and the community, along with US culture and citizenship skills. All levels are welcome and classes are taught by a dedicated and knowledgeable instructor. ESL classes are held on Tuesday and Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm. To register for the class, please call (215) 353-3235.
Job Preparedness Training – Our instructor will provide an individualized plan to assist you in basic job readiness training and skill building. The training lab takes place Thursdays from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and is free of charge. To register for the class, please call (215) 353-3235.
Upcoming Specialized Courses
Computer Lab & Intro to Computers – Get assistance on using various productivity software, e.g. Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Work on your own if you just need a computer to use. Learn the basics of using a computer (no experience required). Instructor: Bill Lauzus
7:00 – 8:30 PM, Monday October 8 (and 2nd Monday of each month)
Nutrition and Cooking – Come and learn about healthy eating, quick and easy meals, the difference between good and bad fats, the new My Plate, maintaining a healthy weight, and more! Instructor: Krista Yoder Latortue, Director of Family Food and child nutrition expert
6:30—7:30 PM, Mondays, Oct. 15th—Nov. 19th
Financial Management – Winning Wealth Services, in partnership with OCCCDA, is pleased to offer a 5 week course on personal financial management. The B.A.S.I.C. curriculum was established to provide a comprehensive overview of the most essential components of personal financial management. Course topics include: Budgeting, Account Management, Saving, Investing, and Credit Management. Cost is $10/session. Instructor: David Smith
7:00-9:00 PM, Tuesdays, Nov. 6 – Dec. 4, 2012
Please contact our office at (267) 265-1709 for any questions regarding the classes listed above and/or registration information.
