History Continued

To answer these cries for help, the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America (OICA) was founded in 1964 by Reverend Leon H. Sullivan and four hundred concerned ministers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first OIC was dedicated on a cold January day in an old abandoned jailhouse, which was renovated with the nickels, dimes and quarters of people in the community and in combination with an anonymous donation. Industry gave its support by contributing equipment, machines and technical assistance.

Finally, a program that would bring the jobs and the unemployed together was created. 135 men and 165 women joined the organization, training in typing, drafting, electronics, machine tooling, culinary arts and hospitality.

The OIC movement grew from that first class of young adults, meeting in an old jailhouse-turned-job-training-center, to 60 affiliates in 30 states across the country and the District of Columbia.

Reverend Sullivan built OICA on the principle of "self-help", providing people with the tools to help themselves overcome barriers of poverty and oppression. Sullivan realized that simply making jobs available was not enough. He said, “I found that we needed training. Integration without preparation is frustration.”

OIC of New London opened its doors in 1970 serving individuals in need of job training and self-sufficiency supportive services, building off of the model created by Rev. Sullivan.

In 1992, OIC dedicated its new home at 106 Truman Street in New London (the former Saltonstall School). This facility includes a modern computer lab, a mobile laptop computer lab, a secure wi-fi computer network, a clinical classroom for CNA training, several large conference rooms and multiple classrooms. In addition, OIC of New London County houses the offices of Literacy Volunteers of Eastern Connecticut and serves as a site for the New London Food Pantry.

Over the years, OIC of New London has helped more than 28,000 clients find better employment, gain marketable skills, and contribute to a better standard of living for our community. Last year alone, OIC assisted nearly 200 families with securing energy assistance, while over 100 families took advantage of our food pantry; 134 individuals received job seeking/employability support and vocational training in the areas of Office/Computer Skills, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Culinary Arts; 717 clients received services and support from our Community Justice programs; and 178 received information and training in Financial Literacy and first-time Homeownership.

OIC is deeply rooted in southeastern Connecticut. Thousands of former students, staff members, board members and others who are familiar with us, continue to lend their support in many ways. As the needs of our community change, OIC remains dedicated to helping others develop the skills, strategies and understanding to can help themselves.

Back