Oasis International
Community economic empowerment for African immigrants and youth.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
* | $10.0k | Grant | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Oasis International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on serving the African immigrant community and low-income neighborhoods in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1992 by members including Muraina "Morris" Akinfolarin and Harold Omisore, the organization was established to create an infrastructure for professional development, social exchange, and cultural and economic growth. Harold Omisore, a retired civil engineer, has served as the board chair for over 13 years, while Mr. Akinfolarin has been the Executive Director for three decades.
The organization's mission is to foster community economic empowerment, with a significant emphasis on youth leadership development, health, and cultural promotion. Oasis International provides a range of services, including general business assistance, technical information exchange, economic literacy, and credit counseling. It operates on a non-profit model, relying on fundraising, donations, and volunteers to support its initiatives. A major achievement was the establishment of the first community-based, low-income designated credit union in Rhode Island's history in 1998, a project that stemmed from a long-term economic development strategy created in 1993.
Key programs target youth, offering leadership and development opportunities, scholarships for college-bound students, and activities designed to enhance skills and community engagement. The organization successfully runs programs that result in a 98% high school and college graduation rate among its youth participants. In 2019, Oasis International broke ground on the African Center for Community Involvement, a headquarters designed to be a central place for families to socialize and engage in community activities. The organization also hosts annual events like the African Gala Night and the African Summer Bash to raise funds and celebrate the community's cultural heritage.
Keywords: African immigrant community, community development, youth leadership, economic empowerment, non-profit organization, professional development, cultural promotion, Providence Rhode Island, financial literacy, social exchange, scholarship programs, community advocacy, low-income families, youth services, business assistance, credit counseling, cultural heritage, community center, fundraising, social services