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Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc.
M.A.H.C
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Contents
Education
11|
Youth Connect The Education and Training
Department welcomes their 2014 Youth
Connect Class
Cover Story
13)
OIC Graduation 2014 U.S Congressman
G.K Butterfield delivers a dynamic keynote
speech.
President’s Address
5|
President and CEO Reuben Blackwell
OIC’s President and CEO
Reuben Blackwell delvers his presidential Address.
Health
7|
Just Health and Food Summit
OIC teams up with the NCACDC to bring
healthy food and fun to the community .
8|
Save Our Fathers
The OIC and its partners help spread prostate health
and awareness throughout the community.
9|
Outreach and Enrollment OIC captures the testimonies of the people we
serve.
Creative
10|
Summer Internships
OIC‘s summer interns gets a behind the
scenes view of OIC operations.
Presidents Address
Building a Sustaining Vision
Helping to rekindle our students’ confidence and vision while we work to help rebuild the communities they live,
work and play in is not an easy job. It is foolish for us or anyone to take any credit for elevating a person’s mind
about who they are or what they can do. But, at OIC, we must always continue the struggle to help people see
what’s best about themselves. We know that many times the people that come to us have run out of chances or
sometimes even think that they have run out of options.
Employment figures locally, statewide and nationally are not rising as quickly as they have fallen. Most of our clients, however, haven’t really been impacted by the recent optimism that seems to be peeking out from under the
blanket of economic depression. It’s just always been tough for them, their parents and their parents before them.
That’s why it’s important that OIC mirrors the attitude and approach of an Old Testament Biblical hero that led the
rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah chose people that had the intention to reclaim the City of their ancestors. The account summarily declares that Nehemiah and his followers weren’t dissuaded by the task or intimidated by their opponents that told them their work and goals would never succeed. They just rolled up their sleeves
and went to work. They built with one hand and held a sword in the other just in case they had to fight!
It is clear to us today what obstacles we fight against. More people are looking for jobs than ever before. However,
jobs that pay living wages and benefits can be hard to find. With rising health disparities in eastern North Carolina,
there is a greater need for quality, affordable and accessible healthcare. North Carolina’s elected leadership has opted not to expand Medicaid to uninsured individuals who live in our state and are not yet enrolled, but normally eligi-
ble, for public insurance. This policy has been detriment to
more than 500,000 North Carolina Residents
As followers of Rev. Leon Sullivan today, we must adopt his
“we can do anything” attitude. OIC must continue to find
creative ways to build capacity for our organizations, our
communities, our students and our patients! That is why
we chose to celebrate the 45 graduates that earned their
General Equivalency Diplomas at OIC last week. That’s also
why we are bringing an additional facility for primary care
services online later in July to expand our health resources
reach into previously underserved communities.
We don’t have time to look at hurdles and worry about
obstacles. Our clients and the families that we serve expect that when they come to us, we have answers and direction. I believe that the OIC international mantra, “we
help people who help themselves,” is relevant in any generation and with any people.
It’s up to us to put it into action. Fifty years after the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, we are still having to
prove today that ALL AMERICANS are entitled to the full
privileges of this great society that is called America. Many
gains have been made over the last fifty years. And many
gains are being rolled back one by one.
At OIC, we will continue to ensure that our programming
and service delivery is current, contemporary and competitive. We will also do all we can to ensure that our clients,
patients and students are thinking success, developing options and maximizing every opportunity they have. And at
OIC, just as Rev. Sullivan did, we will loudly and persuasively work with all elected and appointed officials to remind
them of the promise that America holds for everyone. We
OIC President and CEO Reuben Blackwell (right) shakes hands
with civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson at the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act Congressional Commemoration.
work the way that we do because we believe that what we do not only changes lives today, but influences the destiny
of generations to come.
Thanks to all of our partners and friends for supporting us in the many ways that you do. And thanks to the OIC family, staff, partners and volunteers, who join together to ensure that our village is healthy, nurturing and full of life and
that our walls are secure!
OIC in collaboration with the Prostate
Cancer Coalition, Rocky Mount Ministers
Alliance, Omegas of Rocky Mount and A
Total Outreach Ministry sponsored the
“Save Our Fathers: Getting Back to the
Basics” event with emphasis being placed
on prostate health and awareness. Rocky
Mount residents in attendance received
invaluable information regarding prostate
health and education. OIC’s Mobile Access Health Clinic was also present and available for
free onsite screening. Free food and beverages were
served as the panel discussion commenced in what
happened to be an informative and eventful evening.
Getting Back to the Basics: Five Interesting
Facts about Prostate Cancer
1.
One in 10 000 men under the age of 40 develop
prostate cancer, whereas one in eight men between the ages of 60 and 80 suffer from the disease.
2.
Lack of exercise can lead to general ill-health and
makes someone more susceptible to all sorts of
diseases, prostate problems included.
3.
A man with three first degree relatives with prostate cancer has a ten times increased risk of developing prostate cancer himself.
4.
For some reason not yet fully understood, the rate
of prostate cancer among black men is higher than
that of other race groups. A possibility exists that
higher levels of testosterone may be responsible.
5.
The prostate needs time and male hormones to
develop cancer. Testosterone does not cause
prostate cancer, but is essential for prostate cancer to develop.
Panel: Mary C. Anderson (L), Shari Dickens (2nd from Left), Dr. Claudia
Richardson(3rd from left) and Rev. Thomas L. Walker (Far Right)
James Moore, Rocky Mount
Chief of Police ,introduces
the audience to the panel
speakers
“The process was easy, it was really
blessing and I am grateful that I
came here.” Monet Brown, 22, Rocky Mount
A
Resident
Monet Brown pictured with her mother
Teresa Hall in the Outreach and
Enrollment office at the FMC Happy Hill.
M
r. Dennis Gunter (far right), Pastor of
Greater Mount Hermon Missionary
Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, had the
Outreach and Enrollment team do a
presentation on the Affordable Care Act
at his church. Mr. Gunter reported that
the team brought a lot of insight and
generated great interest throughout the
members. “We now have a better understanding of the Affordable Care Act.”
Gunter stated.
Ms. Renita Lopes (seated on the left),
who is also a Rocky Mount resident,
knew that the Affordable Care Act was
something that she wanted to check
into. After doing some research, Renita’s
interests peaked and she contacted the
OIC Outreach and Enrollment team.
Ms. Lopez comments on how simple the
enrollment process was when working
with the outreach and enrollment team.
fter losing her Medicaid, Monet
knew that she needed to make a
decision regarding her healthcare.
She visited the social services
office upon hearing about the
Affordable Care Act and was advised to visit the OIC’s Outreach
and Enrollment office. Monet was
kindly greeted by Mrs. Shari Dickens and the Outreach and Enrollment Team. She received quality
information and assistance and
was able to successfully enroll in a
healthcare package. Not only did
she save time and money, but she
was able to help her mother get
enrolled as well. “I advise anyone
to come and speak to Mrs. Shari
Dickens and the Outreach and
Enrollment team, they have reallybeen a great help.
Renita Lopez( left) speaks about the affordable
care act alongside pastor Dennis Gunter (right)
in the Outreach and Enrollment Office at FMC
Happy Hill.
“I came in, I met with OIC Staff, they took me through the process of enrollment and it was very, very simple. They streamlined it and made it totally
easy. For anyone who doesn’t have healthcare, it is so worth it to come in
and meet with the staff.”
Having spent time In the workforce, Renita stated that she recognizes how
expensive healthcare can be, yet this coverage was extremely affordable. She
highly recommends anyone without healthcare coverage to come to Happy
Hill and speak with the Outreach and Enrollment team.
Michael Hines (left) in the studio with Soul 92 Radio Personality “Jo-Jo”
Peoples. OIC runs a series of radio commercials focusing on Education/
Training and its Medical Services.
OIC’s Marketing Intern Michael Hines
(Pictured far left) is a junior majoring
in computer science at Shaw University. He is set to graduate in 2016 with
aspirations to focus in the web designing, programming, and networking
fields. When questioned about why he
decided to choose computer science
as his major, Hines stated “First and
foremost, I love computers and I enjoy
coming up with creative ideas. I also
love learning new material. With computers and technology, the knowledge
that you are able to attain is limitless.”
The Marketing internship is based on
assisting the Communications Manag-
er in developing creative ideas that contribute to OIC’s communications strategy. The internships requires the application of social media marketing, consumer surveys and statistics, and internal analysis. Hines stated that he is enjoying
his experiences at OIC and that it has enlightened him to the
inner workings of the corporate environment. He also concluded that he has recognized how social media marketing
and communications play a vital role in today’s corporate
environment.
Shaquille Russell (Bottom Left) from Brooklyn, NY
Shaquille Russell (right) shadowing Aaron Sammons (left) while
learning the behind the scenes mechanics of OIC corporate.
and a rising junior at Saint Augustine University is majoring
in Engineering with a minor in business. Shaquille Russell
is a two sport athlete in football and track at Saint Augus-
tine. Russell pursued an internship with OIC in hopes of gaining
more experience in a business environment. He hopes to utilize
his experience at OIC in his entrepreneurial
endeavors. When asked for his sentiment on
his summer internship, Shaquille stated, “it is
a great experience, being able to learn from
such a wonderful staff. “
OIC Summer Interns Shaquille Russell (left) and Michael Hines in
front of OIC Corporate Headquarters.
Youth Connect is kicking off the summer strong with a foray of
special guests and workshops up ahead. For this edition, we
decided to highlight a session in which the Youth Connect student’s received a personal lecture from Cassandra Cobb, an
Edgecombe County School counselor. Cobb delivered an address coined as “sticking to your goals” which emphasized
staying focused and not giving up. Cassandra went on tell the
students her personal story, the relationships she built along
the way and the friends she witnessed falling victim to the
perils of life. During her address, Ms. Cobb stated,
“sometimes you have to cut people loose and travel a different
road.” She explained to the students that when the time comes for them to begin their careers and inaugurate that stage of their
lives, not everyone around them can come along for
the ride. She went on to tell the students that it is
imperative for them to refrain from making any
excuses and blaming anyone other than themselves
for the mistakes they make in life. Cassandra stated
that, “there’re strong individuals in everyone’s life
and people shouldn’t use the excuse of not having a
mother, or not having a father present to justify
anything. You ought to look to a teacher, a coach,
neighbor or family member and find your motivation through them.” Ms. Cobb told the students that in order to get to where you
want to in life, you are going to have to work for it. She then asked them if anyone heard of the quote, “the dream is free but the
hustle is sold separately?” In her elaboration, Cassandra stated that it’s not enough
James Moore, Rocky Mount Chief Of
Police, talks with Youth Connect Class
for you to merely think about where you
want to be, you are going to have to work
hard to get there and it’s not going to be
simply laid out for you. Oftentimes, you
are just going to have to work really hard
at it. Ms. Cobb went on talk to the
students about watching what they
send to people via text or on the
internet, stating “you have to be
careful about who you consider your
friends.” Ms. Cobb went on to discuss the importance of giving back
to the community. She stated, “ if
any of you get a chance to find gainful employment in this area, come back and
help the community because it’s nothing
like pulling the next person up.” She added “if you have little brothers or siblings, you have a duty to be a good role model
for them.”
After the departure of the guest speaker, the students began discussing their budging plan with future fundraising ideas and
initiatives. The instructors, Greg Royal and Ora Grooms, talked to the students about employment stability and the importance
of being prepared for the employment world. They also went over job applications and the proper information to include when
applying for a position. Students in youth connect are learning that presentation matters when it comes to securing a position.
Instructors Royal and Grooms are doing a wonderful job of preparing the youth with employability skills and money management
U.S Congressman G.K Butterfield
OIC Graduation 2014 Keynote Speaker
Forty-seven students received their GEDs on Thursday during the Opportunities Industrialization Center’s 2014 commencement
exercises.
The keynote speaker for the ceremony at the Booker T. Washington Auditorium was U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-1st District.
“The hour has come,” Butterfield said. “The time has come for you to decide your future. You must understand there is a connection, a direct connection between the amount of money you will make in your lifetime and your education.”
Butterfield also told the students about how the world had changed, and how technology plays more of an important role in the
world now.
“Students all over the world and graduates all over the world are now your competitors,” Butterfield said. “Do not be intimidated
by that, just get out there, get an education and compete – because I know you can do it.”
U.S. Congressman G.K Butterfield delivers an
electrifying keynote speech.
The graduates were a wide variety of people,
OIC President and CEO Reuben Blackwell said.
“Some of them are high school age, and some
of them are graduating with their regular high
school class,” Blackwell said. “Some of them
have graduated before their high school peers
would have. Some of them have been out of
school and in the workforce for a number of
years who have now come back to return, so
we have a blended group we are celebrating.”
Despite their varied backgrounds, the students, such as Khadijah Hedgepeth, 18, were
excited.
“I worked for this, so I’m like ‘Woo,’”
Hedgepeth said. “I kind of went through a
whole bullying thing in school, so working
hard to get this whole GED and going off
to college in August is something that you
have basically been dreaming about your
whole life.”Hedgepeth said she will attend
Mid-Atlantic Christian University in the
fall.
“This is high time for me personally and
for our team, because we get a chance to
see some of the individuals who have
GED Graduates, Class of 2014
stumbled in life, but they have picked themselves up,”
Blackwell said. “Ninety-five percent of these folks who
are graduating are moving on to community colleges
for advanced degrees or four-year schools or going
right into the workforce. “When I see these people,
these young and old people, walk across the stage, I
see that the next generation has a chance.” Via Rocky
Mount Telegram
Q&A with OIC Education Services Director
Charles Washington (left) and U.S Congressman G.K Butterfield listen to
Denies Brown, OIC Training Manager, as she addresses the Class of
2014
Q: What is your sentiment on this year’s GED graduation
and the class of 2014?
A: Mr. Washington: Well, I thought that the graduation was
one of the best that we have had.
Q: What are your visions for the future?
A: Mr. Washington: I envision us having a greater attendance of graduates for the commencement services. Every year we have an
outstanding graduation but I like to identify areas in which we can improve on each year.
Q: What some of the areas in which we OIC can make improvements in regards to the graduation?
A: Mr. Washington: One of the major ways is to maximize the number of students that participate in the graduation and to sustain a
dynamic commencement address from our guest speakers.
Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc.