Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Nashville OIC

Hope. A sense of purpose. These things are priceless, and when given to individuals who otherwise would feel hopeless or without purpose, lives can be changed.

Nashville Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) is in the business of changing lives. OIC provides education, training, counseling, and job placement services at no cost for citizens of the community who are disadvantaged economically, educationally, and socially. And during these challenging economic times, this is an incredibly valuable service that makes the Nashville community a better place.

Clinton Washington, a graduate of OIC’s GED Prep Program, says the organization’s guidance has changed his life. “The impact OIC has made in my life: 1) It has given me hope. 2) It has given me a sense of purpose. 3) It is life-changing. Now I see I have a future and can be a positive example to my son. I can show him that you can do whatever you set your mind to.”

Larry Harper, who spent 10 years in prison, found OIC by dialing the 2-1-1 help line. He enrolled in the Job Placement Program, and is now working two jobs. He is in college and studying Health Informational Technology. Larry’s background created employment barriers, but OIC helped him overcome them.

Clinton and Larry’s stories of self-achievement and success are two among hundreds.

Being a part of OIC as a volunteer is a wonderful opportunity to empower people to help themselves. Volunteers instill the value of education in OIC students, who then pass this value along to their families and children.

Here are ways to jump in and connect with OIC students as a volunteer:

GED test preparation – Volunteers are needed to tutor GED test preparation students in one of more of the following subjects: math, social studies, science, reading, and essay writing. Volunteers may select the subject(s) they prefer and are provided with materials to prepare for tutoring sessions. The instructor pairs each tutor with a student and identifies concepts to work on during each session. There is no minimum time commitment per week or month. There are two options for locations: The OIC campus, or Park Avenue CCC.
> Read more and express interest here. (OIC campus)
> Read more and express interest here. (Park Avenue CCC)

 

Computer Training Instructor – A Computer Training Lab Monitor & Instructor is needed one or more days each week to answer student questions about how to use the internet, basic computer skills, and Microsoft Office programs. This person needs to be highly proficient in one or more of the following: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint.  Ability to instruct students in basic computer skills: turning on a computer, logging in, using a mouse, using the Start menu, opening a folder, saving a document, using flash drives to save documents such as class assignments and resumes, etc.
> Read more and express interest here.

Be a part of this inspiring atmosphere as a volunteer!

If you have questions or would like to learn more about OIC, contact Holly McIndoe at hmcindoe@oicnashville.org or (615) 248-2906, or visit www.oicnashville.org.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Books from Birth of Middle Tennessee

Desi Smith’s granddaughter, age 3, seems to have a sixth sense for books that are en route to her house. “She always seems to know when her book is in the mail,” Ms. Smith says. “Because of this program, she has such a passion for books and words, and I believe that she will be a great student when it comes time for school. We had three babies born in our church last week, and because of [my granddaughter’s] love for reading, all the parents signed up for Books from Birth.” This amazing organization is turning children into readers, one book at a time.

The mission of Books from Birth of Middle Tennessee is to increase literacy and school readiness while strengthening family relationships. The organization has three early childhood literacy programs:

• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (32,000 kids receive one book a month from birth through age five, regardless of family income and at no cost to the family)
• Jo’s Reach Out & Read Book Club (at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt)
• The Family Literacy Program

With only three staff, volunteers are essential in helping with day-to-day maintenance of this organization. Many volunteers fill ongoing needs such as picking up undeliverable books from the post office, registering children for the Imagination Library, reading to kids in clinic waiting rooms, and in-office administrative tasks. While these ongoing volunteer slots are currently full, interested volunteers can email cathy.riviere@vanderbilt.edu to sign up for the mailing list to find out when new slots become available. There are also many one-time needs such as assisting with annual fundraisers (committee chairs, silent auction, set-up/tear-down, marketing, etc.) and participating in community events.

Upcoming Books from Birth volunteer opportunities:

Family Valentine’s Dance – Sat., Feb. 11, The Factory at Franklin:
This annual family-friendly event needs registration volunteers from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Please contact Cathy Riviere at cathy.riviere@vanderbilt.edu to sign up or for more information. Click here for details about the dance and tickets.

Cupcake-palooza –
Sat., March 24, Belmont United Methodist Church:
This volunteer-driven annual fundraiser features local cupcake vendors and bakers, with proceeds benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Volunteers are needed for the following shifts:

• 12-2 p.m. Setup, sign holders, picking up cupcakes
• 2-5 p.m. Registration, ticket sales, kids area, cupcake stations
• 5-7 p.m. Cleanup/teardown

All volunteers will be entitled to sample a designated number of cupcakes! Read more about this event on the Facebook event page  and click here to sign up.