Oxford Circle CCDA

The Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association (OCCCDA) is a nonprofit established in 2006 with the mission: "To extend healing and hope in the Oxford Circle community believing that God's purpose of reconciling all people to Jesus leads us to minister on spiritual, physical, social & economic levels." OCCCDA provides services in the surrounding community, a "working poor" neighborhood with one of the most diverse populations in Philadelphia. Nearly 1/3 of residents in the Oxford Circle community (Census Tract 303) and the surrounding zip code areas of 19111, 19124 and 19149 are under the age of 18 (Census 2010). It is also a distressed community according to the definition of the Federal Government based on data from the Carnell Elementary/Middle School (partner school), where 83.9% of students are from Title I families. OCCCDA services are provided to community residents regardless of gender, religion, or sexual orientation. We are committed to maintaining ongoing dialogue with the community to ensure that we are accurately addressing and responding to both strengths and challenges faced.

OCCCDA has a known history and relationship with the community, built over the last ten years of hosting an annual community festival and, more recently, through out-of-school and adult education programs. OCCCDA also has established relationships with Carnell school staff and administration through our partnership with the in-school conflict resolution and mentoring program, EDGE. Our out-of-school time programs provide literacy, arts, and conflict resolution both during the school year and through a 6 week summer camp program. OCCCDA also offers GED classes taught by a local high school teacher with a background in adult education. An English Language Programs Faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania leads our English Language Learners' (ELL) Program. Adults are given the opportunity to improve their English speaking, listening and writing skills. OCCCDA also offers a variety of adult education classes including basic job readiness training and skill building classes.