About Us
Welcome to The Outreach Involvement Center (O.I.C), a non-profit youth-driven organization dedicated to empowering young people with the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. We believe that every child has the potential to excel when provided with the right support.
At O.I.C, we focus on serving the vibrant community of Richmond and catering to youth grade 8-12. It is our goal to offer top-quality programs that harness their intellect, nurture their talent, and cultivate their academic and interpersonal skills. By doing so, we aim to foster their personal growth, build their confidence, and instill a sense of investment in themselves and their communities.
We firmly believe that every child deserves access to a quality education. That's why we are committed to ensuring that educational opportunities are not limited by socio-economic factors. Through our diverse range of programs, we strive to bridge educational gaps, promote academic excellence, and create a supportive learning environment for all.
Our programs are designed to inspire curiosity, ignite passion, and foster a love for learning. We provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential subjects, including reading comprehension, writing skills, mathematics, science, social studies, and technology literacy. Additionally, we emphasize the development of essential life skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, and self-reflection.
By partnering with caring mentors and educators, we create a safe and nurturing space where young minds can flourish. Our team is dedicated to supporting each student's unique journey, helping them overcome challenges, and celebrating their accomplishments. Through mentorship, guidance, and positive reinforcement, we empower our participants to reach their full potential and become active contributors to their communities.
Join us at The Outreach Involvement Center (O.I.C) as we strive to make quality education a right for every child. Together, we can unlock the limitless possibilities within each young person, shaping them into confident, compassionate, and successful individuals who will make a positive impact on the world around them.
At O.I.C, we focus on serving the vibrant community of Richmond and catering to youth grade 8-12. It is our goal to offer top-quality programs that harness their intellect, nurture their talent, and cultivate their academic and interpersonal skills. By doing so, we aim to foster their personal growth, build their confidence, and instill a sense of investment in themselves and their communities.
We firmly believe that every child deserves access to a quality education. That's why we are committed to ensuring that educational opportunities are not limited by socio-economic factors. Through our diverse range of programs, we strive to bridge educational gaps, promote academic excellence, and create a supportive learning environment for all.
Our programs are designed to inspire curiosity, ignite passion, and foster a love for learning. We provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential subjects, including reading comprehension, writing skills, mathematics, science, social studies, and technology literacy. Additionally, we emphasize the development of essential life skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, and self-reflection.
By partnering with caring mentors and educators, we create a safe and nurturing space where young minds can flourish. Our team is dedicated to supporting each student's unique journey, helping them overcome challenges, and celebrating their accomplishments. Through mentorship, guidance, and positive reinforcement, we empower our participants to reach their full potential and become active contributors to their communities.
Join us at The Outreach Involvement Center (O.I.C) as we strive to make quality education a right for every child. Together, we can unlock the limitless possibilities within each young person, shaping them into confident, compassionate, and successful individuals who will make a positive impact on the world around them.
Our History
In its early years, the Outreach Involvement Center (OIC) in Richmond, Virginia, was under the visionary leadership of Horse Smith Jr. The organization primarily focused on addressing recidivism and providing rehabilitation services for individuals who had experienced involvement in the criminal justice system. Horse Smith Jr. recognized the pressing need to break the cycle of reoffending and support individuals in successfully reintegrating into society. Understanding that sustainable change required more than immediate relief, Horse Smith Jr. expanded the OIC's efforts to include education and skills training programs. He believed that equipping individuals with knowledge and marketable skills would empower them to overcome the challenges of reentry, break the cycle of recidivism, and create a better future for themselves and their families.
Under Horse Smith Jr.'s guidance, the Outreach Involvement Center became a beacon of hope for the Richmond community. The organization fostered partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to enhance its impact on reducing recidivism rates. It provided a comprehensive range of services, including job training, vocational courses, financial literacy workshops, counseling, and support groups, all tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after incarceration. The OIC's innovative approach to addressing recidivism and supporting successful reentry gained recognition throughout the community. By combining rehabilitation services with education and skills training, the OIC provided a holistic support system that focused on addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and equipping individuals with the tools necessary for a fresh start.
While the leadership later transitioned to Lisa Smith-Hicks, the mission and dedication established by Horse Smith Jr. continued to be at the heart of the Outreach Involvement Center's work. Lisa Smith-Hicks built upon the foundation laid by her predecessor and father to expanded the OIC's reach and influence. Today, the Outreach Involvement Center continues to thrive under Lisa Smith-Hicks' leadership as the Executive Director. It has become an integral part of the Richmond community, known for its unwavering commitment to empowering individuals, fostering social change, and creating a more equitable society. The OIC's continues to be a catalyst for positive change, inspiring individuals to overcome adversity and embrace a brighter future.
Under Horse Smith Jr.'s guidance, the Outreach Involvement Center became a beacon of hope for the Richmond community. The organization fostered partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to enhance its impact on reducing recidivism rates. It provided a comprehensive range of services, including job training, vocational courses, financial literacy workshops, counseling, and support groups, all tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after incarceration. The OIC's innovative approach to addressing recidivism and supporting successful reentry gained recognition throughout the community. By combining rehabilitation services with education and skills training, the OIC provided a holistic support system that focused on addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and equipping individuals with the tools necessary for a fresh start.
While the leadership later transitioned to Lisa Smith-Hicks, the mission and dedication established by Horse Smith Jr. continued to be at the heart of the Outreach Involvement Center's work. Lisa Smith-Hicks built upon the foundation laid by her predecessor and father to expanded the OIC's reach and influence. Today, the Outreach Involvement Center continues to thrive under Lisa Smith-Hicks' leadership as the Executive Director. It has become an integral part of the Richmond community, known for its unwavering commitment to empowering individuals, fostering social change, and creating a more equitable society. The OIC's continues to be a catalyst for positive change, inspiring individuals to overcome adversity and embrace a brighter future.
Our Approach
At the Outreach Involvement Center (OIC), we have developed a comprehensive approach to learning and development that caters to the unique needs of our students. We are committed to providing an engaging and nurturing educational environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and holistic development.Through our holistic approach to learning and development, we aim to empower our students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary for lifelong learning, personal fulfillment, and success in an ever-changing world.
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