Chester County OIC relocates to Coatesville

WEST CHESTER » In a collaborative act made possible by the several partnering agencies, Chester County OIC has purchased the former Coatesville Area Senior Center.

Investment in the building purchase versus the cost of continued rental premises reduces monthly expenses and allows net savings to be reallocated to educational programs, said Joyce Chester, CEO of Chester County OIC.

Expanding the program’s reach from West Chester to Coatesville will provide improved access for students who rely on public transportation. At the same time, the larger facility will accommodate more students as well as more variety of classes and certification trainings.

The organization will still retain a presence in West Chester as well as other locations throughout the county, including CareerLink in Exton, Chester County Library, and its partners in Southern Chester County Intermediate Unit and La Comunidad Hispana.

CCOIC provides free Adult Basic Literacy classes, General Education Diploma (GED) Prep, Certified Nursing Assistant Program and English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship Training.

There are also adult tutoring to improve reading or math skills for the workplace. The Workforce Reintegration Program helps individuals get a job, or, to get a better job with one-on-one counseling, resume preparation and practicing interviewing skills.

“CCOIC is committed to helping others help themselves,” said Chester. “We are thrilled to deliver results driven leadership in workforce development and to be part of the revitalizations efforts taking place in Coatesville.”

Chester County OIC is a chapter of the national Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization preparing people for today’s workforce by providing educational, health, and employment readiness services to underserved and underrepresented communities.

Those who would like to help others help themselves with an individual donation, company match or corporate sponsorship, visit www. ccoic.org. If you’re looking for volunteering or mentoring opportunities, we would love to welcome you. And, if you’re unemployed or underemployed, please contact us for information about signing up for workforce training programs.

Chester County OIC seeks to opens opportunities for individuals to prepare for sustainable employment and financial independence through education, training and support services. Their vision is to be leaders in improving the lives of disadvantaged adults by creating educational and employment opportunities.