Chester County OIC gets $50,000 state grant

State Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19th, of West Whiteland, recently presented $50,000 in state grant funding to the Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center.

The funds will be used to assist the nonprofit organization in providing for the transportation needs of residents to and from job training and career education programs.

“The motto of Chester County OIC is ‘Helping People

Help Themselves.’ And I hope that this grant funding can help them continue to do just that,” Dinniman said. “I want to thank the staff and volunteers of the OIC for their important work in the face of unprecedented challenges. As the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis have left so many out of work, the OIC has adapted and continues to help individuals prepare for new careers and economic recovery through education, training, and support services.”

The Chester County OIC is dedicated to providing free literacy education, life skills, and career programs to help prepare individuals for employment and economic self-sufficiency. The organization is based in Coatesville but retains a strong presence in West Chester and at other locations throughout the county.

“This grant is desperately needed, and we’d like to thank Senator Andy Dinniman for securing the grant,” Joyce Chester, President

and CEO of the Chester County OIC, said.

The Chester County OIC serves hundreds of individuals each year and currently offers a myriad of services, including adult tutoring, GED classes, ESL courses, English conversation groups, citizenship training, and a Certified Nursing Assistant Program.

The Chester County OIC is also looking for volunteers. If you are interested, you can learn more at https://ccoic.org/get-involved/.

SUBMITTED PHOTO State Sen. Andy Dinniman, center, with Chester County OIC President and CEO Joyce Chester, right, and Dr. Teresa Powell, who serves as OIC board treasurer.