Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc.

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2 Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. Helping People Help Themselves

3 The OIC Board of Directors at the 2014 Board Retreat. From left: Brenda Cutchin (Community Outreach Volunteer), Evelyn Wilson (Board Secretary and Retired Educator/Vice-Chair of the Edgecombe County Board of Education), Donna Johnson (North Carolina Department of Revenue), Genotre Penny-Boone (Board Chair, Retired President of AgriJohn Homes), Linda Williams Brown (Physical Therapy Manager, Vidant Edgecombe Hospital), Leonard Tillery (Assistant Director of United Community Ministries), Mary Mann (Retired Educator), Sarah Johnson (Owner, WRSV 92.1 FM), Andre Knight (Owner, Knight Family Care Homes/Rocky Mount City Council Representative), Lena Edwards (Community Outreach Volunteer/Retired Manufacturing Administrator), Antonia Lawrence (Board Vice-Chair/Attorney). Not Pictured are Hubert Pope(Owner, H.D. Pope Funeral Homes), Dr. Doris K. Thorne ( Doris K. Thorne, D.D.S., P.A.).

4 This Year s Construction Trade Class began on August 26th, The construction trade program had a duration of 16 weeks ending on December 13th, There are two phases to the program. For the first eight weeks, the students participated in standard classroom training. For the remaining eight weeks, the students worked on several hands-on assignments including a project with the housing authority and helping in the renovation of elderly residential apartments. Students also received stipends during the kinesthetic portion of the program. Construction Trade Class with instructor Bernard Hall (5th from left). Bernard Hall, Industrial Engineer, licensed home inspector, homebuilder and program instructor has been with the Construction Trade Program since During this time, he has instructed more than 50 students and plans on those numbers increasing. After graduating, the students received certificates through the National Homebuilders Association. The students also became federally certified to work with lead paint. Utility shed built by the Construction Trades class. Upon completion, the utility shed was donated to Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation.

5 The OIC In collaboration with the NAACP, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the North Carolina Food Bank distributed more than 200 bags complete with potatoes, apples, canned goods, frozen turkeys, hams and pies to area residents in need of food during the Thanksgiving holiday. This year was the project s biggest year with numerous families served while season s greetings abundantly filled the atmosphere at the OIC Corporate Headquarters. Operation Thanksgiving benefited a diversity of families ranging from those coping with unemployment, elderly citizens and folks just facing struggles with their financial responsibilities and obligations. In the wake of the recent cuts in the Nutrition Assistance Program, this project served as a great resource for many area residents.

6 Employee Spotlight Karen Whitiker, RN Health Educator, deserves a standing ovation for her accomplishments in the healthcare industry. Most recently, she was rewarded with the honor of being a Top RN Educator in North Carolina. When asked how she received such an honor, Karen stated; The World Leaders in Healthcare is a publication for those who demonstrate leadership and achievements in the field of Nursing. During the interview for this recognition, I was asked about my nursing background, current specialization & description of job, why I chose a career in Nursing, what I attribute my success to and how I make a difference in the lives of my patients. After my interview, I was selected to represent NC as a Top RN Health Educator because of my passion for helping people and building a health education program.

7 Christmas Party Four Season s Restaurant sure did get a good rocking once the OIC family stepped on the floor. The night was full of great food, laughs, music and of course, dancing! The event was open to OIC staff and family as well as Board members who were all in attendance. If it wasn t the stunning outfits that did it, then it had to be the smooth musical essence that graced the atmosphere. While the cameras flashed and memories were forever imprinted in pixel images, colleagues reminisced over good times and discussed the prospects of a new approaching year. If you didn t know the wobble or the cupid shuffle, you sure did receive a thorough lesson as the line dances themed the entire night. The energy was electric and the sentiment was euphoric. This year s Christmas party set the tone for 2014, a year full of high expectations for the organization.