Oasis

NCBW Bergen/Passaic Chapter has a long-standing relationship with "Oasis, a Haven for Women and Children", in Paterson, New Jersey. This facility offers women with limited resources an opportunity to improve their lifestyle and increase their self-esteem and self-reliance. Oasis conducts educational programs that include basis skills such as Math and English, ESL, culinary training, and GED classes where students can gain their high school equivalency diploma. They also have a Computer Learning Center. In addition, nutritious meals are served daily to needy women and accompanied children up to age 6.

Over the years, our chapter has partnered with Oasis in various capacities. We presented a workshop, entitled "Decision to Follow Your Career and Education", as part of their Women's Forum. NCBW presented Money Management seminars, titled "Making Your Money Work for You". Tailored for people with limited resources, the seminar included a workshop on creating a budget, and presentations on such topics as stretching your food shopping dollars and keeping your family healthy, using coupons, low-cost recipes, and resources and services available to them in the Paterson and Passaic County areas. The Money Management seminars were underwritten by a grant from State Farm Insurance Companies.

Every Christmas season, Coalition sisters personally donate a beautiful array of holiday gift bags filled to the brim with essential products every woman at Oasis needs. In December 2006, more than 170 holiday bags and baskets were collected containing an assortment of items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, body lotion, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and various other personal care products. Whether the Oasis women reside in their own home, in an apartment, or in a shelter, products such as these are always appreciated. We have been very fortunate to have support from other individuals and organizations in this annual endeavor. Our supporters have included Girl Scout Troop # 645, Girl Scouts - Studio 2B Forum from Teaneck High School, Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems, Lavish Spa Essentials, American Cancer Society, and Quorum Federal Credit Union. Holiday gift bags were also distributed to Shelter Our Sisters, an organization which assists women and children who are victims of domestic violence.