The Greater Paterson Opportunities Industrialization Center Inc., (GPOIC) is an affiliate of the Opportunities Industrialization Center of America (OICA). There are 58 centers across the country, each office is independently operated and offers different programs based on the communities requirements.
The Greater Paterson OIC was established in 1971 and has provided the residents of Passaic County with valuable life training and employment skills. The Greater Paterson OIC’s philosophy is, “People, helping people, help themselves”. This motto, and the Associates that embody it, is the motivating force that enables GPOIC to provide the services necessary to help our participants move forward.
GPOIC’s PROGRAMS ARE FUNDED BY A VARIETY OF SOURCES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
NJ DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PASSAIC COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
NEW JERSEY STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
PASSAIC COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER
PRIVATE SECTOR FOUNDATIONS
The Greater Paterson OIC is a “not-for-profit” community based organization. GPOIC is an approved state Training Provider under NJ public laws of 1981. The Greater Paterson OIC has been recognized by the State of New Jersey, State House and General Assembly, The County of Passaic and the City of Paterson for its outstanding service to its residents.
There are a number of barriers that inhibit the passage of many individuals into productive careers. Some of these barriers include: lack of educational achievement, family and health problems, lack of experience and knowledge of the world of work, transportation, or legal problems and in many cases, a lost sense of hope. While occupational training skills are important, those who are the most severely disadvantaged need much more.
At OIC, we are committed to creating opportunities that do not end with securing an entry-level job, but instead incorporates a real ladder for career and personal growth.
Our role is to make working, and the dignity and self-respect that go along with it, a part of the daily routine and normal expectations of our students.
Working together with committed partners, we can make self-sufficiency and personal empowerment a reality in the lives or our trainees, and improve our community for generations to come.
- Strive to exceed client expectations
- Constantly review and evaluate programs, processes and services
- Remain flexible and ready to adapt to a fast paced changing environment
- Shared staff responsibility
1 OIC believes that all people have unlimited possibility for good.
2 Everyone has the Capacity for improvement, the right to a good life regardless of creed, color, family background, any circumstance, or misfortune.
3 OIC holds that all people should be treated with respect, and that no ones dignity should be violated because of their appearance, personal history, or present condition.
4 OIC insists that its trainees should be treated as the adults they are.
5 We believe that everyone can learn, and that it is the obligation of OIC personnel to assist the learner in finding and adjusting to his or her most favorable learning environment.
6 OIC considers itself part of the war on poverty, and its services are available to the poor, the unemployed, the disenfranchised, and the socially rejected.
7 To the extent that OIC establishes rapport with the victims of poverty and renders real assistance to them, to that extent, OIC accomplishes its mission.