Enhance Options for Self-Sufficiency

The John R. Oishei Foundation supports efforts that focus on the individual by providing basic human needs, enhancing options for self-sufficiency, and empowering underserved communities to remove barriers to escaping poverty.

Most individuals who are struggling have more than one issue to address. Our support for organizations that help to build self-sufficiency typically involves recognizing the value of providing individuals with (or linking them to) comprehensive wraparound services, so that person can go beyond surviving and begin to thrive. For example, while Gerard Place provides housing for homeless mothers and their children, they also provide child care, education and training, and nutrition support—recognizing that families need more than just a roof over their head. We support a host of organizations such as Harvest House, Catholic Charities, and refugee assistance programs that assist individuals to rise out of poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and other issues, empowering them to become and remain self-sufficient.

Strategic Objectives

1. Empower, support, structure, and guide communities in developing effective strategies to address complex community issues.
   
   
2. Enhance training and skill development opportunities to improve employment access and challenge current workforce paradigms.
   
   
3. Improve access to dependable transportation options to increase mobility and promote livable communities.
   
   
4. Improve access to safe, fair, and affordable housing options to promote healthy communities.
   
   
5. Strengthen resettlement and acclimation efforts to enhance the integration of immigrants, refugees, and asylees into our community.
   
   
6. Improve access to services by convening diverse stakeholders to shape public policy.