Effort To Boost ‘Project Oasis’ In Montclair Raises $10,000

MONTCLAIR, NJ — More than 100 donors in the Montclair community have joined an effort to revitalize and restore the Project Oasis summer program for youth, and raised thousands of dollars in the process.

In late April, the Rev. Craig Dunn, head of the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation (MNDC) and Councilman Peter Yacobellis announced an online fundraising effort to raise revenue to revitalize and restore the Project Oasis summer program for youth.

See the fundraiser or make a donation here.

According to Dunn and Yacobellis, the fundraiser seeks to bring in at least $9,000 to help expand program curriculum and allow more young people to participate. Those funds would pay for two additional program coordinators and three student counselors, and support curriculum development.

As of Monday, total donations stood at more than $10,000.

Dunn and Yacobellis offered the following background about Project Oasis:

“Project Oasis is a positive program designed to eliminate the achievement gap for students of color. Often, the achievement is not based simply on grasping presented material, but rather having a sense of focus and self-confidence that will allow one to believe they can grasp the material. The classes proposed will instill and develop a sense of self-worth, knowledge, and awareness that will demonstrate to the students, achievement, and success are attainable; they are a reality.”

According to Dunn and Yacobellis, Project Oasis will offer the following main programming to meet the needs of students:

• Mentorship - This session will focus on job preparedness, business planning, and economic development. Students will engage in mock interviews, learning how to build a business and manage finances.
• Leadership Skills - This session will focus on building leaders, public speaking, and the art of communication. Students will engage in leadership training, develop proper communication skills, and develop public speaking skills.
• Wellness - This session will focus on movement, healthy living, and health. Students will engage in mind-body wellness activities
• Athletics - In years past, basketball has been the main draw, however, as interests change, we are expanding the offerings to include tennis and soccer. We will ensure that the athletic component is age appropriate and open to all Project Oasis participants.

Dunn said that the effort is “near and dear.”

“The summer program was an important part of my youth,” Dunn recalled. “Having played in the basketball league throughout high school and working in the program when I was in college, I can say that Project Oasis and MNDC has had a hand in shaping the man I am today.”

“Growing up in the area around Glenfield Park, I know the impact the program has had on my peers who took advantage of what was offered,” Dunn said. “It is my desire to see the program expanded to transform young lives and lead them to a pathway to a brighter future.”

Yacobellis said that investing in enrichment programs for kids during the summer is one of the best investments the community can make – not just for these kids for their futures – but for what their futures can mean to society in general.

“I think the return on investment is well worth it and I really hope people will help us raise these funds,” Yacobellis said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page.