Oasis-Commission on Social Ministry of Portsmouth/Chesapeake

Please visit our website:  www.oasissocialministry.wordpress.com

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Operating uninterrupted since 1970, Oasis has been continuously meeting the basic socio-economic needs of this region.  Celebrating over 43 years of community service, Oasis was birthed by five local Catholic Parishes. Today it has evolved into an ecumenical multi-serving agency committed to helping individuals and families to meet their basic needs and to support their efforts of self-reliance and independence.

Oasis realizes its ministry and self-sufficiency mission from its Williamsburg Avenue and Countyt Street locations.  Services are coordinated in a manner to enhance and to avoid duplication of other community service efforts.

Oasis, in partnership with individual donors, local businesses and several citywide, state and federal agencies works passionately to fulfill its compassionate mission of SERVICE.

Please check out our 2012 Accomplishments!

Food Pantry

Provides emergency food supplies to needy families and individuals. In the last year this program provided over 41,000 meals for 3,410 families. Totaling over 125,000 food items distributed. Every month Oasis delivers groceries to over 75 senior citizens with limited mobility.

Soup Kitchen

Served over 46,000 meals to local individuals in need last year. We are the primary participant in a group which insures that a hot breakfast and lunch is served to Portsmouth’s population in need 365 days a year.

Thrift Store

Gave over $245,000 worth of free clothes and household items with over 10,000 visits by needy adults and children. The last year showed a 50% increase in children helped through this program. The thrift store also provides new and gently used clothing and household items for sale at affordable prices.

Holiday Baskets

Provided over 600 baskets of food and gifts no needy families during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Children’s Book Program

Collects and distributes books and supplies to local schools in low income areas. Over 12,000 items were distributed to more than 900 children last year.

Opportunity Center

32 individuals completed the employment/career training service program. Through collaborative efforts 36 previously homeless individuals are now gainfully employed and have obtained permanent housing