On Thursday April 3, 2025, the OIC’s in Connecticut (Opportunities Industrialization
Centers) celebrated OIC Day at the State Capitol. Leaders of the organization from the
Bridgeport OIC, New Britain OIC, New Haven OIC, New London OIC, and the
Waterbury OIC sponsor this annual event “to give recognition to the important work
that we do every day” according to Rev. Robert Lampkin. The OIC’s provide
employment training and employment placement services at no cost for mostly low-
income and unemployed residents.
Ms. Paulette Fox, the CEO of the New Britain OIC spoke about her forty years of
service to the OIC Family and the work with youth as the most significant contribution
in New Britain. Ms. Nekeisha Grant, the CEO of the New London County OIC provided
a powerpoint presentation on the history of the “OIC Movement” in the United States
and spoke about the outstanding leadership of the Rev. Dr. Leon Sullivan, the Founder
who started the first OIC in Philadelphia (PA) in 1964. Mr. Michael Hanley, a long-time
State of Connecticut employee, received a leadership award for his effort to bring
additional state funding to the OIC’s in Connecticut two years ago. This was the first
OIC Day Program held at the Capitol since the pandemic.
The OIC’s in Connecticut have provided “job training and assisted its graduates in
starting careers” , said Deb Caviness, the CEO of the Bridgeport OIC. Seth Poole,
Director of the New Haven OIC noted that the times are tough due to inflation.”
Reginald Beamon, the Director of the Waterbury OIC (and former State
Representative) was pleased to see that the OIC’s are continuing to fulfill all its mission
but noted that “increased funding is necessary.”
About seventy- five people attended the program and several state legislators spoke
about their on-going support for the OIC’s in Connecticut.