O.A.T.H. Inc.

Mission Statement: Optimum Achievers Take Hold (O.A.T.H. Inc) is a non for profit organization that provides an environment that is secure and comfortable for adolescents and families. To assist youth and families to become skilled   in the areas of self- sufficiency and independence. We want to address homelessness in the Community Board 3 area. By taking a strategic approach in fighting homelessness with prevention. Thousand of individuals and families enter the shelter system each year without recieving homeless prevention assistance that might have helped families remained housed. Our goal is to assist the youth and families   in the community to live in a positive, safe, healthy and caring lives.      

Pupose:Optimum Achievers Take Hold was established in 2003 to meet the needs and concerns of our youth and the communities they live in. Through our organization we plan to provide and focus on helping the youth and families to develop lifelong skills and the ability to live and practice healthy lifestyles. AN estimated 414 individuals are living on the streets or in other public spaces in Brooklyn according to the annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE 2004). In addition to shelters, brooklyn has two 24-hour drop in centers and 23 faith based organizations that provide beds for those on the streets. Brooklyn contains three of the 10 communities citywide that experience the highest incidence of family homelessness. These communities are Bedford Stuyvesant, East new York, and Brownsville. In total, 36% of all families eligible for shelter services come from Brooklyn. The average size of families entering shelter from Brooklyn is 2.86. The citywide avereage is 2.90. Also dealing with the problems of at-risk youth is one of our Nation's most important challanges. In December 1998 the national unemployment rate was 4.3 percent. This was the lowest peacetime level in 41 years. The jobless rate among African-American teens (aged 16 to 19) also reached its lowest peacetime level in four   decades. However, it was still more than six times higher than the national average and much higher than the rate for other youth nationalities. Through OATH'S positive environment and atmosphere youth's and thier families will be able to come and share thier feelings to learn more about improving thier community. Through filling out our contact forms each individual or family will express the issue at hand, allowing us to find the best solution to resolve thier problem. This will allow them to choose the best logical solution. Although most programs we use are in the area our Community, will continue to be updated on all activities that take place through literture that will be handed out in the Community.