Oasis promotes healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles and volunteer engagement. Participants build social connections and find new ways to serve their communities and make the most of this time of life.
The Oasis Institute is the St. Louis-based headquarters for a national network that reaches more than 50,000 people in over 42 cities. This network includes dedicated education centers in nine U. S. cities and partners in additional cities that offer Oasis programs. The Institute develops programs, provides training, conducts evaluation and builds partnerships to reach a broad audience. Oasis is a member of the Social Impact Exchange’s S&I 100 Index of top-performing nonprofits and a partner in the Generation to Generation campaign.
Signature programs:
- Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring pairs experienced adult volunteers with struggling readers in grades 1-3. Oasis trains volunteer tutors using a curriculum designed by educators that supports language arts learning standards. Tutors meet with their students one-on-one each week throughout the school year. The relationships forged make a profound difference for both the children and the tutors, many of whom say the experience offers a rekindled sense of purpose.
- Lifelong learning classes stimulate minds and cultivate skills and talents. Classes cover a wide range of topics, from arts and humanities to current events, technology and more.
- Oasis Connections technology training has helped more than 110,000 adults build digital literacy skills. Courses keep people up to date with changes in computers, the Internet and mobile devices. Classes are offered at Oasis centers and through partnerships with public libraries, senior centers and other organizations.
- Health programs promote active lifestyles and build self-management skills to help people stay fit and healthy as they age. Many are research- or evidence-based, including Chronic Disease Self-Management and Diabetes Self-Management, ExerStart, A Matter of Balance and Healthy Habits for Adults. Fitness programs include Tai Chi, Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, walking groups and more.
- Volunteer opportunities engage people in giving back to their communities. In addition to intergenerational tutoring, volunteers serve as instructors, program planners, peer leaders and in supporting the centers each day.
To learn more, visit oasisnet.org.
Contact: Janice Branham, Communications Director, jbranham@oasisnet.org