Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone, and Terence Farrell recently presented a check for $300,000 to representatives of the Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC).

The funds, made available through a community development block grant, have been used to purchase a new primary office location for Chester County OIC in the City of Coatesville.

“It is great to be back home!” said Joyce Chester, Chester County OIC President and CEO. “The City of Coatesville is where Chester County OIC began nearly 40 years ago. The opportunity to come back into the city from West Chester was the perfect move for us, and it is the first time that we will own our own home.

“We thank the Chester County Commissioners and the county’s Department of Community Development for making this dream come true.”

Chester County OIC’s vision is to be leaders in improving the lives of disadvantaged adults by creating educational and employment opportunities. Along with ongoing programs offered by Chester County OIC – including GED, English Language Acquisition, and Certified Nurse Aid – the organization’s new SOAR re-entry program will serve as a resource to youth ages 18-24 in Coatesville and throughout the county.

SOAR is a strategy that addresses the range of challenges faced by formerly incarcerated young adults who are trying to make a successful transition back into their communities.

Chester County OIC’s new location is 22 North 5th Avenue.

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