Our History

1964

Dr. Leon H. Sullivan founded the 1st OIC training Center to provide employment training and retraining in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1966

OIC is nationally recognized and starts to expand and establish in eight additional cities.

1968

Dr. Leon H. Sullivan appeals to Philadelphia’s largest businesses to interview young African Americans for their companies’ job opportunities.

1970

OIC of America, Inc is established to serve as the national headquarters to OIC Affiliates and support other communities replicating the OIC model.  

1971

Bill Jaquish introduced the Opportunities Industrialization Center of America’s training model to Henry Beauchamp, Director of the Southeast Yakima Community Center, leading to the birth of Yakima Valley Opportunities Industrialization Center (YVOIC).

On September 1, YVOIC was officially formed with a budget of $156,000. They received initial support from Mr. Elton Jolly, then Director of Field Support for OIC of America.  Mr. Beauchamp became the first Executive Director of the newest OIC. OIC started with a budget of $156,000 and served 150 clients and placed 124 jobs.

1972

YVOIC became the 100th OIC in America, beginning its first day of training on January 17 at 19 South Second Street. The original programs offered were typing, bookkeeping, filing, grocery checking, GED instruction, counseling, job placement, and follow-up.

1974

In October, YVOIC moved to 201 South First Street, and it expanded training programs to include English as a Second Language for newly arriving Asian refugees.  

YVOIC became the designated limited purpose agency for the United States Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Community Services, becoming a Community Action Agency. Services were expanded to Weatherization and Energy Assistance Programs.

Sister Nora Murphy of the Catholic Diocese helped bring programs and resources to YVOIC.

1983

YVOIC moved to 815 Fruitvale Boulevard, our current location, and acquired the Broadmead Shopping Center and the Social Security Administration Building, and two properties in Sunnyside.

1984 - 2016

YVOIC evolved to OIC of Washington. In 2016 the Yakima City Council voted to rename the Southeast Community Center to the Henry Beauchamp Community Center in recognition of Mr. Beauchamp who helped start the center.

2017 - Present

OIC of Washington expanded to serve 14 primarily rural counties in Washington State. Services are offered through three divisions including Education and Career, Supportive Services and Outreach, Recruitment and Data Services. OIC of Washington has brought more than $90M into our communities to support individuals and communities to become self-sufficient.