WHAT WE DO

At the Oak Center Cultural Center (OCCC), we serve as a dynamic and compassionate gathering place for West Oakland, offering arts, education, wellness, and cultural resources that uplift our families and strengthen our community.

If you or anyone else you know is in need of high-quality child care, please be sure to visit our Oak Center Little People Academy (OCLPA) preschool program.



OUR FACILITY RENEWAL​

We’re in the process of renovating our beloved Oak Center space to make it safer, more accessible, and more welcoming. Upcoming improvements include new fencing, yard leveling, outdoor seating, and indoor floor updates to support future family programs.

If you’d like to help bring these programs to life, please visit our Donate Page. All gifts are tax-deductible and directly support Oak Center’s Family Resource Center expansion.



OUR HISTORY​

The OCCC has an incredibly dynamic legacy! For four decades, we've been a driving force in the vibrant Oak Center district, pioneering transformative programs and initiatives. Here are the programs we either created or brought into our center to enhance the lives of our city's residents:
 
⏺ Peace Makers (at-risk youth)
⏺ OCCC Martial Arts Program
⏺ OCCC Community Choir (vocal and performance arts training)
⏺ OCCC Community After-School
⏺ S.I.S.T.E.R. (drug treatment and recovery)
⏺ OCCC Dance Program
⏺ J.A.M. (youth mentorship)
⏺ Urban.net (training youth in technology)
⏺ Pathway Productions (theater arts for youth)
⏺ Acorn/Lowell Park Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (crime prevention and safety)
⏺ SHERO: Sustainable Health Education Resources and Outreach (safe sex / AIDS awareness)
⏺ Manhood Collaborative (promoting positive relationship building, African-American fathers and sons)
⏺ Pivotal Point Youth Services (transition success into college and workforce)
⏺ Vets For Chess
⏺ Chosen Vessel Church Services
⏺ Mayor's Summer Jobs Program (provided G.E.D. and job training)
⏺ A.L.C. Art. Love. Community. (open mic performances)
⏺ Community Movie Nights (a public viewing of classic movies for the entire family)
⏺ Art Gallery Showing (local artist exhibitions)
⏺ Salsa Dance Class
​⏺ SPARK Preschool Program
⏺ Annual Thanksgiving Holiday Banquet
⏺ Annual Christmas Toy & Winter Clothing Giveaway
⏺ Oak Center Little People Academy - FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CURRENT PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
⏺ and many more collaborations with community non-profit organizations



OUR MISSION

To serve as a trusted community hub where families access resources, early learning, and arts and cultural enrichment that celebrate creativity, inspire growth, and strengthen a sense of belonging.



OUR VISION

We envision the Oak Center Cultural Center as a thriving heart of West Oakland and a place where every family feels seen, every child can dream, and every neighbor has a seat at the table.

In the years ahead, we aspire to:

1. Grow our legacy of care by expanding our early learning programs and family services so that it is accessible to more West Oakland families.

2. Be a creative powerhouse that builds on our artistic programs to nurture local talent, foster cultural expression, and celebrate the heritage and innovation of this community.

3. Unlock potential through mentoring, tech, wellness, and workforce initiatives, we will equip youth and adults alike with the tools they need to thrive in school, work, and life.

4. Bridge and belong by strengthening social cohesion by hosting culturally rooted community events, forums, and celebrations. This will be a place where voices are honored and relationships are deepened.

5. Lead for equity advocacy by partnering with community leaders, nonprofits, and policymakers to advocate for resources and opportunities that ensure West Oakland families are empowered and resilient.

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Ultimately, we see the OCCC as more than a center and like a home, a launchpad, and a catalyst for growth, belonging, and transformation in West Oakland.