OICÂ’s mission helps underserved

OIC has been a fixture of Rocky Mount infrastructure since 1968. We have served people whom others have shunned, looked down upon, given up on or considered burdens on society.

OIC has valued every person whom we provided opportunities in education, work and healthier living as gems and jewels. Staff members at OIC are and always have been, for the most part, special individuals who are called to serve humanity.

Since our inception more than 40 years ago, they have understood that we exist to serve others, not ourselves. Every OIC employee recognizes that we are a grant-based organization. We work hard to ensure that our employees are compensated fairly and consistently. We provide an atmosphere of professionalism and flexibility and give people a chance to work in meaningful careers that others often would not open doors to.

OIC has literally employed and helped boost the careers of hundreds of people throughout the Twin County region. And today, our staff of more than 50 qualified and committed individuals is shaping the lives of more than 1,000 people every month of the year.

I have served OIC for every year of the 40 that we have been in existence. I, along with many others, volunteered to clean up Booker T. Washington High School when it first closed so that the city of Rocky Mount could keep this historic facility and so that OIC would have a home to house our vision.

I volunteered to help teach the throngs of our friends and neighbors who came out every day to complete their education and learn critical job skills that could lead to employment. And I have served on the board for more than 30 years. I have personally witnessed our growth, dedication and commitment to the greater Rocky Mount area.

OIC is a miracle of service, compassion, skill and support. Today, we have an exceptional team of individuals who work together to bring cutting-edge educational, business, health and primary medical care to anyone who needs our service. We have undertaken difficult tasks, not because money was always there, but because the need was there.

Our team has vision where others won’t even turn the light on to see down paths that seem dark. This economy has been difficult for even the hardiest of companies to survive. This board and our exceptional staff have navigated OIC through turbulent times, impossible situations and managed to continue providing GEDs, job training skills, jobs, health outreach events and services, business development services, capacity building workshops and seminar and quality, consistent, affordable and accessible primary health care to our citizens without fail. To pen a former poet laureate, “And still we rise!”

Our board wants to set the record straight. OIC has made more than we missed. When no one else in Rocky Mount cared enough to help rescue potential dropouts and waited for money to fund programs before service began, we started our phenomenally successful HOPE program.

After three years of not receiving one penny for our efforts, we helped keep almost 400 suspended high school students in school long enough to head toward graduation. When other physicians wouldn’t cross the borders into inner-city Rocky Mount, we rescued a failing medical practice and are serving the poor and uninsured side by side with patients who have insurance and just want great primary care.

We have two new sharp and eager physician assistants who are working alongside seasoned and consistent physicians and providers to continue our tradition of service. And we never turn people away because of their financial condition. We work with them to find ways to make their medical encounter with us affordable.

This is the OIC way. We help people help themselves without complaining, begging or threatening. We do what we do with excellence compassion and creativity. This is the ethic that has been our foundation for more than 40 years. And with God’s help and favor, this is the ethic that will help us remain relevant to Rocky Mount for the next 40 years.

Genotre Penny-Boone

Chairman of the Board

OIC, Inc.

Rocky Mount

As a parent of a Nashville Hornet for three years, I would like to express my sincere thank you. Out of the three years my son has played, this year by far has been the best.

Now if you have been following the Hornets this fall, I am sure you know we have not had the best year at winning games. In the beginning of tryouts, there were low numbers of varsity players, so as a team their numbers were small, but not their hearts. Not only the hearts of the players but the coaches as well.