Dr. Isaac Paintsil, a physician at Chicago's renowned Stroger County Hospital, is leading over 25 diverse nations of people as senior pastor of Christ's Oasis Ministries. Over ten years ago this progressive congregation and its pastors began feeding hungry people on the broad streets of Chicago. Dr. Paintsil strongly believes that Christians should demonstrate practical faith: feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, and sharing the gospel. The new Oasis Dream Center Chicago is an outgrowth of this philosophy; it is an innovative enlargement of the ministry's capacity to serve our global communities.

The Oasis Dream Center's socio-economic development services currently empower churches, employers, non-profits, businesses and community groups to meet the needs of families and individuals.

THE VISION

The Oasis Dream Center (ODC) serves the needs of global communities through a two-pronged approach: (1) the creation of progressive partnerships with entities actively serving families and individuals and (2) direct services coordinated by ODC.

ODC is developing partnerships with existing non-profits and churches to collaborate on projects and make referrals. ODC staff and volunteers daily enrich the lives of families and individuals by providing direct services. We are feeding the homeless on the street and providing other services to meet people's long term needs.

CURRENT PROGRAMS

Angel Food Program: Through the Angel Food program, people can order restaurant quality groceries for a $25 donation. This helps them significantly reduce their grocery bill. Order Online

Shelter Ministry: On Thursdays, ODC volunteers bring and serve food to homeless people at shelters in the Edgewater and Uptown neighborhoods on Chicago's Northside.

Kids Konnection: Kids Konnection is the latest program started by ODC this summer. This program will run in the summer months of June through September. After the Adopt a Block morning program, the Oasis Dream Center team gathers all the neighborhood children and teaches them the principles of God using the bible, music and puppeteering. They have a fun time as well, by playing various games like basketball, volleyball and making balloon animals. They are also served with snacks and drinks. Some parents of the children participate in the program as well. Praise be to God for His love which is being poured out in the communities.

Adopt-a-Block: Each Saturday, ODC volunteers clean an adopted block in Englewood, a Southside neighborhood. Volunteers also distribute furnishings and basic necessities.

Preventive Health: Periodically, ODC provides preventive health care services, such as free blood pressure tests, diabetes, screenings, eye exams, nutrition counseling and pharmacy services.

Training Programs:

- Progressive Life Recovery Classes

- Crisis Intervention Counseling

- Crown Financial Money Management