PROGRAMS & SERVICES
The Oddie Project brings together a powerful network of essential programs and community services under one roof: high‑quality early learning and child care, hands‑on workforce training and production kitchen, coordinated case management, a no‑cost community food market, a vibrant community garden, and flexible meeting and classroom spaces, creating a single, welcoming hub where individuals and families can learn, work, grow, and access the support they need to thrive.
EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Building the Foundation for Lifelong Stability
The Gap: Families in this region face some of the highest child care shortages in the country, a barrier that keeps parents out of the workforce and children from critical early development.
The Bridge: A high‑quality Early Learning Center providing 100 new child care slots, including flexible drop‑in care, giving children the strong start they deserve and enabling parents to return to work, pursue education, and stabilize their families. The center’s modern outdoor play area features developmentally appropriate spaces and equipment, ensuring every child learns and thrives in a safe, engaging environment.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Opening Pathways to Economic Mobility
The Gap: Many adults in the surrounding region lack access to industry‑recognized training, transportation to job centers, or pathways into living‑wage careers, limiting both family stability and the regional workforce pipeline.
The Bridge: A hands‑on training hub offering certifications that lead directly to employment, preparing hundreds of residents each year for high‑demand jobs in construction, healthcare, IT, digital print, and other growing fields. A dedicated workspace and showroom for Cabinet Ink will give youth real experience in branding, design, and modern production workflows, expanding access to career pathways and strengthening the region’s future workforce.
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION KITCHEN
Cooking Up Opportunity
The Gap: Many families lack the practical cooking skills that support long‑term wellbeing. At the same time, adults interested in culinary careers often face barriers to training, hands‑on experience, and clear pathways into the industry.
The Bridge: A fully equipped commercial production kitchen and demonstration kitchen designed for hands‑on learning, healthy cooking education, and real‑world skill‑building. This space helps families gain confidence in preparing nutritious meals while opening accessible pathways into culinary and hospitality careers.
COMMUNITY GARDEN
Growing Healthy Futures
The Gap: Many families lack access to green space, hands‑on nutrition learning, and opportunities to grow fresh produce. Neighborhoods facing food insecurity often have few places where children and adults can connect with nature, build gardening skills, or participate in outdoor wellness activities.
The Bridge: A vibrant community garden offering shared growing beds, outdoor learning spaces, and hands‑on opportunities for families to cultivate fresh produce together. This space strengthens wellness, deepens community connection, and provides practical skills that support long‑term food stability.
FOOD MARKET
Delivering Dignity Through Reliable Access to Healthy Food
The Gap: Families in this neighborhood and surrounding areas face high rates of food insecurity and often rely on distant or inconsistent sources to access the nutritious food needed for long‑term health and stability.
The Bridge: A dignified, no‑cost, choice‑based market providing reliable access to fresh, nutritious food and essential healthy‑food resources, ensuring families can consistently bring home high‑quality nourishment right in their own community.
COMMUNITY SPACE
Creating Space for Learning, Leadership, and Belonging
The Gap: Adults seeking education, citizenship, parenting support, or community connection often face barriers: transportation, cost, limited space, or programs scattered across the region.
The Bridge: A flexible, multi‑use center offering GED/HiSET classes, citizenship courses, parenting programs, workshops, and community events, expanding access to lifelong learning and civic engagement.