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About Us
OARC, is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) community development corporation whose primary mission is to create and stimulate economic development while improving the quality of life for residents in West Oak Lane and other neighborhoods throughout the Northwest section of Philadelphia. We take a holistic approach towards community revitalization and collaborate with other organizations and community leaders, focusing on our five "pillar" service areas:
OARC is also the executive producer of the internationally-acclaimed annual West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival. Each year, Ogontz Avenue is transformed into an exciting festival of vendors offering food, fine arts and crafts, and non-stop musical entertainment. We work with community leaders and various organizations who share in our mission to revitalize and encourage new business development and homeownership in West Oak Lane. OARC's initial focus was on revitalizing Ogontz Avenue. The success of these efforts can be seen in the mix of businesses that now exist along the Avenue. Today, you see a variety of service and retail oriented shops, art galleries, restaurants and take-out establishments, civic and political organizations and churches. OARC has also expanded this successful revitalization model to other commercial corridors in the Northwest, including Stenton Avenue and Washington Lane, and upper Ogontz Avenue from Washington Lane to Cheltenham Avenue. OARC works with other groups throughout Northwest Philadelphia to help stimulate neighborhood revitalization, including Nicetown, Germantown, and Wadsworth/Cedarbrook areas. We have been successful in developing collaborations that further our mission and always welcome the opportunity to share our experience with others who are interested in community revitalization. |
