The History of Oasis Oasis Dufferin Community Centre began with a burden placed on Phyllis Ortiz’ heart. As a returning missionary, she saw the need for immigrants coming to Canada – a need for a community centre as a place of refreshment and meeting emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. The doors opened in 1994 and the first classes of hairdressing, crafts, E.S.L., and the food bank had their humble beginnings. The Board of Directors was formed and Oasis was incorporated with a charitable status. In 1995, the first walkathon took place. New programs such as advocacy, housing assistance, immigration, and counselling for emotional and spiritual problems began. Cashier Training and Bank Teller courses commenced in 1996. Discipleship classes in Spanish were offered. Prevention of wife assault workshops were sponsored by the Women’s Directorate. Reverend Orm Bowsman of S.I.M. was assigned to Oasis and came on Staff in 1997. A job-training course was funded by the North American Baptist Women’s Union. In 1998, the education wing (computer lab) was built in the balcony of the church. An international dinner was held and monthly prayer letters were distributed to prayer supporters. The education wing was dedicated in 1999 and a second section of the balcony was completed for bank teller and cashier courses. At the same time the telephone system was updated. Reverend Bowman was reassigned to High Park Baptist Church as a multi-cultural home missionary. The children’s Saturday morning program and senior’s club started. The year 2000 was a very eventful year. Erika Ortiz was added to the staff as Administrative/Program Coordinator. Pastor Don Dearlove became Community Outreach worker, the website was designed, and the clothing depot was built. Much clothing was donated and distributed over the year. The outreach program was expanded with Alpha series and the Holy Spirit weekend retreat, weekly dinners and movies and Thanksgiving dinner. Also a bi-weekly legal clinic with breakfast was started. A birthday celebration for Jesus was held and many gifts were distributed at Christmas time. In 2001, Oasis had many opportunities to reach out to the community with food, clothing, and an Easter Sunday morning sunrise service. In 2002, the after school Homework Club for children was begun with a competent staff and volunteer group who assisted with this program. The Launching Pad Grant assisted Oasis to commence this effective program. In 2003, Oasis sponsored two young people, Erika (Ortiz) Abele and Ana Avendano on a short-term mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Also, Chris Ortiz came on the Oasis staff as a summer worker to assist as project manager, mainly working in the emergency food program. In 2004, Patty Russell came on the Oasis Staff on a part time basis assisting in the Homework Club, women’s ministry, and the food bank. Also three young people, Erika Abele, Ana Avendano, and Chris Ortiz participated in a short-term mission trip to Bolivia.

A Look Back Over the Past Ten Years