It began with a Dream
The Oasis Foundation is a community-based health ministry, established in 1995 by Dr. Claudette Shephard as a means of extending the Ministry of Healing to the Frayser community in Memphis, Tennessee with a mission to promote holistic health and prevent disease, The Foundation is dedicated to empowering the community by enhancing its capacity, fostering commitment, mobilizing resources, and developing vital skills. Our work is deeply rooted in collaboration, partnering with churches, schools, businesses, civic organizations, and other community groups to create a robust health resource and referral network. By addressing the underlying causes of health disparities and providing essential support and training, we strive to build on the community's strengths and tackle its most pressing health challenges.
Our Approach
Strategies
To achieve our long-term goals of improving community health and reducing health disparities, we employ a comprehensive set of strategies designed to address the specific needs of the Frayser community. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, education, empowerment, and sustainability, ensuring that our efforts not only meet immediate needs but also lay the foundation for lasting change.
1. Collaboration and Community Partnerships
Our strategy begins with building strong partnerships with churches, schools, businesses, and civic organizations. By working together, we create a broad network of resources and referrals that allows us to address health challenges more effectively. These partnerships are crucial for mobilizing the resources needed to implement our programs and for ensuring that our initiatives are well-integrated into the community fabric.
2. Health Education and Promotion
We believe that education is key to empowering individuals to take control of their health. Through our Healthy Living Initiative, we provide culturally responsive workshops and support groups that equip community members with the knowledge and tools they need to lead healthier lives. These activities not only improve health literacy but also foster a sense of community by bringing people together to learn and grow.
3. Youth Engagement and Leadership Development
Investing in the next generation is critical to our long-term success. Our Youth Wellness and Leadership Program empowers young people by providing them with health education and leadership training. By equipping youth with these skills, we not only improve their health outcomes but also develop future leaders who can continue to advocate for and drive community health initiatives.
4. Sustainable Health Practices
The Workplace Wellness Program engages local businesses in promoting health and wellness within their organizations. This approach not only improves the health of employees but also fosters a culture of wellness that extends beyond the workplace and into the broader community. By making health a priority in the workplace, we create a sustainable model for ongoing community health improvement.