"We assist and walk along side of those who face some of the most difficult challenges." – Juanita Lee, CFO

OASIS CENTER AGAINST THE NUMBERS
Reported Murders
Statista 2018*
Aggravated Assaults
Statista 2018*
Violent Crimes
Statista 2018*
Federal Offences
BJS 2018†

OASIS CENTER 

Oasis Center is a faith based 501© (3) organization that focuses primarily on low/moderate income members of our community; but we are open to all who express the desire for change and make a commitment to attending our life skills and cognitive classes.

Oasis has a first-time youth offender program and works with several of the Dallas County Criminal Diversion Court Programs.

Oasis operates under the belief that reentry begins at the time of arrest and not just post release from incarceration.

Through the Oasis coordination of an evidence-based network of service providers who share a common data system, the network provides comprehensive services and programs for all family members of our clients.

It has been Oasis’ goal from our first day of ministry to assist and walk along side of those who face some of the most difficult challenges in transitioning back into our communities.

Our Mission
To provide life changing programs and services to first time youth offenders and formerly incarcerated persons.

Our Vision
To create a spiritual and social "model program" that can be replicated and scaled.


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  • "Oasis Center has been successful in providing a second chance to hundreds of youth."

    Juanita Lee, Chief Fundraising Officer,
    Board Secretary

  • "I understand the challenges facing formerly incarcerated persons."

    Michael Lee, Chief Executive Officer

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Oasis Center programs and services include a focus on youth and adults in order to break the cycle of incarceration (prevention). We target youth with mentoring programs and young adults, 17-24 yrs. of age, who are eligible for criminal court diversion programs which include “expungement” of pending criminal charges and certain past convictions. In addition, we provide assistance to people on probation, formerly incarcerated persons, and their family members. The programs and services of Oasis Center focus primarily on low to moderate income members of our South Dallas Communities. Our Dallas Social Justice Network allows Oasis Center to provide a voice to underserved communites and provide insight for measurable impact relative to systematic racism and social equality.
Our participants must express a desire for change and make a commitment to attend all our life skills and cognitive classes. Our job readiness work camp features virtual class facilitation with an in-person facilitator. Our training classes are scheduled every month starting on a Monday – Friday. The classes are five days, five hours per week, from 9:00am – 2:00pm; lunch included. Our goal for all job placement is career employment starting at living wages. Living wages are calculated from a combination of factors to include marital status and number of children being provided for.
Assessment

Oasis Center was initially formed to address First Time Youth Offenders. We presently partner with the Dallas District Attorney’s Office. The D.A.'s AIM Program, which includes eligibility for expunged criminal records, provides a comprehensive assessment for each client refer to us. Today, Oasis Center works with several criminal courts, to include adult probationers. Each of our reentry partners share their client assessments with the core members of our network.

Life Plans

Identifying both surface and underlying challenges facing a participant and his/her needs towards sustained success in life is essential in identifying our ability to assist.

Coaching and Support

Job readiness coaches will help prepare and execute graduate’s personal life plan for expungement certificates, petitions of non-disclosure, employment interviewing, job placement, and job retention. He/she will recommend continued support options for the graduate and his/her immediate family members.

Main Services: Adult job readiness training, career life plans, one-on-one coaching, group coaching, spiritual growth, and critical wrap-around services for sustainability.

Serving: Young adults 17 – 24 years of age, criminal justice-involved individuals, homeless, veterans, and formerly incarcerated persons

Young Adult Offender Program

For young adults ages 17 – 24 years of age who are experiencing their first brush with the criminal justice system and charged with a felony criminal charge, Oasis Center works with the Dallas District Attorney’s AIM (Achieve Inspire and Motivate) Program. AIM is a 12-18-month program, which includes referrals to the Oasis Center Job Readiness Work Camp. Upon the completion of the AIM program, the participant is eligible to have his/her criminal charges expunged.

Reentry Discipleship Program

Formerly recognized as a “Model Reentry Program” by the Faith and Philanthropy Institute, the Oasis Reentry/Reintegration Program is a compilation of several distinct programs and partners collaborating for sustained change for people involved within the criminal justice system and their immediate family members.

Download Oasis Center
Program Brochure

Faith Based Programming

Oasis Center services are available to local churches to expand their outreach and discipleship programming. Oasis connects the services from several partnering community and faith based organizations to local churches so that the graduating participants, and family members, of Oasis Center will have a continual base for future needs and sustained change

Workforce Placement

The services of Oasis Center are now available to those pre-qualified members of the community who need and want these services. Our Mission is to provide life-changing programs and services.

Main Services: One-on-one Support, Spiritual support, Financial Literacy, Free ID assistance, Employment Placement Assistance, Life Skills & Cognitive Training, and Specialized Vocational Training

Youth Offender Program

The first-time Youth Offender Program is designed for young adults (17-24 yrs. of age) who are referred to the Dallas County Criminal Diversion courts or who are experiencing their first brush with the criminal justice system and are being charged with a class A misdemeanor or felony criminal charges.

Job Readiness Work Camp

Oasis Center offers an in-person intense 5 day, 5 hours per day (9 am – 2 pm) Job Readiness work Camp (JRWC). This class is offered as a prerequisite for most of the living wage jobs offered through the South Dallas Employment Project (SDEP) – a prerequisite for free vocational certification to qualified participants, and industry recognized certification training offered through the SDEP. The camp provides job readiness, life and cognitive skills, resume writing, job search assistance, and job placement with corporate partners. Adult education, ESL and on-site low-energy training and placement are available. To apply for the Job Readiness Work Camp, click on the application link below. For more information, contact Ruth Burton,
rburton@oasisctr.org
or call 972-437-3801 Ext. 2

Job Readiness Work Camp Downloads
JRWC Application
JRWC Brochure

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  • "I’ve got my life together and I don’t smoke anymore. I believe in Christ and I have a much better life."

    Alicia W.

  • "I’ve accomplished a lot with Oasis. I was lost and did not know what I could do in life."

    Princess A.

  • "I have experienced honest living due to being a weekly participant in the Oasis program."

    Jay M.

  • " would be back on the streets doing old habits if it were not for the Oasis program. I’ve learned a lot about myself."

    Margaret C.
Oasis Center Testimonial Clear Path
Clear Path
Dallas District 7 Judge Stephanie Fargo Supports Oasis Center
Ability To Succeed
Oasis Center Testimonial Back on Track
Back On Track
Oasis Center Testimonial I Care Now
I Care Now

Testimonials

Click a video testimonial above or read testimonial below.

"program helped me with legal assistance, counseling..."

"Oasis is more than a program to me, it is family. When you are going through something you could have never imagined, it's hard to find someone to call. Not only was I able to call Oasis, Mrs. Juanita Lee called me several times a day to check on me, get updates about my situation, and most importantly pray with me. The program helped me with legal assistance, counseling referrals, and a mentor for my son. To me Oasis is not only the village that we all need, it is salt and light. They have been a true blessing from God to my family and I."
Mother of an Oasis Youth Client

"lost and did not know what I could do in life..."

"I’ve accomplished a lot with Oasis. I was lost and did not know what I could do in life. It made me want to just give up. Still I came to Oasis, and now I am walking with my head high in life."
Princess A.

"deal with personal relationships in a more positive way..."

"The Oasis program has meant the world to me and my children. It has helped me to learn how to deal with personal relationships in a more positive way. It has also helped me learn how to have a more intimate relationship with my Higher Power and to trust in Him. It is a blessing to be able to participate in a program like Oasis. I’m truly thankful."
DeShaunna F.

"focused on God and to not get discouraged..."

"I would be back on the streets doing old habits if it were not for the Oasis program. I’ve learned a lot about myself. The program has really helped me stay focused on God and to not get discouraged about my past. I would recommend it for other people."
Margaret C.

"nothing less than the greatest support team..."

"If it were not for Oasis I don’t really know where I would be today. The thing that comes to mind first would be the support they give throughout all of the mishaps and setbacks. Mr. Bowman, Ms. Vicki, and Mr. Dillon and staff have been nothing less than the greatest support team I have ever had. Thank You."
Dejee B.

"understand things I did not understand before..."

"I would like to thank Oasis because it has been good for me. I would be living on the streets, breaking the law if Oasis had not helped me a lot. I really understand things now that I did not understand before I came to Oasis."
Rickey S.

"headed down the wrong side..."

"Before I got into the Oasis program, I was smoking and had bad behavior. But Jeff and Vicki have helped me wake up and see that I was headed down the wrong side. Now I’ve got my life together and I don’t smoke anymore. I believe in Christ and I have a much better life. I thank the Oasis program for everything they have done for me and the work that they continue to do for others."
Alicia W.

"overcome adversity or trials..."

"I have experienced honest living due to being a weekly participant in the Oasis program. Seeing people that have overcome adversity or trials due to the classes that I have attended at Oasis was a revelation."
Jay M.

"helped me become more responsible..."

"The program has helped me become more responsible in my life, as well as more spiritually and intellectually inclined. I thank the staff for their hard work, dedication, commitment and deep concern. I definitely advise others to make it their business to find this organization. I love you and thank you all very much."
Marcus L.

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Oasis Center Leadership

A team of highly trained individuals changing the way you experience life.

Overseeing the Oasis Center's life-changing program and services.

Michael Lee

Founder & Chief Strategist

Derrick Bowman

Chief Executive Officer

Ruth Burton

Executive Assistant

Work Camp Manager

Rose Tooke

Data Administator & Administrative Aid to the Founder & Chief Strategist

DeSean Little-Robinson

Social Media

Volunteer

Richard Conerly

P/T Facilitator

Manuel "Manny" Anchondo

P/T Facilitator

Larry Walker

P/T Facilitator

Gibrón Williams

Marketing

Roderick Crowder

Digital Specialist

Cindy Taylor

Accounting

David Flores

Reentry Case Manager

Jessica Jerries

HR Manager

Volunteer

Executive Board of Directors

Randy Box

Chairman

Principal at Box Financial Services

K.T. Moore

Vice-Chair

Cadence Design Systems

Juanita Lee

Secretary

Cruise & Vacation Consultant

Kevin Posey

Treasurer

Finance Executive Amazon

Michael Lee

FOUNDER

Retired FBI Unit Chief

Derrick Bowman

CEO

Oasis Center

DIRECTORS

Stephanie Fargo

Division Chief, Organized Crime

Dallas D.A.’s Office

Chris Pipkin

Director for Church Outreach

Prison Fellowship

George Spencer

Director

Retired Insurance Agent

Oasis Center Blog

Oasis Center is to highlight the collective synergy being coordinated through the Dallas Social Justice Network, sponsored by Oasis center – highlighting like-minded social change organization that work together to collectively address some of the underlying social disparity issues which negatively impact South Dallas.

Helpful Advice Before Going To Court In Texas

Helpful Advice Before Going To Court In Texas

Going to court is no laughing matter until you win. Even then, your level of stress and anxiety may at times be overwhelming and cause your emotions to misfire. So how can you remain cool, calm, and collected before you go to court?

Read blog post

Kingdom Focus Coaching

Kingdom Focus Coaching

Nineteen years ago, Trog Trogdon moved across the country, from North Carolina to McKinney, Texas, for a job opportunity. He wanted to be successful, wealthy, and make a name for himself, BUT God had different plans. God used this relocation to move more than his stuff.

Read blog post

My Credit Card was Stolen from My Apartment Mailbox

My Credit Card was Stolen from My Apartment Mailbox

Theft is only one of the many reasons some individuals get caught up in the criminal justice system. It may be that the thief was following shallow ambitions or really simply not using their talents in a legal manner.

Read blog post

The Collaborative Approach To Social Change

The Collaborative Approach To Social Change

Community organizations working together on joint projects can make their programs and activities more effective and/or more efficient.

Read blog post

The Benefits of Volunteering During COVID-19

The Benefits of Volunteering During COVID-19

While we are in COVID-19, there are still ways for you to serve as a volunteer here at Oasis Center. For more information about volunteering, please consider the following.

Read blog post

8 Areas of Self-care While Serving

8 Areas of Self-care While Serving

There are 8 areas of self-care and which ones will work best for you will be different from your friend, sister, and neighbor because your life is different from theirs and so are your pressures.

Read blog post

Finding the Joy in the Little Things

Finding the Joy in the Little Things

When the day to day stresses of life start to get to you, and your goals or even happiness seem like they’re miles away, it’s important to remember the joy that can be found in your life every day. Here are three ways to immediately bring joy back into your life.

Read blog post

The History of Labor Day

The History of Labor Day

These days Labor Day is the unofficial last weekend of the summer filled with BBQs and one last weekend on the river. Usually by this point, many, if not all kids are back in school and summer fun, is at an end. But that isn’t at all what it was meant to be and it has come a long way from its late 19th century roots. More than 130 years later there are a lot of lessons we could learn from the history of Labor Day.

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Nine (9) Simply Ways to Inspire People to Be Great

Nine (9) Simply Ways to Inspire People to Be Great

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote by Maya Angelou is a simple reminder of the impact we can make in someone’s life through an act of kindness, a positive inspiration, or something as small as how I respond to a text message.

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CONTACT US

Hours of operation are 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday - Friday
4131 N Central Expressway, Ste 900, Dallas 75204
Administrative Office: (972) 437-3801
Program Office: (214) 426-0902

Oasis Center

The services of Oasis Center are available to immediate relatives of graduates from the Oasis Center job readiness work camp. Our programs and services can also be accessed through the South Dallas Employment Project.

Dallas

Oasis Center
4131 N Central Expy.
Suite 900
Dallas, TX 75204 | Directions

Administrative Office:
(972) 437-3801

South Dallas
Frazier House
4600 Spring Avenue,
Dallas, TX 75201 | Directions

Operations Center:
(972) 437-3801

Collin County

North Dallas Community Center
2801 E. PGB Hwy.,
Plano, TX 75274 | Directions

Operations Center:
(972) 437-3801, ext. 1

Houston

Work Faith Connection
5100 Travis Street,
Houston, TX 77002 | Directions

Operations Center:
(281) 833-3435