For more than 43 years the Steel Valley OIC located in McKeesport has been assisting residents of the Mon Valley. An affiliate of the Opportunity Industrial Committee of America founded by the late Rev. Dr. Leon Sullivan based in Philadelphia in 1964, the organization has a common commitment of helping the disadvantaged.
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| WEATHERIZATION WORKS—Executive director of the Steel Valley OIC for 22 years, LuEthel Nesbit through the Weatherization Program and other initiatives has maintained a 43 year old Mon Valley organization. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels)
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“This chapter and the region have experienced many changes throughout the years,” said Executive Director LuEthel Nesbit. Since its inception the organization has under gone several name changes, changed locations, undergone transitions in leadership and switched its focus from a private non-profit manpower training program to a comprehensive vocational training program to its current task of weatherization.
What started as a store front organization in 1968 as the Tri-City OIC has trained and placed thousands in meaningful employment positions has provided vocational and academic assistance to thousands and since 1981 has performed professional weatherization services to more than 8,000 low income residents throughout the Southwest Allegheny County area.
“We are well respected in the community and strive to maintain the confidence of the people,” said Nesbit.
Involved with the SVOIC since 1976 starting out as an English teacher, Nesbit worked her way up to executive director in 1989. A McKeesport native, she has agreed with and believes in the national and local founders’ philosophy of self- help through training and motivation. “When I started here people were getting their GEDs, were receiving help to go to college, and were getting jobs,” Nesbit said. “We had a professional board of directors inclusive of high powered people and the staff received top notch training.” After eight years, the founders, a group of local ministers and citizens, convinced the concept could alleviate poverty and effects of widespread chronic unemployment, incorporated the Developmental Education concept that provided high school dropouts the opportunity to obtain a GED and high school graduates an opportunity to nourish basic academic skills for acceptance into vocational training, college and entry into the job market. Up until nine years ago the SVOIC existed as an alternative site for the McKeesport School District for students with bad behavior problems. “Our aim was to redirect the kids through the process,” Nesbit said.
Thirty-five years later, the home base of the SVOIC, the McKeesport area, has changed. No longer does the downtown area house the department and jewelry stores, corporate offices or thriving steel mill industry it once did. Unemployment is at an all-time high and the population has decreased to 22,076.
With the desire to continue to help and work with youth, Nesbit said she would like to operate a program teaching life skills and self-sufficiency. “The original mission of the organization is to enable economically disadvantaged people of all races and backgrounds to become productive fulfilled members of the American society.”
One of 44 chapters of a national network of local affiliated organizations in 22 states and the District of Columbia, the SVOIC is a part of region one. Nationally the OIC of America is reported to have trained over 2 million people nationwide.
As with other non-profit organizations, Nesbit indicated that, due to the economy, hers has fallen on tough times. Lately the group has been sustained through monies provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. One of two weatherization agencies in the area she says the funds have helped them perform services in 704 homes and maintain a staff of 15, all Mon Valley residents. Though concerned that the program ends in March of 2012, she said there is hope of renewed funding from their original source, the Department of Economic Development.
The Pennsylvania Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income families to lower their energy bills by providing low-cost repairs to their houses. “We weather-strip doors, caulk around windows, replace broken glass, insulate the attic or any crawl spaces, wrap around hot water pipes and check furnaces to assure that it operates efficiently,” explained Nesbit. She pointed out that the services are free as long as recipients meet income guidelines and provide requested information.
One of its latest’s projects is the Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative which was unveiled in March of this year. The initiative is designed to encourage more African-Americans to think like and become entrepreneurs.
A forward thinker who has kept the SVOIC viable throughout the years, Nesbit is working to maintain its presence within the region. She is open to its Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative as well as other programs that connect with their philosophy and slogan of “We help ourselves.”
Enjoying her work, Nesbit pointed out, “I have stayed in my hometown and with the SVOIC because we are helping people. I get satisfaction out of working and helping my community.”
(The SVOIC is located at 515 Walnut St. and can be reached by calling 412-678-8622.)
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