About Us
Proudly Serving West Oakland since 1995!
WHO WE ARE
The Prescott-Joseph Center serves as a friendly, helping hand for the community of West Oakland!
Prescott-Joseph Center for Community Enhancement, Inc. is a multi-cultural, multi-service community resource center organized in 1995 in the Prescott district of West Oakland. It evolved out of the conceptual scheme for the adaptive re-use of the former Saint Joseph's Convent (St. Patrick Convent) as a center for community services, education, culture and development in West Oakland. Today, we serve West Oakland and surrounding cities and communities. All services are offered by PJC staff in English and Spanish, with other languages available by translators. We are also home to the Northern California Breathmobile Project, the West Oakland Food Pantry, the Father Charles D. Burns Pre preschool, and the Washington Burns Youth Mentoring & Computer Learning Program.
OUR HISTORY
In 1995, Father Charles D. Burns, SVD, the then Pastor at St. Patrick Parish, along with other community visionaries had the idea of restoring an 1876 former Victorian convent building and revitalizing it with programs to serve the local community. The Prescott-Joseph Center for Community Enhancement, Inc. (PJCCE) began offering programs in late 1995, including tutoring in the schools, computer literacy classes, and a place to celebrate the arts. Today, we continue to uphold that vision and provide programs that strengthen the individual, stabilizes families, and revitalizes the community. Our six program areas are: Youth Development, Early Childhood Education, Health & Wellness, Community Support Services, Art & Culture, and Community Partnerships.
OUR MISSION
The Mission of the Prescott-Joseph Center is three-fold:
1) To promote the individual self-esteem of citizens in the community through education, skill training and cultural programs, thus supporting healthy families and economic self-sufficiency.
2) To promote the on-going renewal of community spirit among West Oakland residents.
3) To organize and promote community activities that facilitate economic and community development in West Oakland.
OUR VISION
The vision of the Prescott-Joseph Center is for a vibrant West Oakland offering resources to strengthen the individual, stabilize families, and revitalize the community. We envision a safe, strong West Oakland community.