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Our Piece of the Pie Inc.

Bob Rath

November 20, 2008

Mission: To help Hartford youth, ages 14 to 24, become successful adults.

Background: Our Piece of the Pie Inc. or OPP, works with at-risk Hartford youth, ages 14 to 24, who face multiple barriers on their road to economic freedom. With the help of OPP’s education and employment programs, youth are able to achieve their short- and long-term goals. Those goals include a two- or four-year college degree, vocational certification and/or gainful employment in his or her chosen field.

Pathways to Success is the youth development strategy that serves as the cornerstone of OPP’s programs and services. Pathways offers a relationship-centered approach to help young people access and attain a mix of educational, employment and personal skills that lead to success.

Pathways is focused on two core elements of youth development practice. First, each youth should have an individualized plan based on an understanding of his or her long- and short-term goals. Second, every young person needs a caring and consistent adult in their lives who can advise them along their journey.

In Pathways, each youth is matched with a Youth Development Specialist who helps the young person establish an Individualized Service Plan based on his or education and employment goals.

Based on the situation and need, OPP offers several programs and services that assist with the youth’s journey along his or her pathway. These programs include: employment and placement Services; businesses; academic support; and college planning and retention.

In 2007-08, OPP provided services to about 3,000 youth.

OPP’s major funding partners include: the Department of Children and Families, Capital Workforce Partners, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, the United Way, Travelers Cos. Inc., and Bank of America.

Major Fundraiser: Neighborhood Fiesta. Date, time and place to be announced.

Volunteer Needs: OPP seeks individual volunteers to help Hartford Youth become succesful adults. The agency also seeks employers who are willing to give employment or internships for the youth we serve. Contact Jo-Anne Leventhal, 860-761-7342.

Leadership:

Bob Rath, President/CEO.

John Sundean, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Address: 20-28 Sargeant St., Hartford, Conn. 06105

Phone: 860-761-7300

Web site: www.opp.org.

Bob Rath is the president and CEO of Our Piece of the Pie Inc.