How Havenscourt Lends a Helping Hand

The Oroville Southside Community Improvement Association has been meeting the needs of South Oroville since 2009, providing services like Haven of Hope on Wheels, a mobile hygiene unit that serves the homeless by giving them a place to take a shower, do a load of laundry, and get a haircut. OSCIA’s newest branch is Havenscourt Family Resource Center. “We have been working tirelessly getting this resource center off the ground,” Breauna Hodnett, Havenscourt’s director, says. “Our goal is to transform this place into a hub of fulfillment. Our passion lies in preventing anyone from leaving our center without vital access to the indispensable skills, tools, knowledge, and services required for a triumphant journey through life.” The Resource Center offers case management, housing support, mental health resources, support groups, workshops, résumébuilding, and skills development.

In addition to the Family Resource Center, is Havenscourt Higher Learning Childcare Center. While it is open to all, the Center’s goal is to be able to cater to parents and caregivers who work odd hours such as: law enforcement officers, nurses, doctors, emergency service dispatchers, firefighters, truck drivers, hospitality staff, and those in the casino industry. They are currently open from 5 AM to midnight, but within the year they will be open 24 hours a day, offering flexibility and peace of mind to adults who have struggled to find childcare to suit their needs and changing schedules. With over 30 years of experience in child education, Shannon Tomlin, Havenscourt’s childcare director says, “Extended highquality childcare is not just a convenience, but a necessity for professionals who work these odd-hour jobs. It ensures that these dedicated individuals can focus on their vital roles in society, knowing their children are well-cared for and nurtured in a safe environment”. This fall, the Center will provide transportation services for participants receiving care through Havenscourt, ensuring convenient afterschool care for our valued community members. The Center follows a Reggio Emilia approach to learning, based on the belief that parents and the wider community have a collective responsibility for children. They implement a STEAM-based curriculum in seven different classrooms for children 0 to 12. “Our dedicated team of 18 teachers at Havenscourt is thrilled to provide highquality care to children at the center. We are passionate about creating a nurturing environment where every child can learn, grow and thrive,” says Shannon.

These new programs offer considerable resources to those in Butte County, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. “We’re going to create an expansive community garden. This garden will not only provide an opportunity for families to connect and contribute but also offer invaluable insights into the world of nutrition. We strongly believe in the power of collaboration and working together to achieve greater success than we could ever achieve individually. By shifting the narrative and modeling the concept of strength and unity, we aspire to create a strong and supportive community where everyone can thrive and reach new heights.”

Havenscourt Family Resource and Higher Learning Child Care Center are located in the Southside Oroville Community Center at 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road in Oroville. Tours are provided daily upon request. Enroll your child in Havenscourt Higher Learning Childcare’s extended care program today and give them the opportunity to thrive in their innovative and creative learning environment. Experience the difference as they go above and beyond to provide high-quality care and personalized education for every child. For more information contact Shannon Tomlin at (530) 716-9528 or Breauna Hodnett at (530) 716-9527.