Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Ladson Johnson.
Hi Denise, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey with OCE Family Development Center really started long before I ever had a nonprofit. It started with the things I experienced in my own life, the things I saw families and young people going through, and a desire I had to help do something about it. My background in social work, counseling, case management, social services and coaching opened my eyes even more to the challenges people face. One of the most meaningful experiences in my journey was being selected to speak at the U.S. Capitol before members of Congress about the impact of learning loss on students during the pandemic. Being able to share what I was seeing and hearing from parents and students on such an important platform showed me that my voice—and the voices of the families I represent—matter. I was also honored to participate on a Parent Choice panel alongside Senator Tim Scott and other panelists, discussing issues that matter to parents, students, and communities. These experiences strengthened my commitment to advocate for young people and families and reminded me why the work I do through OCE is so important. Being given these opportunities to speak about what young people and families were experiencing was motivating and powerful for me. I’ve also had the honor of being featured twice on the Times Square Billboard, Featured magazine interviews, media coverages, ongoing community partnerships which are incredible reminders that the work we are doing is reaching beyond my local community. Those moments have been meaningful to me, not just because of the recognition, but because they have given me an even bigger platform to bring attention to the needs of our youth and families. But for me, it became personal. I realized that so many young people are dealing with things like grief, anger, mental and emotional struggles, risky behaviors, financial challenges, and simply not knowing how to navigate life. Sometimes they don’t need someone to judge them—they need someone to see them, listen to them, advise them,coach them, and encourage them. That is really where the vision for Opportunity Calls Everyone Family Development Center came from. Even the name OCE has a very personal meaning to me because it was inspired by my late mother nickname. I wanted to carry a piece of her with me in the work I’m doing and allow her memory to be connected to something that serves others. So OCE is not just the name of an organization to me—it represents family, purpose, and a legacy that I want to continue. When I started OCE in 2017, I didn’t have everything figured out. I just knew there was a need, and I knew what was in my heart and I started with a vision of creating a place where youth and young adults and families could receive real support and learn skills they could actually use in everyday life. Over time, that vision has grown. What started as an idea has developed into programs focused on life skills, mentorship, STEM, financial literacy, social-emotional learning, mental wellness, grief support, prevention, and helping youth and young adults prepare for adulthood. We’ve created opportunities through our summer programs, community events like Battle of the Camps, and our vision for supporting young adults aging out of foster care. Today, OCE Family Development Center is still growing, but I’m proud of how far we’ve come. I don’t believe we’re just building a nonprofit. I believe we’re building a support system and creating opportunities for our youth and young adults who deserve to know that their lives can look different. For me, OCE is personal. It is about turning what I’ve learned, what I’ve experienced, and what I’ve seen in others into something that can make a real difference. And honestly, I feel like we’re just getting started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have definitely not been a smooth road these past nine years. It’s been challenges along the way. Building a nonprofit while managing family, work, school, and life has not always been easy. We also face challenges within our organization such as having our own bus or Van to help with transportation to pick up our students who may want to participate in our programs but they lack transportation, transportation for field trips, the lack of operation funding, and a community hub that our youth and young adults can come to afterschool or the weekends as a safe heaven. There have been moments when I have been hard on myself and question my work along with the lack of resources. But every time I see a young person gain confidence, learn something new, or realize that their circumstances don’t have to determine their future, It inspires me to move forward and reminds me on why I started.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Breezey Scoops & Treats?
Opportunity Calls Everyone Family Development Center is a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth and young adults build emotional awareness, coping skills, confidence, and real-life skills. We are known for our affordable, quality Social-Emotional Enrichment Summer Day Camp and our annual Battle of the Camps, a fun community competition that brings local camps together for teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and friendly competition. What sets OCE apart is that we meet young people where they are and focus on real-life issues. We combine social-emotional development, coping skills, life skills, enrichment, and meaningful experiences in a safe and welcoming environment. I am most proud that OCE is truly a family effort—my husband and children have helped with our branding, ideas, programs, and events. OCE is more than an organization to us; it is a passion and a family commitment to creating safe, positive opportunities and brighter futures for young people in our community. I am most proud of how OCE continues to turn a vision into real opportunities for young people and families in our community.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are many ways to partner with OCE—from sponsoring our programs and events, making a donation, volunteering, or partnering with us to bring our youth development workshops into schools, churches, and community organizations. Businesses and organizations can also support us through event sponsorships, in-kind donations, and collaborations. We also welcome organizations that want to bring workshops, STEM experiences, career opportunities, financial literacy, or other meaningful resources to our programs. Our family-owned business, Breezey Scoops & Treats, also partners with OCE through fundraising opportunities and event bookings, allowing customers and organizations to support our youth programs while enjoying our Philly Water Ice and treats. Most importantly, we welcome anyone who believes in investing in young people to join us in creating more opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and thrive. At the end of the day, I believe it really does take a village. If you believe young people deserve opportunities, support, and someone in their corner, there is a place for you at OCE. Help spread the word, I would love to connect. We’re building something that matters, and I believe the right people coming alongside each other can help us reach even more young people and families.
Pricing:
- Weekly Summer Camp 2027 $80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ocefamily.org
- Instagram: Ocefamilydevelopment
- Facebook: OCE Family Development Center
