Olivet Housing & Community Development Corporation
Olivet Housing and Community Development Corporation (OHCDC) is a not-for profit 5O1(c)(3) organization with a mission to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged individuals and groups by providing programming and investment into enhancing their social and economic condition. OHCDC, through its Health and Education Institute has placed emphasis on addressing health disparities through its partnership with University Hospitals which focuses on the wholistic aspects of living to improve health outcomes. Over the years, we have expanded our services and programs to include workforce development through our NeCCESS initiative.
Creating | Building | Transforming
Vision
To enhance the health, education, economic stability, and wholistic well-being of the community.
Mission
To build a stronger community by providing education, training, and support to impact the social and economic well-being of individuals and families.
Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr. pastored the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church for thirty-three years beginning in 1975. During his tenure he, and a small group of congregants, began the Olivet Housing and Community Development Corporation (OHCDC). In 1997, in furtherance of those goals, in conjunction with University Hospitals Health System, Dr. Moss provided the vision to establish the University Hospitals – Otis Moss Jr. Community and Health Center to offer a wide range of holistic health services to the Fairfax community and the city of Cleveland. The mission of the OHCDC has remained the same, to build a stronger community by providing education, training, and support to impact the social and economic well-being of individuals and families.
The Tree of Life
The brilliantly radiant stained-glass window is titled Tree of Life. This work of art is located on the south side of the Otis Moss, Jr. - University Hospitals Community and Health Center building. All are invited to come and witness this amazing display of color.
Tree of Life
The stained-glass window was commissioned and donated by Dr. and Mrs. Otis Moss Jr. and designed by Phillips Stained Glass, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Mona Phillips is design artist and owner of Phillips Stained Glass. The dominant motif in the window is The Tree of Life. Its trunk and branches are represented by the Cross. The Tree stems out of Africa - the place of origin of all humans. This represents the unity of humankind.
There are two human figures: one in the lower right represents suffering, pain, grief, sorrow, and struggle. The upper left figure represents struggle, triumph, and victory. This represents the African American experience of struggle and victory. It also represents the experience of humans from pain and suffering to health and wholeness.
The foliage of the tree is red: representing love, sacrifice, redemption, liberation, and reconciliation. This is also an expression of healing and overcoming power.
There are additional colors: violet, green, yellow, and blue. These represent moments of grief, growth, and hope. The shades of blue symbolize wisdom. The golden colors or shades of yellow symbolize the glory and goodness of God, supporting us always from beginning to end.
There is in the lower left panel a schematic rendition of the caduceus, symbol of the healing arts.
The Daphne R. Moss Chapel is a place of prayer, meditation, communion, healing, and wholeness. The entire Community and Health Center is a place of faith, hope, love, and healing in a spiritually supportive environment.
Let each of us gather fruit from the Tree of Life.
