OWI
Education
Services
Odyssey World International Education Services is a 501 c3 education-based nonprofit. We advocate for social justice and provide services for marginalized community members impacted by poverty in Washington state and abroad.
UPcoming Event
"The Least of These" Grab-N-Go Thanksgiving Dinner
Where: River City Church 2400 E Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA, 98661
When: November 26th, Thursday 11:00 am-3:00 pm
In partnership with the NAACP and Seeds of Greatness Ministries, we will be co-sponsoring a free thanksgiving dinner to serve 350 people in the Vancouver Metro area. In consideration of social distancing practices, pre-packaged dinners will be provided for takeaway via drive-up or walk-up options. Dinners will be served on a first come-first served basis. We strongly suggest that guests come early.
See flyer.
Current Services
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
August 24th- December 2020
OWI has partnered with Clark County and the Department of Commerce to provide rental assistance through community services grant funding. ERAP will start on August 24th and will end in December or until funding runs out. During this time, OWIES will provide applications to households in need upon request. To request the application please complete the Application Request form below. We will respond within 3-5 business days. Resources are limited and no guarantees can be made. Complete Applications for eligible recipients will be processed in the order that they are received.
Check your eligibility and complete the application request form on our Rental Assistance page.
Angelou's Angels - Social and Support Group
(formerly known as Phenomenal Women)
Email the organizer: Terri Johnson
Meetings: Once a month (days vary)
Where: Currently Online // YWCA Clark County, 3609 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98663 (Future, In-person meetings)
This group was created as a safe space of encouragement and comradery specifically for Black women who reside in the Vancouver, WA area. Formerly known as "Phenomenal Women", the group was renamed as it reemerged with renewed purpose and strength. This group is supported by Odyssey World International Education Services and organized by Terri Johnson who began it back in 2018. The group is small, but growing. New members are welcome to join at any time. There is no membership fee to participate. In the meantime, please connect with Terri Johnson to find out how the group is supporting each other online while adhering to current social distancing practices. In-person meetings will hopefully resume in 2021.
Terri Johnson
About Us
History
Odyssey World International Education Services is a Black-led, family- operated, education-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit that was started by Karen Morrison in Spokane, WA back in 2006. It has been an invaluable community partner in its work with refugee and immigrant families. It is 100% volunteer-based organization that provides resources referrals, advocacy, and community engagement opportunities. In 2015, OWI Education Services relocated to Vancouver, WA where it has continued to promote and collaborate on projects that strengthen inclusivity within increasingly diverse communities in the US and abroad.
Mission
Our mission is to collaboratively and compassionately advocate for social justice and serve marginalized people that are impacted by poverty and discrimination.
Vision
We envision safe, inclusive, and compassionate communities where marginalized people are empowered to create equitable opportunities for themselves and others.
Non-Discrimination Clause
Odyssey World International Education Services prohibits discrimination in its programs, services, policies, hiring practices and administration on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental disability.
Our team
Directors
Karen Morrison, Founder/Executive Director (2006-now)
Loveita Morrison, Deputy Director (2006-now)
Current Board and Sub-Committee Members
Rita Rubenstein Shelby Davis, Jr.
Terri Johnson Jennifer Wyld
Partners
Children's Alliance- Washington
NAACP (Spokane and Vancouver chapters)
Free Hot Soup Vancouver
Seeds of Greatness Ministries
Our Values
REcognition
Children's Alliance:
Brewster Denny Rising Advocate Award Winner 2020
Bonner Leader Partner of the Year Award Winner 2009 & 2010, Whitworth University
NAACP Northwest Regional Chapter:
Community Leader of the Year Award Winner 2012
Chase Youth Award: Community Asset Builder Award Winner 2012
Youth Advocate Award 2009, Links Incorporated
Community Service Award 2008, NAACP's Spokane Chapter