In 2024, Oakwood Techniques expanded and was open to all 3- 8th grade students in the city of Troy. Our Fall and Spring after school students learned drumming, dancing, and acting with talented local artists such as Trevor Taylor and Latisia Johnson of Move 2B Moved Studio. This past summer, 30 students and teaching artists put on a full production of the Wizard of Oz (set in Troy!), from casting, to set design, to props and costuming. Throughout these programs, the students built confidence, self esteem, relationships, as well as performing arts skills.

At the beginning of the year we were seeing 50 families every Saturday morning, and that number has since increased to 70- 90 families! 1000-1200 meals are provided weekly. We also handed out 120 holiday bags in November, which included gift cards and non-perishables for the upcoming holiday season.

The OCC Free Store continues to be open every 2nd Saturday during Food Pantry hours, providing gently used clothing, towels, sheets, shoes, handbags, jewelry and more all for free.

Oakwood focused on Performing Arts and Culture this year, with our February Black Art and Culture Celebration, the Blue Rose Underground Folk and Country Festival on our new patio in our side yard, Open Mics hosted throughout the year by Program Coordinator Justin Relf, and African Dance and Drum Classes with Jordan Taylor Hill. Swordpaw Studios continues to house 10-12 local bands in the building, and we were fiscal sponsors to Views from the Front Porch, a program through Creatives Rebuild NY in partnership with TRIP with artists Rachael Lorimer and Justin Relf engaging with our Hillside North neighborhood in Troy.