Orlando Children’s Church
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit bringing hope to underserved youth in the greater Orlando area.
Our Organization
Orlando Children’s Church is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit Saturday morning program for underserved youth in the greater Orlando area. It was founded by Peter & Isabel O’Driscoll in September 2002 with the support of many faithful individuals who shared their vision.
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OCC began on a Saturday morning with two vans and a handful of visionaries picking up about ten children to bring to church. The vision they shared was to reach children living on the fringes of poverty through no fault of their own, powerless to meet their own needs. There was a message of hope and life for these kids that needed to be delivered. Years later, OCC has grown into a ministry that serves hundreds of families and has school buses that pick up approximately 100 children to attend Saturday church every week.
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“Saturday Church” is presently hosted by Anchor Church Church of Maitland. Loaded buses begin arriving at 9:15 a.m. Children from kindergarten through 12th grade are greeted by enthusiastic volunteers who serve them breakfast donated by Maitland and Winter Park area McDonald’s. Kids are engaged in outdoor recreation activities until 10:15 a.m. Teachers and activity leaders engage the kids in lessons and discussion groups that encourage a greater understanding of themselves, their own worth, and how they can connect to God. We believe that the love of God and the hope found in Him change lives for the better. Buses begin loading at 11:00 AM to return the kids to their communities.
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Through generous donations from churches, community businesses, families, and individuals, OCC is able to continue meeting the needs of children in Orlando.
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Our message to these kids is this: You matter to God, and you matter to those around you. OCC is your place, your community, your church. It is where you can learn that every action, every choice you make, and every word you speak makes a difference in this life and can make the world better.
Our Mission
Orlando Children’s Church is a 501(c)(3) children’s ministry dedicated to reaching historically underserved youth through physical nourishment, spiritual renewal, and the cultivation of authentic relationships.
OUR STAFF
Ashley Eddy
Communications Director
Ashley Eddy serves as OCC’s Communications Director and is the Middle and High School Director on Saturday mornings. She has volunteered at OCC since 2013 and joined the staff in a part-time capacity in October 2018. In the past, she worked in publishing, was an adjunct instructor at a university, and taught high school English. Ashley is an alumna of the University of Central Florida and the University of Oklahoma and holds degrees in English and Psychology. Saturday mornings at OCC are her favorite part of the week.
Janice Woody
Executive Director
Janice Woody serves as OCC’s Executive Director. She has volunteered with OCC since 2002 and is the Elementary School Director on Saturday mornings. She worked full-time in the OCC office for 2 years as Finance Director before taking on the role of Executive Director. Her background also includes serving as principal of Lake Monroe Christian Academy where she taught for 13 years and working as an accountant for Deloitte and Touche. She was also the Finance Manager for a missions organization in Kenya. Janice holds a degree in business from University of Windsor.