Building Healthier,
Stronger Communities
Ollivier Community Circle (OCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families through food assistance, mental health services, and nutrition education. Our programs promote health, stability, and overall well-being while strengthening the communities we serve.
About Ollivier Community Circle
Fostering Health,
Well-Being & Resilience
At Ollivier Community Circle (OCC), we are dedicated to fostering health, well-being, and resilience in our community. As a nonprofit organization, we provide support through mental health services, nutrition education, and food assistance programs that help individuals and families access resources they need to thrive.
Prevention + Intervention
Our prevention efforts equip individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain health and wellness through education, skill-building, and early support. Our intervention efforts provide direct services such as food assistance and mental health support to those facing immediate challenges.
Integrated Care
We recognize that health is interconnected. Our programs integrate food access, nutrition education, mental health support, and wellness resources to address both physical and emotional well-being.
Continuum of Care
OCC serves as a bridge within the broader system of care — connecting individuals to essential services, community resources, and partner organizations to ensure comprehensive and accessible support.
A Holistic Approach
to Community Care
Our Strategy
Our Model
OCC operates through a comprehensive prevention and intervention model designed to address immediate needs while creating long-term stability for individuals and families.
Who We Serve
We serve children, adolescents, and families across our community — with a focus on those facing food insecurity, mental health challenges, and barriers to wellness education.
How We Work
Through compassionate outreach, strategic community partnerships, and prevention-focused programming, OCC helps build healthier communities and expands access to mental health and wellness resources.
The People Behind the Mission
Meet Our Team
Our team brings together decades of experience in mental health, social work, recreation therapy, and community service — all united by a shared commitment to building healthier communities.
Shakirra Pinnock
Founder · QMHP-E, CSAC-SShakirra brings over a decade of expertise in mental health and substance abuse treatment. As a Qualified Mental Health Professional and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, she has worked on the front lines of behavioral health with a deep commitment to empowering underserved communities. Her clinical insight and lived experience fuel OCC’s mission to bridge the gap between access and equity in health services.
Brandon Cooper
Chief Operating OfficerA retired U.S. Navy veteran with 20 years of service as a nuclear engineer, Brandon brings disciplined leadership, media production, and business ownership to the board. A professional photographer and emerging videographer, he helps elevate community voices through storytelling and strategic insight.
Phyllis Deptula
SecretaryA student at Old Dominion University pursuing Art Education with a minor in Studio Arts, Phyllis views art as a powerful form of self-expression and a means of bringing communities together. Passionate about her church, community, and family, she blends her faith and work to uplift others.
Amy Cropp
Advisory & Curriculum Development · MSW, LCSW-SWith more than 25 years of experience working with children and adolescents in the mental health field, Amy brings expertise and a deep passion for helping young people thrive. A 2025 graduate of Simmons University with a Master’s in Social Work, she is currently pursuing her LCSW license to expand her impact in mental health services and advocacy.
Renee McCroskey
Recreational Therapist – Activities & Wellness Advisor · CTRSRenee brings more than 26 years of experience in Recreation Therapy, working with individuals ages 5 to 102 across diverse settings. Her passion for serving others began at age 13, and she is committed to enriching lives through recreation, creativity, and meaningful engagement.
Shawnta Edwards
Advisory & Curriculum Development · MSW, QMHP, CSAC-S, LMHP-SA dedicated social worker and entrepreneur serving the Hampton Roads/Tidewater region, Shawnta holds an MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University. As founder of Genesis Professional Consulting, LLC, she supports behavioral health providers and is driven by a deep passion for resilience and community empowerment.
Our Programs
What We Offer
Each program is built around evidence-based practices and community partnerships to ensure lasting impact for the individuals and families we serve.
Sprout Society
A year-round program for children ages 5–11, developed in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club and Communities in Schools. Through hands-on activities, children build emotional regulation, coping skills, and healthy habits that support lifelong well-being.
Ages 5–11 · Year-RoundThrive Tribe
An 8-month empowerment program for adolescent girls, developed in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club and Communities in Schools. Using evidence-based MI and CBT strategies, participants build emotional resilience, explore identity, and prepare for future success.
Adolescent Girls · 8 MonthsFood Access & Wellness Education
OCC partners with the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia to ensure community members have access to healthy food. We also offer free 15-minute workshops upon request that provide practical nutrition tips and educational resources to support healthier lifestyles.
Free Workshops · Food AccessOur Impact
Serving Our Community
Ollivier Community Circle (OCC) is committed to improving community health and well-being by addressing food insecurity, mental health challenges, and barriers to wellness education.
Through community-driven programs and strategic partnerships, OCC provides critical resources that help individuals and families access the support they need to live healthier, more stable lives.
By collaborating with partners such as the Boys & Girls Club, Communities in Schools, and the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia, OCC strengthens the local support network and ensures that services reach individuals who may otherwise face barriers to care.
Through compassionate outreach, community partnerships, and prevention-focused programming, Ollivier Community Circle is helping build healthier communities, reduce food insecurity, and expand access to mental health and wellness resources.
Sprout Society Program Evaluation · 2025
Impact Report
The following report summarizes the outcomes of our Resilience & Wellness Youth Program (RWYP) based on post-program parent surveys and program evaluation data.
Parent Survey Results · 7 Responses
What Families Are Saying
We conducted post-program surveys with parents after completing the RWYP program. The results demonstrate meaningful and measurable outcomes in children’s emotional growth and resilience.
My child is more comfortable expressing what they like about themselves
My child shows an increased ability to bounce back after challenges
My child uses breathing techniques to manage stress or emotions
My child uses more emotional language when describing how they feel
My child has talked about setting personal goals and making progress
Overall, this program has helped my child grow in confidence and emotional awareness
📊 Key Findings
Emotional Expression & Language
85.7% of parents strongly agreed their children became more comfortable expressing emotions and using emotional language after the program.
Resilience & Coping Skills
High agreement in areas like bouncing back after challenges, using breathing techniques, and managing negative emotions.
Goal Setting & Confidence
71.4% of parents strongly agreed their child talked about setting personal goals and making progress toward them.
Social Media Awareness
71.4% strongly agreed their children became more mindful about social media and its emotional impact on self-image.
Community Engagement
Upcoming Initiatives
🏍️ Island Pulse: Ride for Healing & Community Festival
📍 Bayside Harley-Davidson, Portsmouth, VA
In support of the Landyn Davis Foundation — featuring a community bike ride, live music, food vendors, and access to trauma-informed mental health resources. Honoring youth survivors of gun violence while promoting unity, healing, and advocacy.
🎁 Holiday Bag Distribution for Seniors
📍 Various senior residential sites, Portsmouth, VA
OCC will deliver holiday care bags filled with essential items, warm treats, and uplifting messages to local senior citizens — combating isolation and showing appreciation for elders during the holiday season.
Join Us
Get Involved
Whether you want to volunteer your time, support our mission, or connect with our programs — there’s a place for you in the Ollivier Community Circle. Together, we build healthier, stronger communities.
Community Voices
Discussion Board
Share your thoughts, ask questions, or start a conversation with the OCC community. We’d love to hear from you.
Community Posts
We’d Love to Hear From You
Contact Us
Have questions about our programs, want to volunteer, or simply want to connect? Reach out — we’re here for you.
Our Location
Crossroads Church
5809 Portsmouth Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA, Virginia
Phone
(757) 219-2861Follow Us
Send Us a Message
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