Ann Wagner of Wyckoff is the founder of Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson. With a motto of providing a “hand up, not a hand out,” Oasis is dedicated to assisting impoverished families who strive to achieve economic independence. The organization offers educational programs to provide women and children with the skills to become self-sufficient. Among the programs are Adult Education classes, educational enrichment for at-risk youth and ESL, GED and computer classes. Oasis also provides child care and meals, more than 65,000 each year. The programs, offered free of charge, are designed for the women to succeed in the workplace and their children in school. All of this is possible because Ann believes that every woman deserves a chance. She has retired from her position as director of Oasis but remains on its Board of Directors.

The mission of Oasis is to change the lives of women and children by breaking the cycle of poverty through compassionate programs designed to feed, clothe, educate and empower women and children in need. Oasis offers adult education programs including English language, GED, computer skills, and vocational certification in food service, banking and retail. Their youth development programs include after school programs for children 6-18, Saturday programs and a summer day camp. Oasis is the lead agency helping transform Paterson Public School 2 into a full-service community school, providing families with a range of services, including psychosocial services, and basic needs.

Update: “Anna C Harris Wagner of Waldwick, NJ, formerly of Wyckoff, NJ, born on July 11, 1937, in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late Richard Harris and Elizabeth Kerr Harris, passed away at age 85 on May 19, 2023, surrounded by her loving daughters. Ann was a tireless public servant for people in need in Paterson NJ, first at Eva’s Kitchen and then co-founder and director of Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children.”