Workforce Development.
Barrier Removal.
Opportunity.
Building Workforce Pipelines. Creating Career Pathways.
The Oasis Project is a workforce development and resource navigation organization dedicated to helping returning citizens and underserved individuals prepare for and access meaningful employment opportunities. Through recruitment, workforce readiness, supportive services, and community partnerships, we connect motivated individuals to high-demand careers in skilled trades, manufacturing, construction, transportation, and other growth industries.
For employers and training providers, Oasis serves as a trusted workforce partner—helping recruit, prepare, and support candidates who are ready to succeed.
37+
NEW HIRES
59+
COLLEGE ENROLLMENTS
70+
EXPUNGEMENTS
OUR FOUNDATION
Building Strong Foundations for Workforce Success
The Oasis Project serves as a trusted workforce development and resource navigation partner that believes lasting success begins with a strong foundation. Through strategic partnerships and personalized support, we help individuals overcome barriers, build confidence, develop workforce readiness skills, and access opportunities that lead to long-term stability, economic mobility, and self-sufficiency.
Navigate Systems
We simplify complex systems and connect individuals to the resources, programs, and opportunities they need to move forward. Whether accessing benefits, training, housing assistance, or community services, Oasis provides guidance, advocacy, and support so no one has to navigate the journey alone.
Stabilize Your Life
Success begins with stability. We connect individuals to housing, healthcare, transportation, food assistance, financial literacy, and other supportive services that help remove barriers, reduce crisis, and create a foundation for personal and professional growth.
Build Your Future
We help individuals prepare for long-term success through workforce development, career readiness, job training, education, and employment connections. By partnering with employers, training providers, and community organizations, we create pathways to meaningful careers, economic mobility, and lasting self-sufficiency
Vision, Mission & Purpose
WHAT DRIVES US
Vision
The Oasis Project envisions communities where returning citizens and underserved individuals have equitable access to the resources, opportunities, and support needed to thrive. Through stability, workforce development, and meaningful community connections, individuals can build successful futures, contribute their talents, and achieve lasting independence.
Mission
The Oasis Project connects individuals to the resources, supportive services, workforce opportunities, and community partnerships that help stabilize lives and create pathways to success. Through barrier removal, workforce readiness, and strategic collaboration, we empower people—especially those impacted by incarceration—to access meaningful careers, strengthen their communities, and reduce recidivism through opportunity.
Purpose
We remove barriers that stand between individuals and opportunity. By connecting people to supportive services, workforce pathways, and trusted community partnerships, we empower individuals to achieve stability, secure meaningful employment, and contribute to stronger communities—one person at a time.
We Connect You To
Comprehensive wrap-around services designed to meet you at every stage of your journey to stability and independence.
Resource Hub
Access a trusted network of community resources through one central point of contact. We connect individuals to verified providers, regularly updated information, and essential supports designed to remove barriers and promote long-term stability.
Transportation Support
Reliable transportation opens doors to opportunity. We connect individuals to transportation resources that help them get to work, training, medical appointments, school, and other essential destinations.
Workforce & Career Pathways
We identify, prepare and support motivated individuals for employment and training opportunities in skilled trades, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, transportation and other growth industries. We partner with employers and training providers to create pathways to careers in high-demand industries and sustainable economic mobility.
Legal Resources & Expungement
Navigate legal barriers with confidence. From identification assistance and expungement referrals to legal resource connections, we help individuals move beyond past obstacles and toward future opportunities.
Health & Wellness
Connect to physical and behavioral health services that support your overall wellbeing. Because lasting success begins with a healthy mind, body, and support system.
Education & Technology
Build the skills needed to thrive in today's world. We connect individuals to educational opportunities, technology resources, college enrollment support, digital literacy, and benefits navigation that foster lifelong learning and advancement.
Opportunity in Action
Leadership outcomes generated through workforce initiatives, community partnerships, and reentry-focused programming.
Building Pathways. Delivering Results
The Oasis Project is built on a belief that access to opportunity changes lives. Through workforce development, community partnerships, and barrier-removal strategies, Oasis leadership has helped connect individuals to employment, education, legal resources, and housing opportunities that create pathways to long-term stability and success.
37+
PEOPLE HIRED
COLLEGE
ENROLLMENTS
59+
70+
EXPUNGEMENTS
STARTED
120
AFFORDABLE UNITS
IDENTIFIED
Every job secured, every college enrollment completed, every expungement initiated, and every housing opportunity identified represents more than a statistic—it represents renewed hope, strengthened families, and communities moving forward. Together, we are creating pathways to stability, economic mobility, and second chances through opportunity.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Driven by Purpose,
Powered by Experience
Valerie Pilot is a strategic and results-driven leader with more than 20 years of experience in human resources, workforce development, legal administration, and community partnership-building. She founded The Oasis Project to bridge the gap between untapped talent and opportunity—transforming systems that have too often failed Detroit's most vulnerable residents and creating pathways to long-term stability and economic mobility.
As Deputy Director of the City of Detroit's Right to Counsel program and former Project Manager & Analytics Specialist for the City's Human Resources Department, Valerie has led initiatives that connect individuals to employment, education, supportive services, and second chances. Recognizing the barriers many returning citizens face, she developed Detroit's first Returning Citizens Job & Resource Fair, bringing employers, healthcare providers, colleges, and expungement resources together to create immediate pathways to opportunity.
Valerie's approach is both strategic and deeply personal. She believes lasting change requires more than a one-time event—it requires workforce pathways, trusted partnerships, data-informed decision-making, and an ecosystem of support that empowers people to thrive. The Oasis Project is the embodiment of that belief.
Her work has been featured in The Detroit News, Bridge Michigan, Detroit Free Press, and ClickOnDetroit. She is widely recognized as a leader in workforce development, community engagement, and reentry innovation, building bridges between employers, service providers, and individuals seeking a new beginning.
Valerie Pilot
Founder & Executive Director
Detroit, MI
313-330-2842
valerie@oasisprojectdetroit.org
MBA, HR
SHRM MEMBER
DEI Leader
20+ Years
501c3
Leadership Highlights
20+ Years in Human Resources & Legal Administration
10+ Years Advancing Workforce & Reentry Initiatives
Developed Detroit’s First Returning Citizens Job & Resource Fair
Led City of Detroit Workforce Programs Connecting Hundreds to Opportunities
Founder & President, The Oasis Project
Building Workforce Pathways Through Community Partnerships
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Get Connected with Oasis
Fill out our short intake form and a member of our team will reach out to connect you with the support you need. It only takes a few minutes — and it can change everything.
Be Empowered. Stay Connected. Build Your Future.
The Oasis Project is here to walk with you — every step of the way.