How is success measured when applied to human achievement? Statistics, program reports, even outcome measures, somehow fail to illustrate the full human dimension of our work.
The OAR Originals presented here are individual success stories told in detail – real people, real stories, real achievement – with only the names and other identifying information altered to protect the client’s privacy.
We at OAR applaud the determination, courage and strength of character evident in these success stories. Each is unique, each totally original, each in its own way extraordinary.
For Sam Persistence Paid Off |
OAR was the first place that Sam turned to when looking for a job and he was very determined to find gainful employment. Living in a shelter with limited resources and a felony charge it was going to be a struggle, but Sam had a very positive and determined attitude. He possessed all the skills necessary for a maintenance position. For two and a half months we had been unsuccessful. He had put in numerous applications and had been on three interviews....read more
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James Flannery |
James Flannery (a pseudonym) was released from an Arkansas prison October 2001 following seventeen years of incarceration, and returned to Arlington to live with his mother....read more
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Guy |
“OAR has assisted me in obtaining my drivers license. I was also able to learn how to use the computer at the computer classes offered at the OAR office. Which allowed me to be able to take the drivers license test on the computer and finally pass the exam."
...read more
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Eric Whittier |
Eric Whittier admits that he never thought he would end up in jail. Although he had had several arrests prior to his incarceration, the experience of being jailed – having the lights turned off for you, being told when to eat – is something he never again wants to repeat....read more
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Jennifer Brown |
Jennifer Brown was referred to OAR from the Department of Social Services where she had utilized, over the coarse of six years since her last confinement, an extensive array of social service programs....read more
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Gloria Williams |
Gloria Williams was a career criminal and a crack addict. From 1994 through 2000 she was convicted of no less than four major crimes from grand larceny to possession with intent to distribute an illegal substance....read more
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Janice Turner |
In her own words…
“When I began this transformation three months ago, I was haggard. In my strenuous effort to attain what I desired in my search for self, I hoped that when I found her, the galaxy would crown me queen for a day....read more
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"I can deceive the entire universe, and get strokes on the back as I pass. But my only reward will not be heartache and tears. For I have not defrauded the woman in the looking glass. I am a woman empowered for change."
Janice Turner
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