What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
Regardless of your background and training, you may perform a wide variety of tasks. For example, you may mentor or tutor an inmate and interview inmates for screening purposes, or you may become a group facilitator. There are also a variety of options outside of the detention centers working with clients reentering the community.
What types of groups are offered?
There are Life Skills Groups including anger management, stress management, health awareness, parenting, money management, and conflict resolution; Support Groups for men, women, and Spanish Speaking clients; and classes in creative writing, computer skills, and courses facilitated in Spanish.
At which detention centers does OAR provide services?
OAR volunteers work in the Arlington County Detention Facility. The program offerings vary.
Are there OAR offices in both Arlington and Alexandria?
No. There is an OAR office located in Arlington directly across the street from the Arlington County Detention Facility and the Arlington Courthouse. We also have an OAR office in Washington DC located at 3124 Georgia Avenue, Washington, DC 20009 which only serves Community Service juveniles in Ward 1. OAR serves clients incarcerated in the Arlington County Detention Facility and the Alexandria Detention Center, as well as ex-offenders who live in Arlington County, and the Cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.
Do I need any special skills to be a volunteer?
You may or may not assume a volunteer role based on your occupation or background. Each volunteer is invited to decide the role with which he or she feels most comfortable. Plus we have curricula that you can simply facilitate. We also offer special training in many different areas.
How many hours per week must I contribute to my volunteer role?
Time commitment varies depending on the role you choose. As a group facilitator for example your group will likely meet on a consistent weekly schedule. As a mentor, you decide the day and time to meet with the assigned inmate, usually the same time each week.
I work full time, will I still be able to volunteer?
Yes. Most of our volunteers work full time and are still able to fulfill their volunteer roles. The detention centers allow volunteers to enter on nights and weekends. You will find it relatively easy to accommodate your volunteer schedule around your work and personal life.
Do I need to be familiar with the legal system in order to volunteer at OAR?
No. You do not need any special knowledge of the legal system or courts. Volunteers do not provide inmates with legal advice or assist with any legal issues.
Will I be prepared to work with the inmate population when I complete training?
Yes. Training will address all the issues and questions that will arise. These include inmate manipulation, contraband, appropriate behavior, and safety. You may be assured that under no circumstances would OAR permit an unprepared volunteer to work with inmates.
What topics are covered in volunteer training? Why must I attend both OAR and detention center training sessions?
The OAR volunteer training and the detention center training cover different topics and you must attend one of each before you begin your volunteer role. OAR training is designed to provide you with an understanding of Offender Aid and Restoration, the resources you need as a successful volunteer, and your volunteer options. Each of the detention centers has its own training designed to explain security procedure and protocol, provide a tour of the facility, and discuss working with the inmate population.
How long until I can actually begin volunteer work in the jail?
You may begin work in the jail once you have completed both the OAR training and the jail orientation and your background check is clear. There are some exceptions so for more details please contact us!