OAR Volunteer Services staff coordinate and supervise a variety of volunteer activities at the Arlington County Detention Facility, the OAR office, and several other locations. The following is a sample of the programs currently offered, but it is by no means complete. If you have a skill or program idea to suggest, please let us know.
Volunteer Mentor
Work with incarcerated individuals on personal issues confronting them such as preparing for their transition from jail back to the community, personal or professional development, and interpersonal relationships. Mentors help incarcerated individuals set specific and objective goals and to problem-solve to find solutions.
Volunteer Tutor
Your skills are matched with the needs of incarcerated individuals to support basic literacy learning, English as a Second Language tutoring, and preparation for the GED exam. Small group instruction opportunities are also available.
Reentry Services Specialist
Assist incarcerated individuals who are planning successful transitions back to home, family and community life. Work alongside reentry services staff to help incarcerated individuals negotiate known obstacles and accomplish such essential tasks as obtaining identification, preparing for employment, and locating community resources.
Life Skills Instructor
Teach or co-teach a class meeting once a week for four or six weeks. Current offerings include Anger Management, Substance Abuse Education, Community Art Project, Everyday Living Skills, Values Clarification/Decision Making, Health Awareness, Money Matters, Parenting, Book Club, Creative Writing, and Stress Management.
Spanish Living Skills
Teach or co-teach a life skills curriculum specifically developed for Spanish-speaking incarcerated individuals. These programs are offered in a Spanish language setting, but also address the unique issues facing these individuals and the Hispanic community in general. Spanish speaking volunteers are needed for many programs. Please contact Volunteer Services to discuss these opportunities.
Women's and Men’s Support Group Facilitator
Volunteers trained in counseling and group dynamics lead weekly small group sessions. Both men’s and women’s support groups are offered.
Emotional Awareness / Emotional Healing
A discussion group following the Houses of Healing curriculum (Casarjian, Robin, Houses of Healing: A Prisoner’s Guide to Inner Power and Freedom, Lionhart Press, 1995).
Computer Lab Supervisor
Assist incarcerated individuals and ex-offenders one afternoon or evening per week with self-paced tutorial programs. Computer Literacy is also available.
Career Development Assistant Instructor
Work with an jail-based services professional teaching courses in employability, office skills and computer applications for today’s workforce.
Administrative Projects Coordinator or Assistant
Work on specific projects in the OAR office or at the Arlington detention facility once or twice a week.
Speakers Forum Facilitator
Arrange for speakers to present topics of special interest to incarcerated individuals at the Arlington County Detention Facility and the OAR office.
Volunteer Interviewer
Conduct preliminary interviews with incarcerated individuals requesting OAR volunteer services. The interview is a means of screening incarcerated individuals and explaining the goals and procedures of the volunteer program.
Community Service Supervisor
Supervise juvenile and adult community service workers at community-sponsored events. Working closely with a Community Service Program supervisor, provide on-site supervision for individuals ordered by a court to perform community service.
Newsletter Volunteer
Join the production team that publishes the OAR Transformations. Write articles, edit the publication, produce final copy, and assist with distribution.
Special Events Volunteer
Assist OAR with one-time special projects such as the Arlington County Fair, Thanksgiving Baskets, Project Christmas Angel, and other events throughout the year.
Do you have other special skills or talents? OAR is seeking volunteer translators, in-service training coordinators, videotape assistants, and data entry specialists. Contact a staff member in the Volunteer and Education Services Department today!