50th Anniversary Commemoration

Honoring 50 Years of Unwavering Commitment to Justice, Joy, and Liberation

For 50 years, OAR has had the honor of journeying with those impacted by the criminal legal system and their loved ones. We have also pushed for racial and economic justice to ensure a better future for all of us. We are grateful for fifty years of working in solidarity with our Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church and surrounding communities. Thanks to your unwavering support, we have so much to be proud of. At the same time, we also want to acknowledge how far we have to go to achieve a just and equitable world.

When OAR began fifty years ago, we hoped we would not have to exist at this point; unfortunately, due to continued racial and economic injustices, justice, joy, and liberation remain elusive for many. While we honor our work and all those who have contributed to it, we will not forget that the people we journey with are struggling every day, and therefore, we will remain in the fight. Until all communities are fully encompassed by justice, joy, and liberation, OAR must exist.

We could not have done justice to this work without your generous support. Thank you for being on this journey with us.

-Elizabeth Jones Valderrama

Collective member of 20 years, including the last 10 years as the Executive Director

OAR Timeline

These are a few activities that occurred in OAR’s 50 years. As we learn or recall more, we will add them to the list.

  • 1974- OAR of Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church was established by individuals from local faith communities who were volunteering in the local detention facility
  • The incorporation papers were submitted on July 12, 1974. Judge William Newman was one of the signing members on OAR’s incorporation papers.
  • 1975- Rosalie L’Ecuyer is elected the first OAR Board Chair
  • 1975- Cathy Schnittker was OAR’s first team member and was hired as Community Service Coordinator
  • Received the IRS 501c3 determination in October 1976
  • 1976- OAR moved to 1435 N. Veitch Street
  • 1978- OAR hires two individuals returning to the community from experiencing incarceration to join the OAR team
  • 1979- Launched Project Christmas Angel, which is now known as OAR Children and Family Projects (Backpack, Connection, Winter Cheer)
  • 1981- OAR received funding from Arlington County for the first time.
  • 1986- OAR received funding from the Cities of Alexandria and Falls Church for the first time.
  • 1996- OAR moved from the Courthouse to 1400 N. Uhle Street
  • 2000- Received the Points of Light award
  • 2003- OARonline.org launches
  • 2008- Hosted first Fundraising Breakfast
  • 2012- OAR was selected as “one of the best nonprofits in the DC metropolitan area” by the Catalogue for Philanthropy – an independent organization that spotlights the work of small nonprofits in the community. Also, for 2016, 2020, and 2024.
  • 2014 Became a recipient of the Arlington Turkey Trot
  • 2014 State Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31st) delivered a General Assembly resolution honoring the organization’s 40th anniversary.
  • 2015 Sign Out of Second Chances launched
  • 2015 OAR started ethical storytelling practices
  • 2015 OAR was awarded Best Workplaces for Commuters by Arlington Transportation Partners
  • 2015- Selected as the Nonprofit of the Year, awarded by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce
  • 2016- Started with racial justice and liberatory practices (Upstream and Downstream).
  • 2016- Awarded the Nonprofit of the Year Award by the Leadership Center for Excellence
  • 2017- OAR fully moved to ethical storytelling practices
  • 2018- Charlie, the Ambassador of Happiness, joined the team
  • 2018- Partnered with The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond to host them in bringing their signature workshop, Undoing Racism, to the area
  • 2020- Launched our racial justice and liberation cohorts
  • 2020- Transitioned to more of a shared leadership model
  • 2020- Transitioned the annual fundraising Breakfast to a Virtual event
  • 2020- OAR was the recipient of the Amazon nonprofit grants
  • 2020- Executive Director wins EXCEL award from Center for Nonprofit Advancement
  • 2021- Received the James B. Hunter Human Rights Winners
  • 2021- Established a legislative agenda through the Action Network
  • 2021- Recognized by Arlington Transportation Partners as a Gold-level Champion 
  • 2021- Launched Gender Responsive Program
  • 2021- Launched OAR’s Diversion program in partnership with Vera Institute of Justice and Arlington County and City of Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney Office
  • 2022- Received Bureau of Justice Funding for the Community Readiness Unit at the Arlington County Detention Facility
  • 2023- Hosted Meet the Candidates Forum
  • 2023- Received Bureau of Justice Funding for Substance Use Disorder
  • 2023- Selected as Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit of the Year 
  • 2024- Transitioned Breakfast to Virtual Liberation Celebration
  • 2024- Remodeled the office