OAR Presents: Meet the Candidates Forum 2023
OAR Presents: Meet the Candidates Forum 2023
Commonwealth Attorney for Arlington County and City of Falls Church and Arlington County Sheriff
Thursday, April 6, 2023, 7 pm (EST)
George Mason University (Arlington Campus)
On April 6 at 7 pm, OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church will host a candidate forum for local races that involve the criminal legal system. Candidates for Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church and candidates for Arlington County Sheriff will discuss their qualifications for office and critical issues related to public safety.
This is a free, open event for the community. Please click here fill out the RSVP form on our website if you would like to attend so we can send you more details about the event.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Candidates for Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church:
- Parisa Deghani-Taft (incumbent)
- Josh Katcher
Candidates for Arlington County Sheriff:
- Jose Quiroz (incumbent)
- Wanda Younger
- James Herring
OAR is a nonpartisan, community-based nonprofit organization that envisions a safe and thriving community where those impacted by the legal system enjoy equal civil and human rights. Through our Upstream work, we are confronting and dismantling individual racism and racism in the legal system and across all systems. Our Downstream work allows us to be on the journey with individuals of all genders returning from incarceration and their families. We also offer alternative sentencing options (including community service) and diversion programs so people can avoid the trauma of incarceration and instead help the community thrive.
OAR is hosting this event through its Action Network. The Action Network falls under OAR’s Upstream efforts. Through the Action Network we challenge racist policies and programs by empowering and amplifying the voices of communities traditionally marginalized and discriminated. The candidate forum is one of several opportunities for community members interested in hearing from those seeking some of the most influential offices in our local criminal legal system. Candidates will answer questions about their vision for Arlington County and Falls Church and how they will prioritize racial justice as they carry out their duties.
Questions? Contact OAR at advocacy@oaronline.org or call us at 703-228-7030.
Your 2022 Impact
OAR’s Annual Virtual Liberation Fundraising Breakfast 2023
About
Join us for OAR’s 15th Annual Liberation Fundraising Breakfast virtual event! We are inviting you and your loved ones to join us for an inspiring event filled with joy, love, and celebration for OAR participants, their families, and this journey we are on.
Details
Date – Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Time – 8:00am (EST)
Where – Virtual Event (RSVP is required in order to receive the link to join)
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Project Winter Cheer 2022-2023
About OAR’s Project Winter Cheer:
OAR’s Project Winter Cheer program supports children and families impacted by incarceration for the winter season. It is crucial that family relationships are maintained while a parent is incarcerated and after their release and that no child is forgotten during this time. We ask that you – members and organizations of the community – also keep these children in mind and get involved in supporting this fantastic program!
This program aims to provide each child with a $50 gift card/e-gift card/check. This way, the families have the autonomy and liberation to use these funds for whatever they need (holiday gifts, winter clothes, bills, food, etc). With the $50, each child receives a note from their parent (that has been kept safe for two weeks before sending it out), letting them know that the gift is coming from them and wishing them love during the winter season.
Thanks to your support, we supported over 150 children impacted by incarceration through Project Winter Cheer last year. We want to continue spreading love and joy to these children and families, so please read more below on how to support this critical program.
How to Support:
We will be collecting donations of gift cards/online donations for Project Winter Cheer until the end of January 2023!
- Donate gift cards/Host a gift card drive! Gift cards (VISA is the most popular option) in denominations of $25, $50, or $100. If you would like to mail gift cards, please mail them to OAR at P.O. Box 41030, Arlington, VA 22204. If you would like to drop the gift cards off at the OAR office, please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
- Donate on the OAR website specifically to our children and family programs (Project Connection/Project Backpack/Project Winter Cheer) online here. We have this donation form up year-round.
- Volunteer to help with guardian outreach, data entry, and purchasing and mailing gift cards on behalf of OAR (some virtual and some in-person). We especially need local volunteers for the purchasing and mailing of gift cards. Please email Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org if you are interested in volunteering for any Project Winter Cheer related opportunities.
- Help spread the word! Please help us share our social media posts about Project Winter Cheer, post on your own social media, send your friends and family the fundraiser link, etc.
- Sponsor Project Winter Cheer! Interested in sponsoring this program? Please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Questions? Contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org or call 571-771-3245
Media Advisory
Contact: Yen Mai, yen.mai@wrencollective.com
OAR Raising Funds for Virginia’s First Gender-Responsive Re-Entry Program
Alexandria, Virginia- OAR is a local non-profit that supports individuals impacted by the criminal legal system on their journey to rejoining their community and families. The organization is now raising money for the state’s first gender-responsive re-entry program.
Individuals who identify as female have a different set of needs and different reentry experiences from those who identify as male. For example, the majority of women who experience incarceration are primary caregivers to minor children and a crucial part of the re-entry process requires supporting their needs as the head of a family. They are also much more likely than their male-identifying counterparts to have experienced a long history of abuse prior to incarceration. Therefore, tailored services that address that trauma lead to the best outcomes.
Unfortunately, this critical care is scarce or unavailable. A recent assessment of gender-responsive policies and practices in the City of Alexandria found a dearth of gender responsive care in the area. OAR’s new program seeks to fill that void. It will provide gender-responsive and liberation-minded therapeutic services, including individual and group psychotherapy, tailored case management plans, and family reunification support to female-identifying individuals who are coming home to Alexandria, Arlington, and the City Falls Church after experiencing incarceration. Some participants may also enroll in a guaranteed basic income pilot program that provides a monthly stipend over the course of 5 months.
“Women coming out of incarceration have typically suffered multiple lifetime traumas that can disrupt successful reintegration into their families and communities,” says Katy Steinbruck, a 22-year member of the OAR collective who is spearheading the program. “By using innovative support plans that address the distinct pathways to incarceration and rehabilitation experienced by those who identify as female, we can provide our participants with the services that actually meet their needs.”
OAR’s program has enrolled 20 women since its launch on April 19th of this year and is regularly fielding requests to take on more. To that end, OAR is seeking additional grant funding to expand the number of participants this program can serve. It must raise $6,000 by August 12 in order to qualify for a $100,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation. Donations can be made until 9PM (EST) on August 12 here. If you would like to make a gift towards this program after the fundraising date, our fundraiser will be ongoing. Additionally, information on how to provide ongoing donations to the program, or any of OAR’s other programs, can be found at OAR’s general website: www.oaronline.org.
Gender and Culture Responsive Therapeutic Offices in Alexandria, VA by appointment only
OAR Project Backpack 2022 | Back-to-school Children & Families Program
Run time: July 2022 – October 2022
OAR’s Project Backpack supports children and families with a parent experiencing incarceration or has been recently released from incarceration for the upcoming 2022-2023 academic school year. This program was created to help strengthen and mend the bond that is often strained and broken as a family member experiences incarceration. OAR will be working with the residents in the local facilities as well as participants involved in our direct services programs for Project Backpack.
In the past, OAR has hosted a back-to-school drive collecting new backpacks and school supplies for children and families impacted by incarceration. The pandemic allowed us to spruce up our liberation practices and center participants more deeply. Starting 2020 and moving forward, we are providing gift card/e-gift card/check to each family involved in this program to limit the number of physical items being passed around.
With that in mind, the goal for this program is to provide each child with a $50 gift card/e-gift card/cash/check. This way, the families can choose to use these gift cards/funds for whatever they need. Along with each gift card, each child will also receive a letter from their parent experiencing incarceration, letting them know that the gift is coming from them and wishing them luck in the upcoming school year.
Please see more below on how to support OAR’s Project Backpack and where you can donate. Your gifts towards this program will help us purchase gift cards for each child, help with the mailing of all of the gift cards and letters, and purchasing any supplies and resources needed for this program.
HOW TO SUPPORT OAR’S PROJECT BACKPACK 2022
- Donate online on the OAR website on our Children and Families programs donation form here. We will be collecting donations for Project Backpack until the September 10th, 2021.
- Mail a check to the OAR P.O Box (P.O. Box 41030, Arlington, VA 22204) for Project Backpack. Please include a note that the check donation is specifically for OAR’s Project Backpack program.
- Mail gift card donations to places like VISA, Target, Amazon, Walmart, preferably in denominations of $25 and $50, to the OAR P.O Box (P.O. Box 41030, Arlington, VA 22204) for Project Backpack. Please include a note that the gift card are specifically for OAR’s Project Backpack program.
- Host a gift card drive on OAR’s behalf! Mailed VISA gift cards have been a very popular option chosen by the families in this program (with Target and Amazon gift cards coming in second and third place for most wanted). If you are intersted in hosting a gift card drive on OAR’s behalf, please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
- Volunteer for Project Backpack! We are currently looking for volunteers to help us with data entry and guardian outreach phone calls, as well as local volunteers in the DMV/Arlington area to help us go out and purchase gift cards/mail gift cards. All volunteers will be reimbursed. If you are interested in volunteering for Project Backpack in any capacity, please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
For all questions, volunteer inquiries, and more please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org
Project Winter Cheer 2021-2022
*Disclamer: If you have not already read our update on OAR’s Project Winter Cheer program from last year, please click here to learn more and read below. We will NOT be hosting a toy-drive and a wrapping party this year, please read below for more information.*
About Project Winter Cheer:
OAR’s Project Winter Cheer program supports children and families impacted by incarceration for the winter season. It is so important to us that family relationships are maintained while a parent is incarcerated and after their release, and that no child is forgotten during the winter/holiday season. We ask that you – members and organizations of the community – also keep these children in mind and get involved in supporting this amazing program!
Our goal for this program is to provide each child with a $50 gift card/e-gift card/cash/check/or direct deposit. This way, the families can choose to use these funds for whatever they need (holiday gifts, winter clothes, bills, food, etc). Along with the $50, each child receives a note from their parent (that has been kept safely for 2 weeks prior to sending out), letting them know that the gift is coming from them and wishing them love during the winter season.
How to Support:
We are still currently collecting donations of gift cards/online donations for Project Winter Cheer until the end of January 2022!
- Donate gift cards (ex. VISA, Target, Amazon, Walmart are the most popular) in denominations of $25, $50, or $100 and mail them to the OAR office (1400 N. Uhle Street, Suite 704, Arlington, VA 22201).
- Donate on the OAR website specifically to our children and family programs (Project Connection/Project Backpack/Project Winter Cheer) online here. We have this donation form up year-round.
- Volunteer to help with guardian outreach, data entry, and purchasing and mailing gift cards on behalf of OAR (some virtual and some in-person). We especially need local volunteers for the purchasing and mailing of gift cards. Please email Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org if you are interested in volunteering for any Project Winter Cheer related opportunities.
- Help spread the word! Please help us share our social media posts about Project Winter Cheer, post on your own social media, send your friends and family the fundraiser link, etc.
Questions? Contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org or call 703-228-7132
OAR Project Backpack 2021
OAR’s back-to-school program, Project Backpack, has officially kicked off! OAR’s Project Backpack supports children and families with a parent experiencing incarceration or has been recently released from incarceration for the upcoming 2021-2022 academic school year. This program was created to help strengthen and mend the bond that is often strained and broken as a family member experiences incarceration.
In the past, OAR has collected new backpacks and school supplies for children and families impacted by incarceration. The pandemic allowed us to spruce up our liberation practices and center participants more deeply. Moving forward, we will now be providing gift card/e-gift card/cash/check/or direct deposit to each family to limit the number of physical items being passed around.
With that in mind, the goal for this program is to provide each child with a $50 gift card/e-gift card/cash/check/or direct deposit. This way, the families can choose to use these gift cards/funds for whatever they need. Along with each gift card, each child will also receive a letter from their parent experiencing incarceration, letting them know that the gift is coming from them and wishing them luck in the upcoming school year.
Along with each gift card, each child will also receive a letter from their parent experiencing incarceration, letting them know that the gift is coming from them and wishing them luck on the upcoming school year.
Please see more below on how to support OAR’s Project Backpack and where you can donate. Your gifts towards this program will help us purchase gift cards for each child, help with the mailing of all of the gift cards and letters, and purchasing any supplies and resources needed for this program.
HOW TO SUPPORT OAR’S PROJECT BACKPACK 2021
- Donate online on the OAR website on our Children and Families programs donation form here. We will be collecting donations for Project Backpack until the September 10th, 2021.
- Mail a check to the OAR office (1400 N. Uhle St, Suite 704, Arlington, VA 22201) for Project Backpack. Please include a note that the check donation is specifically for OAR’s Project Backpack program.
- Mail gift card donations to places like VISA, Target, Amazon, Walmart, preferably in denominations of $25 and $50, to the OAR office (1400 N. Uhle St, Suite 704, Arlington, VA 22201) for Project Backpack. Please include a note that the gift card are specifically for OAR’s Project Backpack program.
- Volunteer for Project Backpack! We are currently looking for volunteers to help us with data entry and guardian outreach phone calls, as well as local volunteers in the DMV/Arlington area to help us go out and purchase gift cards/mail gift cards. All volunteers will be reimbursed. If you are interested in volunteering for Project Backpack in any capacity, please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Statement of Support for our Asian American Pacific Islander Neighbors from Arlington’s Safety Net Nonprofits
As organizations supporting marginalized people in our community, we condemn xenophobia of all kinds. We stand in solidarity with our Asian American Pacific Islander community members, especially as they face rising incidences of harassment and violence. We continue to work toward the well-being and inclusion of people of all races, ethnicities, and religions, and to use our voices to elevate their dignity and humanity
- AHC, Inc.
- Arlington Community Foundation
- Arlington Food Assistance Center
- Arlington Free Clinic
- Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing
- Arlington Thrive
- Arm & Arm
- A-SPAN
- Aspire!
- Bridges to Independence
- BU-GATA
- Doorways for Women and Families
- Edu-Futuro
- Friends of Guest House
- Just Neighbors
- National Capital Treatment and Recovery
- Northern VA Family Service
- OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, Arlington
Safety Net Arlington is a group of Arlington nonprofits that provide direct safety net services to Arlington’s most vulnerable residents in partnership with Arlington County. Arlington Community Foundation serves as its convener.
New and Improved Project Winter Cheer 2020-2021
If you have not already read our update on OAR’s Project Winter Cheer program, please click here to learn more.
About Project Winter Cheer:
OAR’s Project Winter Cheer program supports children and families impacted by incarceration for the holiday season. It is so important to us that family relationships are maintained while a parent is incarcerated and after their release, and that no child is forgotten during the holidays. We ask that you – members and organizations of the community – also keep these children in mind as the holiday season approaches and get involved in supporting this amazing program! Each child participating in this program will receive a gift card (estimated amount $50) along with a handwritten letter from their parent (that has been kept safely for 2 weeks prior to sending out) to remind them that even though they are not able to physically spend the holidays together, they are always keeping them in mind.
“Thank y’all so much to help my kids in a time of need like this. This is such a great help to my kids and a little pressure off my loved one’s back who needs help while I am in a place like this getting my self in order.”
-A letter from a parent incarcerated in the Arlington County Detention Facility on what Project Winter Cheer means to them and their family.
How to Support:
WE ARE STILL COLLECTING DONATIONS OF FUNDS AND GIFT CARDS FOR THIS PROGRAM! We will be collecting through December 2020 and January 2021 or until further notice.
- Donate gift cards (ex. VISA, Target, Amazon, Walmart) in denominations of $25, $50, or $100 and mail them to the OAR office (1400 N. Uhle Street, Suite 704, Arlington, VA 22201).
- Donate on the OAR website specifically to our children and family programs (Project Backpack/Project Winter Cheer) online here. We will have this donation form up year-round and for anyone who would like to donate after the “Bring a Neighbor Holiday Joy” fundraiser has concluded.
- Volunteer to help with guardian outreach, data entry, and purchasing and mailing gift cards on behalf of OAR. Please email Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org if you are interested in volunteering for any Project Winter Cheer related opportunities.
- Help spread the word! Please help us share our social media posts about Project Winter Cheer, post on your own social media, send your friends and family the fundraiser link, etc.
Questions? Contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org or call 703-228-7132