OAR Creates Strategic Plan for 2015-2018
OAR has worked diligently for months to create a Strategic Plan for years 2015 to 2018. The plan outlines the organization’s primary goals and objectives for the next three fiscal years and indicates how each goal will be completed and who is responsible for each objective. Taskforces have been created to focus on completing all of these critical goals for OAR. Volunteers are still needed for all of the Taskforces. Interested volunteers should contact Ashley Selover at aselover@oaronline.org or 703-228-7031.
Take a look at our Strategic Plan and a list of all of the Taskforces here.
An Update on Adryann
Adryann speaking at the 2015 Second Chance Fundraising Breakfast to 535 attendees
The OAR family knows Adryann well. He is a former client of OAR, who sought OAR’s help after years of incarceration. He’s shared his story in the community on numerous occasions, including at OAR’s annual Second Chance Fundraising Breakfast in April 2015 in front of 535 attendees. Adryann shared that he felt despair and had no hope after his release. He was given a list of resources upon his release, and he called every single resource on that list, and OAR was the only place who returned his call. Below is an update written by Adryann about what is happening in his life today, after receiving OAR’s assistance.
“Life has been wonderful the last three months. I’ve finally landed full-time employment, and the position is incredible! I’m the administrative assistant for Clemency Project 2014, and we work out of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) office. This is probably the most fulfilling position I’ve ever had and I’m truly honored to be a part of the team. It’s a lot of work, yet it’s for a great cause and I look forward to waking up every morning. In addition to stable employment, the networking is phenomenal. Already I’ve made connections with people that I know are going to be of great assistance as I continue to move forward. My co-workers are the best, and so supportive in every way. I’m learning a lot and taking it all in. I wish I could tell you more, but I’ve only been here for two months.
On a personal level, I got engaged in May, and it’s such a blessing. Due to my past I didn’t think any woman would ever want me. I had reserved myself to the notion that I would always be by myself. Yet, here I am with the perfect woman for me. To sum it up, it’s all been worth it. The hard times, the dark days, the uncertainty and anxiety you have to deal with when you get out. On the other side everything you could ever imagine, and more, is waiting. I’ll leave you with one of my little ‘Adryann-isms’: ‘The deeper the valley, the higher the mountaintop.’ I’d like to once again thank OAR for all they have, and continue, to do for me. My story isn’t over, it’s just getting started. Stay tuned.”
Join us on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 12:00pm EST for a conference call where Adryann will speak about his story and share updates on his life and his progress. RSVP for the conference call here.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2015
OAR Featured in Panel Discussion on Criminal Justice
On August 3, 2015, OAR participated in a panel discussion on “Crime and Punishment in Arlington County”. The event was held at the Arlington Central Library and was hosted by Encore Learning. It was free and open to the public. Approximately 70 community members were in attendance. Panelists included: Karen Henenberg (retired Arlington County Judge), Jay Farr (Arlington County Police Chief), Beth Arthur (Arlington County Sheriff), Theo Stamos (Commonwealth Attorney), Matt Foley (Chief Public Defender), Elizabeth Jones Valderrama (OAR Acting Executive Director), and Adryann Glenn (former OAR client; Administrative Assistant for Clemency Project 2014).
The panel was moderated by Gail Arnall, OAR Development Consultant. Each panelist was given a set of questions to address. Karen Henenberg, retired Arlington County Judge, discussed how Judges are selected. Jay Farr, Arlington County Police Chief, talked about the biggest challenges he faces in his position. Sheriff Beth Arthur provided an explanation of the difference between the Sheriff’s Office and the Police Department in Arlington. Theo Stamos reviewed how many Commonwealth Attorneys are in Arlington and how they are assigned cases. Matt Foley discussed how the Office of the Public Defender was started in Arlington and how cases are assigned. Elizabeth Jones Valderrama, OAR’s Acting Executive Director, talked about OAR’s role in the criminal justice system in Arlington. Lastly, Adryann Glenn, former OAR client, shared his experience about reentering the community after many years of incarceration and the support he received from OAR.
Adryann Glenn stated, “When I was released, I didn’t know what I was going to do next. I had a place to stay, but I had no job and no hope. I was given a list of resources at the jail. I called every resource on that list, and OAR was the only one to pick up the phone. They’ve helped me with transportation, food, clothing, and helped me find a job. They gave me a second chance and that’s exactly what others need when they get released, too.”
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