Jefferson first came to OAR in January 2017. He had 200 hours of court-ordered community service to complete as well as 31 additional hours to cover court costs. Jefferson met with an OAR Community Service Case Manager and from there he was given a list of sites where he could complete his community service hours. One of the sites where Jefferson chose to perform his community service was the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative. Jefferson was able to complete 60 hours of community service there and his site supervisor was so impressed with his positive attitude and hard work ethic he wrote Jefferson's Case Manager the following letter upon his completion: 

“This letter is being written on behalf of Jefferson and his completion of 60 hours of community service with the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative.

Jefferson was cooperative, hard-working, and compassionate in engaging those we serve. Jefferson's time with us was spent with him engaging residents of Ward 8. Specifically, he worked as a part of a team who informed and educated residents about the services, programs, and opportunities the Collaborative provides. During his time with us, he earned the respect and admiration of his co-workers.

It is clear to me that Jefferson is a leader and that with continued support and encouragement he has the ability to go far. Although Jefferson has a challenging background and has had some setbacks, he is an example of the good things that can come from trying to remain positive, developing your skills, seeking guidance, and being willing to support those in need." 

It is always amazing to hear about the great work our participants are able to do in the community thanks to your support. If you are a nonprofit, faith community, civic or government organization, contact us at communityservice@oaronline.org to learn how Community Service volunteers can support your organization and events! 

*Name changed to protect privacy of the participant. Photo is a stock photo and not necessarily representative of the participant.

This month's Volunteer Spotlight is on Phyllis Johnson! Phyllis began volunteering with OAR in 2013 because she wanted to help individuals incarcerated and those returning to our community after incarceration.  She contributes her time in a variety of meaningful ways, including volunteering each year at Project Christmas Angel to help wrap and deliver gifts for children with a parent incarcerated.  She also assisted at this year’s Project Backpack in the same capacity.  Phyllis has also served as a Table Captain at OAR’s Second Chance Fundraising Breakfast.  If you’ve been to any OAR events in the past few years, you’ve probably seen Phyllis there taking photos.  She has become one of OAR’s unofficial event photographers, taking photos at OAR’s Breakfast, Project Christmas Angel, Project Backpack, and more.  She will also be taking photos at the upcoming event “Sing Out for Second Chances” on October 28th.  Thanks so much to Phyllis and all of OAR’s dedicated volunteers.  OAR truly could not do this work without volunteers like Phyllis!

Annual Toy Drive

October 2018 - December 2018

Get ready for OAR’s Annual Toy Drive! This year, the Toy Drive will kick off on October 8, 2018. Every year from October to December OAR hosts a Toy Drive to collect toys and gifts for children of parents incarcerated as a part of OAR’s Project Christmas Angel Program. We are currently looking for businesses and organizations in the community to host donation boxes for us! If you are interested in hosting a donation box, please email hpritchett@oaronline.org. For more information about this year’s Toy Drive click here.

Young Professionals Care!  

October 13, 2018 

Holiday Inn at Balllston, 4610 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA

If you are a young professional in the community looking for volunteer opportunities, this is the perfect event for you! This event brings together young professionals for a Volunteer Fair and a Power Hour of Service that will benefit OAR! For more details on this event and to register for this event, click here.

Sing Out For Second Chances

October 28, 2018

St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 711 N Columbus St, Alexandria, VA 

Join OAR for an evening of inspirational music presented by local faith community choirs and guest speakers from OAR to discuss the power and importance of second chances! The event will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. For more details about this event and to RSVP, click here. 

Arlington Turkey Trot 

November 22, 2018

Mark your calendar for the 13th year of the Arlington Turkey Trot coordinated by the Christ Church of Arlington! OAR is honored to be a beneficiary organization again this year. Your registration will help to support OAR, as well as five other local nonprofit organizations. Online registration for the Arlington Turkey Trot is now open! Click here to visit the official Turkey Trot website to register and get additional information!

Project Christmas Angel

December 12, 2018 

This year’s Project Christmas Angel Wrapping Party will be held on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 from 6:30PM-9:30PM in Arlington. Join OAR in wrapping holiday gifts for children of incarcerated and recently released parents donated to us through our annual Toy Drive. Stay tuned on our website and our social media for more details about this event. RSVPs will open in mid-November. 

OAR's Second Chance Fundraising Breakfast 

April 9, 2019

Save the date for OAR's 11th Annual Second Chance Fundraising Breakfast! Come join OAR for a free, hot breakfast and to hear an amazing program about OAR's mission and hear participant stories. Registration and additional details for the Breakfast will be up on our website and social media closer to the date of the event so stay tuned! 

Want to learn more about us? Want to volunteer? Join us for a free one-hour tour of our mission at the OAR office! Guests will hear about OAR's programs and services from the team members who are working in the programs, tour the OAR office, and hear participant success stories. We promise to end on time and to have snacks you can enjoy! Below is a list of upcoming dates and times. Please sign up here or contact Heather Pritchett at hpritchett@oaronline.org.

Upcoming Tour Dates: 

• Thursday, October 11, 8:00am
• Wednesday, October 24, 12:00pm

• Thursday, November 15, 6:30pm

• Tuesday, November 27, 12:00pm

• Thursday, December 6, 8:00am

• Wednesday, December 19, 12:00pm

• Tuesday, January 8, 6:30pm

• Thursday, January 24, 12:00pm

• Wednesday, February 13, 8:00am

• Tuesday, February 26, 12:00pm

1. Make a monetary donation to OAR by clicking here
2. Donate Target and/or Amazon gift cards in increments of $10 each for OAR participants
3. Shop on our Amazing Wish List: OAR's Amazon Wish List 
4. Donate through United Way designation #8078
   • additional fees by UW are applied 
5. Donate through CFC designation #26226
   • additional fees by CFC are applied
6. Attend a free 1-hour OAR Tour or an OAR Event and bring your friends: http://oaronline.org/oar-tours-upcoming-events/

@OARJustice