|
|
An Update from Our Executive Director
*{{First Name}}*,
We are excited to
announce that today is Giving Tuesday! Giving Tuesday is a global movement that dedicates the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday to give
back to your favorite nonprofits and charities. OAR is a participating
nonprofit for Giving Tuesday today.
Please visit OAR's Giving Tuesday campaign
page and read more
below on how you can support OAR's Giving Tuesday goal to raise funds for the direct services
fund. Your contributions will help us continue to support participants and
their families during this time. I hope you will join the OAR team in
participating in Giving Tuesday today.
Below you will also find
our program spotlight of the month. This month we are spotlighting our Reentry/Emergency
Services. We are so happy to share some of the fantastic work that the OAR team
and participants have done this month. Please read more about our reentry
journey below. We could not do this without you!
A reminder to also apply
for OAR's Racial Justice & Liberation
Virtual Cohorts. Applications are still
open for our 2022 sessions. You can also find additional information below on
how to register for any of OAR's upcoming Virtual Tours, chats w/OAR's
Executive Director, volunteer opportunities, and find out all the ways you can
support OAR's current and ongoing children and families programs (Project
Winter Cheer and Project Connection).
As we look back, this
past month, in particular, has been filled with thanks and gratitude. At OAR,
we are incredibly grateful for you, our friends, volunteers, supporters,
community, and this journey that we are on together. As always, we are sending
you an abundance of joy and love.
Gracias,
Elizabeth Jones Valderrama, MA, CVA | Pronouns: she, her, hers
Executive Director
|
Support OAR for GivingTuesday 2021
TODAY!
Tuesday, November 30, 2021 - ALL DAY
Join OAR for the Giving Tuesday movement
today, Tuesday, November 30th, 2021 (all day)! Giving Tuesday is a global
movement that dedicates the Tuesday after Black
Friday and Cyber Monday to give back to your favorite nonprofits like OAR.
We are inviting you to support OAR for Giving Tuesday today and help us reach our goal of raising
$5,000 for OAR's Direct Services Fund. Your contributions will support OAR
participants who have recently been released from incarceration and their
families in several different ways. This includes supporting participants and
their families with food, clothing, housing assistance, laptops, smartphones,
IDs, mental health services, and more. Right now, your support is more crucial
than ever during this unprecedented time and with the COVID-19 pandemic still
affecting us all.
We hope that you will consider OAR when making your Giving Tuesday gifts
today. Thank you again for being on this incredible journey with us. Please see
below for the links where you can make a gift toward's
OAR's Giving Tuesday campaign:
Click here to donate on
OAR's Giving Tuesday Campaign Page
Click here to donate on
OAR's website for Giving Tuesday
|
Program Spotlight: Transition/Emergency Services
November brought about
many highlights within OAR’s Transition/Emergency Services program that we want
to share with you. There was a significant increase in the number of requests
for services this month. Still, with hard teamwork and cooperation, the OAR
team handled all of the requests and received positive and encouraging remarks
from the participants we worked with. Some of these services included providing
participants with laptops and smartphones so they can continue to connect with
us safely and virtually, supporting participants with housing assistance and
employment, retrieving and renewing IDs, and providing household essentials for
participants and their families.
When asking an OAR team
member about the participants’ journeys this month, they said, “There were so
many highlights this month. Many of the participants I have been working with
excelled and thrived in many different ways beyond their expectations. Many of
them felt secure and confident with the support we offer.” In particular, one
participant the OAR team has been working closely with, Denny*, has been
thriving this month. When Denny first came to OAR, he told us he had “nowhere
else to go and no one to turn to.” Since working with the OAR team, Denny has
been avidly searching for jobs and receiving job offers across the board, secured
stable housing, and most importantly, reconnected with his children.
The OAR team is always
looking to evolve how we can provide transition and emergency services to
participants and their families so that they can thrive and live in liberation
and joy. When asked about the work we are doing within the program, an OAR team
member said, “Trying to implement systems and procedures that help keep things
running smoothly has been vital considering we are still in the thralls of the
COVID-19 pandemic. I have seen what true teamwork feels like here, and I look
forward to seeing what this beautiful team will do next.”
Thank you for your
continued support and love for OAR’s Transition/Emergency Services program!
*Name changed to protect the privacy of the participant. The photo
is a stock photo and not necessarily representative of the participant. Click here to learn more about OAR's Ethical
Storytelling policy.
|
Racial Justice and Liberation Virtual Cohorts -
Registration open for our 2022 sessions!
Register today! We are
still accepting applications for OAR's 3-Month Racial Justice and Liberation
Virtual Cohorts for our 2022 sessions (Jan-Mar 2022, Apr-Jun 2022). These
virtual cohorts include a curriculum focusing on racial justice and liberation
for all. Cohorts are separated between BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of
Color) and WP (White People).
The BIPOC cohort will
take place on Thursdays from 1-4pm (EST) and the WP cohort will take place on
Mondays from 6-9pm (EST).
To participate in these
virtual cohorts, you must have a working computer/laptop device with a
video camera. If you are interested in participating in one of these upcoming
cohorts, you must fill out the application online on the OAR website. If you
are chosen to participate in one of the cohorts, the date, time, and payment
invoice will be provided to you.
We would also like to
share that if you have already participated in and graduated from any of the
past cohort sessions, you are still eligible to register for another upcoming
cohort session at NO charge. We are ever evolving and growing
throughout each cohort session, which is why we are inviting all cohort
graduates to join us. If you are a cohort graduate and would like to
re-register for another session, there is now a section in our registration form to indicate this.
We also offer
scholarships for individuals formerly incarcerated and personnel (sworn and
civilian) in Law Enforcement, Corrections, Court and Judicial Services, Fire
and Rescue, Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management. There is a
section on the application form where you can apply for a scholarship.
If you have any
questions or would like to sponsor a few people, please email racialjustice@oaronline.org.
Click here to learn more and apply
|
Sign Up for a Virtual Chat with OAR Executive Director
Elizabeth Jones Valderrama!
Register for an upcoming
30-minute virtual chat with OAR Executive Director Elizabeth Jones Valderrama!
You will have the unique opportunity to learn more about OAR's mission,
programs and simply get to hang out and connect with Elizabeth. The next chat
is on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, 1pm-1:30pm (EST).
|
Recommended Reads from OAR's Racial Justice Library
The recommended read for this
month is, America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the
Bridge to a New America by Jim Wallis. America's problem with race has
deep roots, with the country's foundation tied to the near extermination of one
race of people and the enslavement of another. Racism is truly our nation's
original sin. In this book, Wallis offers a prophetic and deeply personal call
to action in overcoming the racism so ingrained in American society. He speaks
candidly to Christians--mainly white Christians--urging them to cross a new bridge
toward racial justice and healing.
Here are some local Black-owned
bookstores within the DMV to purchase from: Harambee Books (VA), Mahogany Books (DC), Loyalty Bookstores (DC), Solid State Books (DC), or from Everyone's Place (MD). Visit their websites for more racial
justice reading recommendations!
Finished reading? We'd love for you to share your thoughts
with us! Mail us at racialjustice@oaronline.org.
|
OAR Latest Videos
|
Upcoming Events
Giving Tuesday (TODAY! Tuesday,
November 30, 2021)
After Black Friday and
Cyber Monday always comes Giving Tuesday! OAR is participating in the Giving Tuesday movement
this year. Giving Tuesday is a global
movement that dedicates the Tuesday after Black
Friday and Cyber Monday to giving back to your
favorite nonprofits and charities. This year, OAR's goal is to raise funds for
the Direct Services Fund. For more information and to make a gift, please visit
OAR's Giving Tuesday Campaign
Page here.
Chat Sessions with OAR Executive Director
(Monthly)
We are hosting 30-minute chat virtual chat
sessions with OAR Executive Director Elizabeth Jones Valderrama! To register
for one of the upcoming virtual chat sessions below, click here or
contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Free One-Hour Virtual Tour of OAR's Mission
Want to learn more about
us? Join us for a free one-hour virtual tour of our mission via Zoom! Guests
will hear about OAR's programs and services from the team members who are working
directly in the programs. We promise to end on time. To register for one of the
tour dates below or to check out additional tour dates, click here or contact Stephannie
Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Project Connection (year-round)
Project Connection
supports children and families impacted by incarceration year-round. Each
family participating in this program will receive a $50 gift card/cash/check/or
direct deposit along with a handwritten note from their parent each month to
remind them that even though they are not able to physically be together at the
moment, they are always keeping them in mind. Click here to donate to Project Connection. Your
gifts will help us provide gift card/cash/check/or direct deposit for each
family. If you have any questions or would like to get involved in any way
contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Project Winter Cheer (November
2021 - January 2022)
Project Winter Cheer has kicked off! This is another one of
OAR's programs that support children and families impacted by incarceration,
specifically for the winter holiday season. Each child in the program receives
a $50 gift card/cash/check/or direct deposit along with a handwritten note from
their parent to send their love during the winter holidays. How can you
support? If you would like to make a gift towards Project Winter Cheer online,
please click here.
Your gifts will help us cover the costs to purchase and mail out gift
card/cash/check/or direct deposit for each family. For more ways to support and
volunteer for Project Winter Cheer, please visit our website here. If you have any questions, would like to
volunteer or get involved in any way contact Stephannie
Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
|
Interested in Volunteering with OAR?
American Sign Language (ASL) Facilitators (Virtual)
We are looking for several
American Sign Language (ASL) Facilitators to do virtual course for residents of
Arlington County Detention Facility. You must have access to the internet and a
computer with a webcam. If you are interested in learning more about this
volunteer opportunity, please email Stephannie Ku
at sku@oaronline.org.
Clinical Volunteers (Virtual)
Looking for volunteers
with experience in the clinical field or have a clinical background to help
support participants virtually. If you are interested in learning more about
this opportunity email Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Court Volunteers (In-Person and
Virtual)
We are looking for
volunteers who will go to to the Arlington County
General District Court and Circuit Court sessions on a weekly basis every Tuesday (in person) and Friday (virtual) between the
hours of 9am to 5pm to represent OAR for Community Service. All information
needed will be provided for you and you will receive training from an OAR team
member and will have the opportunity to shadow them in Court. If you are
available for any or or all of these days and
interested in learning more about this opportunity, please email Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Data Entry Volunteers (Virtual)
Volunteer to help OAR
with database management and data entry. Having access to a
computer/laptop/internet and the ability to connect over email and Zoom is
required for this opportunity. If you are interested in learning more about
this opportunity email Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Faith Communities- Add OAR
Updates in Your Weekly News Bulletin/Communications (Virtual)
Want to receive weekly
email updates from OAR to include in your new bulletins or communications? If
so, please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Grant Writer (Virtual)
Experience Required
OAR is looking for volunteers
to support us with our grant writing. This opportunity is 100% virtual.
Experience is required! If you are interested, please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Press Release Writer (Virtual)
Experience Required
OAR is looking for
volunteers to support us with our press release writing. This opportunity is
100% virtual. Experience is required! If you are interested, please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Social Media Advocates/"Voluntweeters" (Virtual)
Volunteer to be a social
media advocate or "voluntweet" for OAR! Be
an advocate for OAR's mission, for policies and laws that benefit participants,
and for racial justice through social media and online by re-tweeting, sharing
our posts, mentioning OAR on social media writing to law makers, and more.
Visit OAR's official Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Vimeo pages to help share and spread the word of
our mission or email Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org if you have any questions.
Spanish Language for English Speakers Facilitators (Virtual)
We are looking for several
Spanish Language for English Speakers Facilitators to do virtual course for
residents of Arlington County Detention Facility. You must have access to the
internet and a computer with a webcam. If you are interested in learning
more about this volunteer opportunity, please email Stephannie
Ku at sku@oaronline.org.
Special Event/On-Call Volunteers (Virtual and In-Person) -
Currently for Project Winter Cheer & Project Connection
Volunteer to help out with special events and project as well as serve as an
on-call volunteer when needed. You will be added to a special email/text list
when we have a volunteer need or opportunity come up including speaking
engagements, helping staff an OAR table at a fair, etc. Right now we are taking
volunteers to help out with Project Connection and Project Backpack as well.
Please contact Stephannie Ku at sku@oaronline.org if you are interested.
|
OAR News Features
|
Support OAR
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 and come out of your donation)
5.
Donate through CFC designation #26226 (additional fees by CFC are
applied)
6.
Shop on Amazon Smile and choose OAR as the beneficiary using this
link http://amzn.to/OARsmile
7.
Follow us @OARJustice
8.
Attend a free 1-hour virtual OAR Tour or an OAR Event and bring
your friends: http://oaronline.org/oar-tours-upcoming-events/
|
COVID-19 Health & Safety Resources/Updates - Stay Informed!
We want and encourage
our community to stay informed and up-to-date with all of the latest health and
safety guidelines and resources regarding the COVID-19 outbreak to prevent the
spread of this virus and to keep everyone safe and thriving. Please feel free
to share with your family and friends.
General Resources:
Local Resources:
City of Alexandria
Arlington County
City of Falls Church
|
More About OAR
OAR is a community-based
nonprofit which 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 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 to the community from incarceration and support their
families in the homecoming process. And we offer alternative sentencing options
through community service to youth and adults to avoid the trauma of
incarceration and instead remain a part of helping the community thrive.
|
Our Contact Information
OAR of Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church
1400 N. Uhle Street
Suite 704
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-7030, info@oaronline.org
http://www.OARonline.org
Unsubscribe | Manage email preferences
Follow OAR on Social Media!
OAR Office Hours
Monday - Friday
9:30am-4:30pm