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An Update from Our Executive Director

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We are excited to announce that today is Giving TuesdayGiving 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, 

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Elizabeth Jones Valderrama, MA, CVA | Pronouns: she, her, hers 
Executive Director

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Support OAR for GivingTuesday 2021 TODAY!

Tuesday, November 30, 2021 - ALL DAY

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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

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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!

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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!

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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). 

Click here to register

Recommended Reads from OAR's Racial Justice Library

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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

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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?

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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 FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedIn, 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

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OAR Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9:30am-4:30pm