About OAR

OAR is a 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. For more information you can visit our website at www.oaronline.org.

Make sure to also watch OAR's "Upstream and Downstream Animation Video" - https://vimeo.com/403158969

How You Can Support OAR for Spring2ACTion 2023

This year for Spring2ACTion 2023, your gifts will support OAR's Reentry program. We need your help to reach our goal of $6,000 in support of OAR participants returning to the community from experiencing incarceration and their families. Your Spring2ACTion contributions will support OAR participants through their reentry journey, making sure they have all the materials, tools, and resources they need to have a safe and thriving reentry.

OAR is on a journey with individuals who are experiencing incarceration and those on the journey home from incarceration. Individuals with the wisdom and insight of shared experiences lead supportive programs in our local detention facilities in Arlington and Alexandria. OAR's pre-release programs include: evidence-based cognitive-behavioral, fatherhood, and group psychotherapy programs as well as vocational, educational, personal development, transition planning, and reentry readiness programs. Post-release, OAR's Reentry Program has become a welcoming, warm, and loving community. Each week the reentry community gather virtually for a weekly support group. OAR also provides individualized coaching and assistance with transition, employment, housing, cell phones, laptops, clothing, food, and more, to individuals while they secure a safe reentry back into the community for themselves.

Meet Brandon

Brandon* got connected to OAR before his release from the Arlington County Detention Facility (ACDF) through his involvement with courses and other programs at the facility hosted by OAR. While at ACDF OAR Collective members were able to connect with Brandon to see how we could support him upon his release. Connecting with Brandon pre-release made for a seamless transition once he was released. Immediately upon his release, Brandon walked over to our office, which is located right across from ACDF, and received emergency services, including food, clothing, transportation, connections to mental health resources and resources for his sobriety, a smartphone with minutes and data, and a laptop. Through his weekly meetings with OAR Collective members post-release, we found that Brandon had a true passion for continuing his education. OAR supported Brandon in pursuing these passions and helped him enroll in courses at George Mason University (GMU), helped pay a portion of his tuition, and helped with application fees and books he needed to purchase for his courses. Brandon also joined OAR’s virtual evening employment program and was able to land a job at a local food warehouse. He became a part of OAR’s Men’s Support Group and gathered weekly in a virtual setting with other OAR participants on the journey home from incarceration. Brandon is thankful for his friends and deep connections he made through the support group and says he is “glad to be a part of the OAR family.” He also shared that it is his life goal to be able to give back to those who were in a similar situation as him and to be a change-maker in the reentry community. We are so glad to be on the journey with Eddie and continue to cheer him on in all of his life endeavors.

*OAR does not use the real names or photos of any participants and their family members as a part of our Ethical Storytelling policy to protect the safety and privacy of OAR participants and their families.*