In this issue you will read of opportunities to support OAR’s work in the community and to thank those who volunteer their time to people who need a helping hand or just a friendly and understanding support system. During our busy day-to-day routine many of us may overlook those who are in need or those who we feel are not worthy of our concern. Our message is that all of our citizens are our concern and that each person who benefits from a "hand up", benefits us all.

OAR’s clients have unlawful histories--from driving on a suspended license to trespassing to burglary to possession of drugs to fraud to murder. Many had a wide range of experiences during their early years from abuse and abandonment to failure in school. They are far from perfect. The majority of us do not have unlawful histories, but we can probably recall significant persons in our lives who cared for us, sparked our interest in school, nurtured our spirit, encouraged our dreams, and gave us hope. We find that many of our clients did not have that significant person in their lives. Many were not nurtured or encouraged to dream and hope. But we also find that it isn’t too late.

Everyone likes to feel that he or she is worthy and can add value to their surroundings. I would encourage you to be willing to provide a supportive and accepting "hand up", a second or third or even fourth chance, to those who have violated our laws and our values. They are among us each day giving us lots of opportunities to show our acceptance and support, either directly, or through support of OAR and other organizations with which they might interact, and by advocating for increased resources and fewer obstacles for former offenders who want jobs and housing.

According to The National Institute of Justice 97% of all persons incarcerated are eventually released. Would you rather see your tax money paying for concrete block and iron bars for more jails and prisons or for programs teaching offenders new skills and ways to become, and remain, productive members of our, and their, communities? Your actions and concern can make a difference!

Barbara A. Slayden

Since July 2004, 52 volunteers have provided 1,575 hours of their time providing direct services to OAR clients. They served as group facilitators, individual mentors, and tutors.

Help us recognize their commitment and dedication by celebrating National Volunteer Week April 17-23. This year’s theme is "Inspire by Example" and reflects the power volunteers have to inspire the people they help as well as to inspire others to serve. OAR staff and Board of Directors are grateful for the time and dedication our volunteers give to clients on a daily basis.

We also want to recognize our Board members who give their time and energy to guide the organization through the "ups and downs" that are experienced by most small nonprofits and who take OAR’s message of the need for offender services into the community.

While we take this opportunity to recognize our volunteers, we are reminded of Winston Churchill’s poignant words: "We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give."

We would like to welcome the following new volunteers and interns: James Buchanan, Karen Burruss, Princess Dunson, Kathryn Ellinwood, Ebony Harris, Robert Harwood, Alex Marks, LaKesha Mitchell, and Tyrone Williams.

Ebony Harris has been a volunteer for OAR since January. She coordinates our Introduction to Computers and Resume Writing Workshop activities for post-release clients at OAR’s Central Office. She provides individualized computer software instruction to clients two days a week in our computer lab. In addition, she helps clients develop relevant and practical resumes to use in their job search. Since joining the OAR team, Mrs. Harris has logged an impressive 53 hours of quality time with clients.

Originally from Portsmouth, Mrs. Harris moved to Richmond almost four years ago to attend VCU. She is a full-time student majoring in Criminal Justice; she hopes to graduate in December. Mrs. Harris selected OAR as a volunteer site because she wanted to learn through first-hand experience the barriers and obstacles former offenders must overcome in order to become self-sufficient, productive members of their community.

• Facilitators for Responsibilities of Fatherhood classes at various locations
• People to help out in our Boaz & Ruth @ OAR resell store from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays

Call Christy Ellis at 643-2746 to find out more about volunteering with OAR.

As OAR moves the organization forward this spring, Board members will be meeting to renew their energies and focus on Board expansion and fundraising. If you have an interest in serving on our Board, email your contact information to info@oarric.org

We welcome the following additions to our staff: Robin Henley and Christy Ellis. Robin is our new front desk receptionist. Hers is the voice you hear when you call us and the face you see when you walk in our door--a key position with the organization. Christy is returning to OAR after an absence of several years. She was our Volunteer Coordinator in the late 1990s and has returned to fill our Community Resources Coordinator (formerly called Program Services Assistant) position. She will still be responsible for the coordination of our volunteer services, but will also coordinate many of OAR’s resource and income-generating activities in the community.

Due to the generosity of the Ukrop family, you can help raise funds again this year for OAR. When you receive your Golden Gift certificate in your May Ukrop’s newsletter, mail it to OAR at 1 North Third St., Richmond, VA 23219.

Join OAR and dozens of other community organizations for a day of family fun, food, music, and community awareness. We dare you to find a better way to spend your time on a spring day!

Mark your calendars now for this premier family event and fundraiser for OAR and 28 other community organizations. This year promises to be bigger, better, and more fun than ever. Registration for the walk/run begins at 8:30 a.m. on Brown’s Island.

Celebrate our community and enjoy the 3K Discovery Walk, 5K Run, and Brown’s Island Festival, all showcasing the River District and our progress toward solving the problem of homelessness in metropolitan Richmond.

To register for the event or donate to OAR, go to www.canalwalk.org or call 643-2746 to request that a canalWALK brochure and registration form be mailed to you. Registration is $25 with only $5 going to cover event expenses--$20 is given to your designated organization. This is an excellent opportunity for some healthy competition--join the OAR team or create teams for OAR and see who can raise the most money. Email all those in your address book and ask them to support your walk/run and OAR with a contribution.

Last year, through your support OAR was #10 in funds raised through this event--you can help make us #1 this year. And remember all funds raised for OAR are spent on direct client services! Register today before you forget!