Spring 2006

A Message from the Director

"You really can change the world if you care enough."

When I read this quote from Marion Wright Edelman, I think about our OAR volunteers who show that they do "care enough" by spending many hours of their free time with our clients.  I also think about our staff who stay with us year after year working for typically below market nonprofit salaries because they “care enough” to sacrifice their own personal gain for the thousands of clients they serve each year.  And as we quietly celebrate our 35^th year of providing services to offenders in our community, most of all, I think about those who started OAR--a small group of people who found a way to show they cared enough about an often overlooked segment of our population and who set the tone for OAR’s next 35 years of delivering services in the community.

We are quickly approaching the nation’s Volunteer Recognition Week, April 23-29.  As OAR recognizes our founders and all our volunteers, both past and present, we encourage our readers to personally THANK A VOLUNTEER for the sacrifices they make to care for and serve others in our community.  Most nonprofits with which I work would be lost without volunteers--hopefully, we remember to frequently let them know how much their service to our clients is appreciated. 

For our readers who have not had the privilege of volunteering to serve those in need in your community, consider where you would like to “care enough” to be a part of changing the world, talk to other volunteers about the gratification they receive through their service, and make that phone call today.  I think you will be glad you did.

Barbara A. Slayden

Volunteer News

Since July 2005, 95 volunteers have provided 1,710 hours of their time to OAR and our clients as mentors, facilitators of client groups and special projects, and Board members.

We would like to welcome the following new volunteers: Jennifer Black, Daniel Cox, Iresha Picot, and Nanny Singares.

Get to Know an OAR Volunteer…

Nicole Simmons joined OAR as a volunteer in July, 2005.  She has been facilitating OAR’s Anger Management Program at the Pamunkey Regional Jail since she came on board.  Her enthusiasm and dedication to this volunteer activity have given OAR  a much stronger Anger Management curriculum to

use with our clients.  Nicole’s passion for helping OAR clients has not stopped with teaching this class.  She has participated in our Impact of Crime on Victims training and has obtained her security clearance at OAR’s other jail services sites so she will be ready when other volunteer opportunities become available.  She is always ready to offer her

assistance with any events or projects in which OAR is involved.  Nicole believes in our mission and is an excellent example of this year’s volunteer recognition week theme, Inspire by Example.  On behalf of our clients, thank you, Nicole, for your caring and compassion.

New Chesterfield County Jail to Open Soon

Thanks to Sgt. Dale Carter, several OAR staff members recently had the chance to tour this new facility.  The new jail is a wonderfully designed facility of which the county should be very proud.  We are all excited because it gives OAR the opportunity to once again offer a broader range of services to the Chesterfield inmates.  OAR volunteers who will assist staff in providing services are going to love the program space available in the new jail.  We anticipate programs to start sometime in May.

New Sheriff in Petersburg Anxious to Provide More Programs to Inmates

OAR’s supervisory staff recently met with Sheriff Vanessa R. Crawford, who wants to expand the number of programs and services available to inmates in the city jail and the jail annex.   As soon as schedules are developed and program space identified, OAR will be expanding its volunteer facilitated programs in Petersburg.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are needed for the following services at these two jails as well as the Richmond City Jail, Pamunkey Regional Jail, Henrico County Jail, and the Henrico County Regional Jail in New Kent County:

·         AA and NA meetings

·         Facilitators for Productive Citizenship, Impact of

Crime on Victims, Responsibilities of Fatherhood,

Anger Management, and Life Without A Crutch

Call Christy Ellis, Community Resources Coordinator, at 643-2746 if you are interested in learning more about volunteering with OAR.

STAFF NEWS

We welcomed the following new staff members during the last quarter:  Patrick Halpern, Operations Manager, Shereida Archie, Case Manager at Richmond City Jail, Calvin Weaver, Program Manager, and Susan Webb, group facilitator for the Department of Corrections' pre-release program at Pamunkey Regional Jail.  Unfortunately, two of our staff, Gregory Howard, Case Manager at Richmond City Jail, and Ed Cheddar, Data Technician, moved on to other jobs during the quarter. 

Congratulations to Morgan Wilson Salvador, OAR's case manager at the two Henrico County jails, who was married at Disney World in February.  

CLIENT NEWS

M. Harris is a 43 year old man who became an OAR client when he was released from prison in July, 2005, after being incarcerated for 24 years. Mr. Harris has met many of his release goals in a very short amount of time. He secured a job quickly and has received 30 day, 90 day, and 6 month job retention incentives from OAR and is looking forward to receiving his one-year incentive this summer.  In addition to maintaining employment, Mr. Harris obtained his driver’s license after first getting his learner’s permit.  Since Mr. Harris was incarcerated while he was still a teenager, he is now accomplishing many of the things one normally does in his teen years.  He lives with family members and is very proud of the fact that he has already saved enough money to purchase his first car. 

Thank You To…

Charles Adcock, Bon Air United Methodist Church, Food Lion Shop & Share program, Reggie Jones, Richard Massey, Mary Munton, Lewis Parker, Robins Foundation, Trinity United Methodist Church, and Wachovia Securities who donated gift certificates, money, or other items to OAR during the last quarter.

Wachovia Securities canalWALK 2006

Saturday, May 20, Brown’s Island--mark your calendars now and plan to join OAR staff, Board,

volunteers, and supporters at this annual event that raises awareness and funds for Homeward and the  homeless services providers in our community.  This year’s event is expected to draw a record number of walkers and runners.  You’re invited to sign up as part of the OAR team or start your own team in support of OAR.  Find out more about the Wachovia Securities canalWALK 2006 at www.canalwalk.org.  Registration fees are a bargain at $25.  See you there!

Do Your Shopping at OAR 

Our Boaz & Ruth @ OAR store is located on the first floor of OAR’s Central Office at 300 East Main Street and is open Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Enjoy browsing a large selection of furniture, collectibles, antiques, greeting cards, and many gift items.  Your purchases support both OAR and Boaz & Ruth. 

Ukrop’s Golden Gift Program

Ukrop’s has changed its Golden Gift Program to allow year-round giving by partnering with Benevolink--a nationwide program that lets consumers give to their favorite charities through their purchases from over 200 retailers including Ukrop’s.  You can register and select OAR as your designated charity by logging onto www.benevolink.com and clicking on “Join”.  Your support of OAR fundraisers is sincerely appreciated.