A Message from the Director

"Inspire by Example"

We are quickly approaching National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, an annual recognition of one the world’s most valuable, and frequently invisible, assets—those who have dedicated themselves to unselfishly help others and improve the communities in which they live and work. This year’s theme, “Inspire by Example”, reflects the power volunteers have to inspire the people they help and to inspire others to serve!

OAR would like to take this opportunity to thank all our past and present volunteers for your service and your dedication in our efforts to assist our clients become more productive citizens.  It is only with your help that we are able to reach so many people in need and show them through your example that caring people can offer them hope and opportunities to open doors for a new beginning.

As OAR recognizes our volunteers, we encourage our readers to personally THANK A VOLUNTEER for the sacrifices they make to care for and serve others in our community.  Most nonprofit organizations with whom I work would be lost without volunteers--hopefully, we remember to frequently let them know how much their service is appreciated.  Our volunteers truly make us a better organization!

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 “inspire by example” and make that phone call today.  You’ll be glad you did.

Barbara A. Slayden

Volunteer News

From July, 2006 through February, 2007, 82 volunteers have provided 1,982 hours of their time to OAR and our clients as mentors, facilitators of client groups and special projects, and Board members.

Welcome to the following new volunteers:

Leah Baldwin, Tracy Carroll, Seldon Clatterbuck, Arthur Coles, Crystal Harding, Chris Herbert, Nicole Orton, and Mandy Sikorsky.

GET TO KNOW AN OAR VOLUNTEER…

Natasha Christian joined OAR as a volunteer in April, 2006.  Since that time, she has been facilitating the Life Without A Crutch Program at the Petersburg City Jail.  Natasha goes the extra mile by taking time each week to plan just the right type of group activities and outside speakers for her students.  Natasha’s passion for helping our clients, her enthusiasm for her volunteer assignment, and her dedication to our mission make her an invaluable member of OAR’s volunteer services team.  Thanks, Natasha, for all the time and energy you give to our clients!

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are needed for various OAR programs at the Richmond City Jail, Pamunkey Regional Jail, Henrico County Jail, Chesterfield County Jail, and Petersburg City Jail.  Immediate needs include the following:

·         AA and NA meeting facilitators

·         Facilitators for Impact of Crime on Victims, Responsibilities of Fatherhood, Anger Management, and Life Without A Crutch classes

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

STAFF NEWS

We would like to welcome the following new staff members:  Joshua Pittman, Pamunkey Regional Jail case manager, and Katrina Staples, Henrico County jails case manager.  During the last quarter Patrick Halpern, Operations Manager, resigned his position to return to Blacksburg. 

Richmond Reentry Pilot Update

OAR is excited by the continued growth that the Richmond Reentry Pilot Project has experienced within the past several months.  Seven program participants have been released from Powhatan and Fluvanna Correctional Centers since January.  The Reentry Services Team (RST) is assisting them to access community resources.  The RST meets with pilot participants several times during the six months prior to release to assess their specific needs, connect them with the appropriate community service provider(s), and develop a case management relationship. 

In addition, many service providers are participating in one or more of the pilot’s four subcommittees:  Employment and Education; Financial Obligations, Housing, and Financial and Community Resources; Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse; and Family and Community Reintegration.  These subcommittees address gaps in services within their areas of focus and propose strategies which will assist people to more easily access services and successfully reintegrate into the community.

Reentry Pilot Volunteer Opportunity

OAR of Richmond, Inc. is currently recruiting couples interested in mentoring persons being released from prison back into Richmond who are participants in the new Richmond Reentry Pilot Program.  Transition coach couples will receive training related to working with ex-offenders and the three focus areas of parenting, strengthening marriages, and financial literacy.  Couples must commit to spending one hour per week for one year with the individual to whom they are matched.  Security clearances and other screenings will be required.  Call Morgan Salvador, Reentry Specialist, at 643-2746 for more information.

Client News

“Making Up My Mind To Be Successful”

B. Porter has been an OAR client since early 2003.  She has received numerous services through OAR and other community organizations over the past few years.  Since her first contact with OAR, she has struggled with maintaining employment, has had two incarcerations, continued substance abuse, and serious medical problems.  She had even reached the point of refusing medical treatment for more than one year because of total hopelessness and despair.

After many hours of OAR staff intervention, substance abuse counseling, and increased education about her medical condition, Ms. Porter made up her mind two months ago to be successful. She asked for help and began responding to staff suggestions.  She is now residing in an out-of-state treatment facility, feels encouraged and supported, receives drug treatment and appropriate medical care, and looks forward to her next level of development.  In her letter to OAR staff she writes, “I am so happy to be here and learn more about myself and really get closer to my higher power”.   

Thank You To…

Jane Brown, Dorothy Harland, Memorial Child Guidance Clinic, Christine Schmidt, and Marilyn Schmidt who contributed in memory of Ann Schmidt, a long time OAR volunteer, and Benevolink (Ukrop's), Bon Air United Methodist Church, Virginia & Ed Brown, Keith Burdette, Grace Butler, Dale Cone, Christine Gibson, Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, Diana Gray, Charlene Hodges, IBM, Suzanne Jenkins, Sandra Kerr, Douglas Massey, Richard Massey, Grady & Bertie Powell, Robins Foundation, Paul & Nancy Springman, Teledyne Technologies, Inc., United Way, VATEX, Yolanda Vazquez, Patricia Wilson and Yakabod, Inc. who donated gift certificates, money, or other items to OAR during the last quarter.

COOKBOOKS FOR SALE!

OAR is selling “Quick 'n Easy Recipes--6 Ingredients or Less” cookbooks.  Volumes I & II are available for $6.00 each.  The cookbooks can be purchased at the Boaz & Ruth @ OAR store or at our office at One North Third Street in downtown Richmond between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Sample Recipe:

Honey Mustard Chicken

1 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing

4 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp. honey

8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Combine ingredients.  Brush chicken with ½ mixture and broil chicken 8 to 10 min. per side.  Turn chicken, baste with rest of mixture and complete broiling.