OARRIC HOME

Summer 2006

“Looking Forward”

While preparing progress reports and closing the books on FY 2006, I am already looking forward to many new projects and expansion of services in FY 2007.  Richmond is one of five pilot sites in the state that will be developing an integrated model for offender reentry; OAR staff is working closely with the Richmond Department of Social Services, the conveners for this new pilot, and many other community partners.  OAR is represented on the Richmond City Jail reentry subcommittee and looking forward to the possibility of increased services to inmates at that services site.  We are awaiting news from a number of funding sources--several of which, if received, would allow OAR to provide a more comprehensive approach to service delivery.  As I continue advocating for offender services, I am looking forward to serving on SJR 126, a legislative subcommittee "Studying the Commonwealth's Program for Prisoner Reentry to Society" to which I was recently appointed.

It will be a busy FY 07; I’m looking forward to reporting to our readers about new programs and projects, client successes, and continued increases in volunteers working with us to benefit our clients as they integrate back into our communities.               

Barbara A. Slayden

Executive Director

 VOLUNTEER NEWS

Since July 2005, 112 volunteers have provided 2,457 hours of their time as facilitators of client groups and special projects, mentors, and Board members.

Welcome to the following new volunteers:  Marcie Allen, Sally Chamberlin, Dennis Ellis, Scott Greenhalgh, Ervin Hart, Lester Hughes, Cherrelle Hurt, Carol Ann Irby, Jamal Kelley, Michael Kelly, John McHugh, Jessica Musso, Chip Pommert, Todd Shasko, Braxton Valentine, Glenn Yeatts, and David Zukowski. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are needed for the following services at Richmond City Jail, Henrico County Jail, Henrico County Regional Jail in New Kent County, Chesterfield County Jail, Petersburg City Jail, Petersburg Farm Annex, Pamunkey Regional Jail in Hanover County, and the OAR Central Office:

J      Facilitators for Impact of Crime on Victims, Parenting, Responsibilities of Fatherhood, Anger Management, Life Without A Crutch

J      AA and NA meetings

J      GED tutors

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

Get to Know an OAR Volunteer…

Suzanne Kennon (Sue) has been an OAR Board member since October, 2005.  She has a unique perspective on the problems related to substance abuse and incarceration and issues concerning incarcerated parents and their children.  She has three children of her own and personal experience of the effect of incarceration on children.  Sue was incarcerated for 15 years at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women.  While incarcerated, Sue received her B.A. from Ohio University and after her release, she completed her Master’s in Psychology. 

Sue has written the curriculum for the parenting program now taught in Virginia at the women’s prisons and a few men’s prisons.  She is also the author of a handbook, Can We Parent from Prison?  In addition, Sue has two publications, Children of Incarcerated Parents and Developing the Parenting Skills of Incarcerated Parents. 

Sue works for the Virginia Department of Correctional Education coordinating Parenting programs in the prisons.  Her work in the field of incarcerated parents and their children was recently recognized when she received the Employee of the Year-Governor’s Award for Innovation.  Sue’s perspective and talents are a tremendous addition to OAR’s leadership team. 

BOARD NEWS

We would like to welcome our newest Board member, Kimberly Hopkins, Captain at Pamunkey Regional Jail.  Ms. Hopkins is replacing Deputy Superintendent James Willett, who recently resigned from the Board due to conflicts with his schedule at Pamunkey. 

Brad Reynolds, a Board member since October, 1992, resigned due to increased commitments since his retirement from Philip Morris.

STAFF NEWS

Arlette Teele joined the OAR staff in April as a part-time data technician.  Ms. Teele, who had recently retired from state service, has many years of experience in data management.

Ava Thomas has been hired to provide GED instruction to OAR clients during the summer session beginning July 6.  

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade we do not expect to sit.”     

                       …Nelson Henderson

CLIENT NEWS

Through a partnership with the Richmond Public Schools, Adult and Continuing Education Program, OAR serves as a satellite location for GED classes.  Ed Gilchrist teaches the class during the regular session.  The classes this session were well attended by a group of very committed OAR clients preparing to take their GED exam.  The classes were small and the students were able to receive lots of one-on-one instruction from Mr. Gilchrist.  On June 1^st, the annual ACE Awards Banquet was held at the Holiday Inn Koger Center South.  This year, three OAR clients were awarded certificates at the banquet.  Felicia and Mary were awarded certificates for Achievement, Completion, and Attendance and Alonzo was awarded certificates for Achievement and Completion.  OAR staff attended the banquet to support our clients and participate in recognizing them for a job well done.

Wachovia Securities canalWALK 2006

 This year’s canalWALK was a tremendous success with over 5,000 walkers/runners.  Thank you to all

our supporters who attended the event or made a donation to OAR and a special thank you to Wachovia Securities for their commitment to assisting the homeless services providers raise funds and awareness about the issue of homelessness in our community.  As soon as we know the date for canalWALK 2007, we'll let you know.  Look forward to seeing you there.

Exciting New Service for OAR Clients

 On June 15 when the Bon Secours Care-A-Van parked in front of OAR’s building, another new partnership benefiting our clients began.  The Care-A-Van will visit OAR once a month to provide medical services to our uninsured clients and assist them in determining their eligibility for more extensive medical services as needed.       

Thank You To…

 Penelope Anderson, Gabrielle Beck, Teresa Blankenship, Lenore Brashler, Jane Brown, Ed Cheddar, Sandra Colbert, Suzen Collins, William Conkle, Gloria Creasy, Robert Crouch, Jr., James Cuddihy, Clarice Davis, Grace Diliberto, Michele Dinnini, Christy Ellis, James Ericson, Tonya Friend, Christine Gibson, Suzanne Gore, Donald Gray, Kay Gray, JaMarr Henley, Robin Henley, Charlene Hodges, Alethia Holmes, Gary Howard, R. Kirk Jonas, Kevin Johnson, W. Randolph Johnson, Jr., Reginald Jones, David Klisz, Freida McNeil, James Morris, Carol-Lee Raimo, Tyrone Scott, Krystal Simpson, Barbara Slayden, Susan Stanbach, Nicole Sturdivant, Alethia Watford, and Michael Wright who made a contribution to OAR during the last United Way campaign; Charles Adcock, Dress for Success, Diana Gray, Mr. & Mrs. Kirk Gregory, Carol-Lee Raimo, St. Edward-Epiphany School students, Barbara Slayden, Liz Svatos, Trinity United Methodist Church, Ukrop's Golden Gift Program, and United Way Homeless Action Council who donated gift certificates, money, or other items to OAR during the last quarter.

Sale Every Day!  Check out our new discount pricing policy at the Boaz & Ruth @ OAR store.