During this year's General Assembly session the Offender Reentry Services Coalition (formerly called PAPIS) consisting of nine service providers, including OAR of Richmond, will again be asking our supporters to talk with their legislators about the need for increased funding, public/private services collaborations, and systemic changes in the way inmates are re-integrated into their communities. Some state funding for the Coalition providers was restored during last year's session. Governor Warner's proposed budget includes a funding increase for FY 07. Coalition providers, their Board members, and other supporters have been meeting with legislators in an effort to assure that this increased funding is approved. We hope that you will support us in our efforts.

Why is “prisoner reentry services” a growing concern for Virginia and for the nation? The U.S. Department of Justice reports that an estimated 640,000 inmates will be released from state prisons in 2005; at least this same number will be released in the coming year. Within three years, 67% of this number will be rearrested, and over half will return to prison (at a cost of $22,000 per bed in Virginia). The Virginia Department of Corrections reported that 12,546 inmates were released from Virginia state prisons last year. In addition, thousands of inmates were released from local jails across the Commonwealth. The National Governor’s Association stated in its September 2005 Issue Brief: “Governors and other state policymakers have the opportunity to improve public safety—and potentially reduce corrections costs—by improving the process by which individuals exit prison and reenter society. Research shows that returning prisoners who have access to key supports and services on release commit fewer crimes, maintain employment, and show improved outcomes for health, income, and a broad range of other indicators".

What are the Coalition's future plans? We have been encouraged by the attention that both federal and state policymakers are giving to the need for offender reentry services. We are especially interested in providing technical assistance, training, and mentoring for faith-based groups who are interested in providing support services to offenders in their communities. This work requires substantial knowledge about the inmate population, what works and what doesn’t, and how to protect organizations and individuals from those who might misuse the services. The Coalition stands ready to help other organizations that can make a long-term commitment to offender reentry.

In FY 05 Coalition programs throughout Virginia provided services to a total of 19,707 clients; 4,752 received assistance with their release plans; 7,136 received job search and post-employment assistance; 3,238 participated in job readiness activities; 1,631 full-time jobs were obtained; 1,104 were provided housing assistance; 2,477 received clothing assistance; 3,440 were assisted with obtaining identification documents; 11,502 received transportation assistance; 3,694 participated in educational and support groups; and 675 volunteers assisted in a variety of direct services to clients.

If you would like to get more involved in our legislative efforts, receive a copy of the Coalition's FY 05 Annual Report, make a contribution to one of the Coalition nonprofit providers, or receive a copy of OAR of Richmond's FY 05 Annual Report, you may contact me at 643-2746 or at info@oarric.org.

Barbara A. Slayden

Volunteer News

Since July 2005, 88 volunteers have provided 1,282 hours of their time to OAR and our clients as mentors, facilitators of client groups and special projects, and Board members. Their time and talents are appreciated.

Welcome to the following new volunteers… Melanie Bundick, Daryl Fraser, Bridget Hannon, Jamal Kelly, Tom Pierno, Jeff Purdy, Reuben Riley, Sandy Smalls, Kurt Smith, Maureen Toal, and Sandy Tormoen.

Get to Know OAR Volunteers…

Last semester, OAR staff met Dr. David Coogan, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, and three of his students, Ryan Ally, Joel Basco, and Bryan McCarter. Dr. Coogan contacted OAR in an effort to locate agencies for service learning projects for his English 200 class. Ryan, Joel, and Bryan began spending time each Tuesday at OAR. After discussing some topics for their class papers, they decided to write about homelessness, drug addiction, and volunteerism. OAR clients were asked to answer questions on a survey designed to help gather information for the students. Approximately 40 clients participated. The survey responses, combined with one-on-one interviews, gave the students valuable information for their projects.

After reviewing the clients' responses, Dr. Coogan met with OAR staff to discuss an idea he had for a book that would tell our clients' stories in their "own words". Dr. Coogan's enthusiasm and talents have created an exciting project for OAR for 2006.

Volunteer Opportunities

§ Male facilitators for Responsibilities of Fatherhood classes at Petersburg Annex

§ Facilitators for Anger Management, Life Without A Crutch, and Impact of Crime on Victims groups at the Richmond City Jail, both Henrico County jails, Pamunkey Regional Jail, and Chesterfield County Jail

Board News

The Board of Directors Annual Meeting was held November 29 at Club 533. Katie Campbell, Board President, welcomed our guests and introduced our speakers. Sheriff-elect C.T. Woody spoke briefly of the challenges facing him when he assumes command of the Richmond City Jail. Ray Tarosovic, Assistant Chief of Police, Richmond Police Department, welcomed those present on behalf of Chief Rodney Monroe. Two volunteers, Karen Burruss and Kate Olenyik, who facilitate inmate groups at OAR's jail service sites, spoke very poignantly about their experiences and the effects those experiences have had on their own lives. Their presentations were sincere testaments to the value of volunteering, both for the volunteer and the client.

Our keynote speaker, Barry Green, Director, Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, and chairman of the Virginia Prisoner Reentry Workgroup, presented an historical overview of the rising incarceration rates in Virginia and the enormous cost to the taxpayer these incarcerations represent. Mr. Green reviewed Governor Warner's interest in investigating potential savings that could result from Virginia doing a better job of preparing its inmates for release and developing different procedures for addressing technical parole violators. Two years ago, with technical assistance from the National Governor's Association, Virginia's Prisoner Reentry Workgroup began its study of barriers that inmates face upon release, developed reentry action plans, and initiated pilot projects for adult offenders releasing from state prisons. The Workgroup is now studying local jail and juvenile correctional center populations, their reentry issues, and will be making policy and budgetary recommendations to the new Governor during 2006. Mr. Green's presentation was a very educational one for everyone attending OAR's annual event.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Chuck Walker, an OAR client who had been awarded his 3 year job retention incentive during 2005. Mr. Walker is an inspiration to all of us who have had the pleasure to work with him.

Text Box: The next meeting of the Board of Directors is Tuesday, February 21, 5:30 p.m. at the OAR Central Office.

A Special Christmas for OAR Clients

Christmas 2005 was a special time at OAR thanks to the generosity of the Epiphany Catholic Church in Chesterfield County. Released clients, their families, and the families, caregivers, and children of several of OAR's incarcerated clients were touched by the heartfelt Christmas cheer that poured out from church members through Epiphany's Outreach Program. Twenty families were given gift cards from area grocery stores, candy, cookies, Christmas tree ornaments and other items in addition to presents for 30 children from 6 months to 18 years of age. All gifts, selected especially for each child, were wrapped and included a surprise gift card to area department stores. OAR staff and all the families were overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity shown by so many church members. The thought that strangers cared enough to make their Christmas brighter brought tears to many eyes.

Christmas, of course, is a time that we all want to make a joyous one for children especially those with incarcerated parents. Each year, though, OAR has tried to do something to brighten the season for our single, adult post-release clients who frequently have no family or friends and will receive no presents for Christmas.

This year, Epiphany's Outreach Program purchased gifts for these clients in addition to our families. Clients were invited to a Christmas party at OAR on December 15 and were served cake, apple cider, coffee and soft drinks. They were then allowed to go Christmas "shopping" in our conference room. Again, due to the generosity of strangers, 61 clients were able to shop for one gift for themselves and another for someone special in their lives. A few of our clients demonstrated true unselfishness by selecting two gifts for OTHER people in their lives, foregoing getting something for themselves. These selfless acts gave a deeper meaning to the season for those who were fortunate enough to be a witness that day. OAR would like to extend a special thanks to Mary Munton and Epiphany Catholic Church for allowing our clients to experience the true meaning of Christmas.

OAR offices will be closed

Monday, January 16, and Monday, February 20

Thank You To…

Jessica Aber, Charles Adcock, Anthem Southeast Employees' Association, M. G. Bowyer, Virginia Brown, Samuel Brumberg, Katie Campbell, Ann Cavan, Center for

Creative Development, Fred Chaplin, Dale Cone, Barry Cox, Bob DeLaney, Epiphany Catholic Church, Jessica & George Forsythe, Kathe Gaj, Christine Gibson, Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, Ronnie Gray, Sue Kennon, David Klisz, Douglas Massey, Vivian Moore, Mary Munton, Pamunkey Regional Jail Canteen Fund, James Payne, William Riley, Ann Schmidt, Nancy Siford, Dena Sloane, Alice Tousignant, Jeanne Tyson, VATEX America, Inc., Frank Wood, and Gray Wyatt who donated gift certificates, money, or other items to OAR during the last quarter.

Client Success Story

Mr. Davis, age 59, has been a client since August, 2004, when he came to OAR's Central Office requesting services after his release from a Virginia state prison where he had been incarcerated for 7 years. Mr. Davis would have been homeless if he had not been placed in a local residential facility upon his release. He requested help from OAR in finding a job, getting his identification documents, and locating more permanent housing. Mr. Davis has a long history of substance abuse, mental health hospitalizations, and incarcerations. Since the first day we met Mr. Davis, he has exhibited a strong desire to not repeat his past. He became employed quickly, moved to an 18 month transitional program in the community, and is in the process of finding his own apartment. Mr. Davis has earned his job retention incentive for maintaining consistent employment for one year and is well on his way to earning his two-year incentive. Mr. Davis's successful reentry back into the community this time included the involvement of several service providers in the community who helped Mr. Davis with his transition. Mr. Davis's story can be seen as an example of how reentry should take place--community providers working together for the long-term success of each client.

The Boaz & Ruth @ OAR store is now selling all occasion greeting cards for $1.25.