POST-RELEASE SERVICES
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OAR is a private, nonprofit organization whose goal is to assist clients to become productive, taxpaying members of the community.  OAR provides pre-release case management services in all the area jails and post-release case management services to anyone with an adult criminal conviction.    

OAR has two post-release offices in its service area.  The main office is in downtown Richmond and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The Petersburg office is in the Crater Regional Workforce Center and is not open all day every day.  If you need services at the Petersburg office, call the number on the back of this guide to schedule an appointment.  Services are also provided at the Petersburg and Chesterfield Probation and Parole offices by appointment on scheduled days.  OAR contact numbers are on the back of this guide.     

Services at the Richmond office are provided on a walk-in basis.  You are required to sign in at the receptionist desk each time you come into the office.  Due to the high number of clients coming into the office, you may have a lengthy wait to see your case manager.  Your patience will be appreciated.   

In order to enroll in OAR’s post-release services program, you must see a case manager who will conduct an intake interview to determine your service needs.  You will be asked a number of very personal questions; answering these questions honestly will help the case manager understand your history and service needs and be better prepared to assist you.  During the intake interview, you will be asked to sign a release of information which gives OAR permission to provide services to you and/or refer you to other organizations for services that are not directly provided by OAR. 

New clients are required to attend an Orientation and Job Search Assistance Class before you can begin receiving services.  Some clients may be required by their case manager to attend the class more than once in order to continue receiving OAR services.  The class is offered on Wednesday afternoons beginning at 1:00 p.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m.  You will not be allowed to attend the class if your intake interview has not been done.  Late arrivals will not be able to attend the class and must return the following week for the class.  The class for Petersburg clients is offered on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the DOC Probation and Parole office at 26317 W. Washington Street, Building #2.

Depending on funds available, service location, and specific eligibility guidelines, OAR’s post-release services may include the following:

·       identification documents such as birth certificates

·       personal hygiene kits

·       resume assistance

·       use of telephone, fax machine, and copier for resumes

·       weekly jobs list

·       community voice mail

·       substance abuse counseling and support groups

·       transportation assistance to scheduled job interviews and jobs until you receive   your first paycheck

·       problem solving/goal setting assistance

·       money management counseling

·       housing assistance, Central Intake referrals, and rent assistance once you become employed.  OAR does not pay security/utility deposits or back rent.

·       work clothes, shoes, and tools needed for a specific job

·       incentives for continuous employment of at least 30 hours per week from 30 days to 3 years

·       GED classes.

·       referrals for services not directly provided by OAR

When you get a job, you will be requested to get your employer to complete an employment verification form.  Once OAR receives this form, you will be eligible for the job retention incentives program and other services that require you to maintain employment and stay in contact with OAR at least monthly.

Clients are not charged a fee for services.  OAR works with thousands of clients each year and depends on community support and individual donations.  All donations are sincerely appreciated and are used for direct services to others just like you.  Clients are asked to make a donation to OAR once they are "on their feet" and are able to "give back" to others in their same situation. 

Things You Need To Know

·       A restroom is available for your use.  Please help keep it clean.

·       Clients may request to use the telephone to call about jobs or housing.  Calls are limited to 10 minutes.  Please keep your voices low when other clients and our receptionist are using the phone.

·       Smoking is allowed in the back client room only.

·       Bus tickets will not be given out after 12 noon unless prior arrangements have been made with your case manager.

·       Clients should be courteous and polite with other clients and with OAR staff.  A "please" or "thank you" is always appreciated.

·       OAR offices are not your personal living room.  You are requested to conduct your business quietly and not disturb others.

·       Clients who are disruptive, untruthful with staff, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be asked to leave and may lose their eligibility for OAR services. 

·       OAR staff have chosen to work with clients in your situation.  Try to learn to trust their suggestions and work "with" them.  They really do want to help.

A printable version of  this information is available as a .PDF file when you click the link below:

Agency Post-Release Client Guide