WHAT'S NEW AT OAR  
OAR News

November 1, 2004

Community Collaborations at Work:
Boaz and Ruth and OAR Join to Offer a Unique Shopping Experience

Now that Boaz & Ruth @ OAR is officially open to the public, two of Richmond’s private, nonprofit human services providers Boaz & Ruth, Inc. and Offender Aid & Restoration (OAR) of Richmond, Inc. are working together to offer the metropolitan area a new and unique shopping experience. Richmonders and visitors alike can browse through the store’s 1,150 square foot showroom, located at 300 East Main Street, to search for bargains on “experienced” home furnishings and accessories.

Founded in 2002, Boaz & Ruth’s faith-based mission is to make a difference in Richmond through: 1) Job training for the individual; 2) Retail revitalization for the community; and 3) Cross cultural connectedness for our city.  Since 1971, OAR 's mission has been to provide community managed services aimed at restoring the individual offender as a responsible member of the community.

In the spirit of community collaborations the new store was founded. OAR Executive Director, Barbara Slayden, and Boaz and Ruth Executive Director, Martha Rollins,
met in the spring of this year to discuss how the two organizations could work together since they share a number of clients.  After months of planning and negotiations,
Boaz & Ruth @ OAR is now open to the public.

Boaz & Ruth @ OAR is located on the corner of Third and Main at 300 East Main Street and is open Monday – Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. excluding State holidays.  For more information, call Boaz & Ruth at 329-4900, OAR at 643-2746,
or 643-6740, the Boaz & Ruth @ OAR store.