OAR Newsletters

Summer 2006
Summer 2007

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Click here to read the Summer 2006 Newsletter
Click here to read the Summer/Spring 2005 Newsletter
Community That Cares Event, May 18, 2005

Replicating the Dream of Delancey Street
Catalogue for Philanthropy Selects OAR
Stories for children Gets Grant Award
Saluting 'Tireless' Al Hotvedt
OAR Welcomes New Board Members
Phone Donations Help Domestic Violence Victims
Winter Clothes Drive




Organizational Accountability

To view a copy of OAR's FY 2007 Annual Report click here.

To view a copy of OAR's FY 2006 Annual Report click here.

To view a copy of OAR's FY 2006 Audited Financial Statement click here.

To view a copy of OAR's FY 2006 IRS Form 990 click here.


Replicating the Dream of Delancey Street

Thanks to the efforts of several local leaders, OAR of Fairfax County, Inc. will receive a $500,000 federal justice grant from the FY2006 federal budget to be used for a vocational, educational and rehabilitation training program for Fairfax County inmates. The goal is to replicate a similar program called the Delancey Street Project which was established in San Francisco by former inmates. The funding will help provide seed money for a local initiative using the Delancey Street concept as a model.

Delancey Street Model Gets Support
In 1971 Delancey Street began with four residents, a thousand dollar loan, and a dream to develop a new approach to turn around the lives of ex-offenders by empowering them to become their own solution. More than 30 years later the Delancey Street project is being promoted as an effective, innovative program worthy of replication. (For more information visit: http://www.eisenhowerfoundation.org/grassroots/fr_CommunityPartners.html)

Recognizing Delancey Street’s potential to be a model for other communities, Congressman Frank Wolf became a strong proponent of the program and he made it possible for the Eisenhower Foundation to obtain funding to start a nation-wide effort to help localities replicate the project. Through this effort, the Fairfax Community Criminal Justice Board (CCJB) became interested in the idea and sent a delegation to San Francisco to see Delancey Street firsthand. Among those on the CCJB who made the trip west was Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, Hunter Mill District representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Encouraged by the favorable reaction of the delegation’s members, Supervisor Hudgins asked Congressman Jim Moran to help provide critical seed money to help launch a program for Fairfax County.

Elected Officials Commended
“Supervisor Hudgins and Representatives Moran and Wolf are commended for their vision and interest in public safety by investing in innovative solutions,” said Carla Taylor, Executive Director of OAR of Fairfax County. Ms. Taylor is working with a group of citizens and professionals from the criminal justice system, law enforcement, and the corporate sector, under the auspices of the CCJB, to continue the planning efforts already underway. “We look forward to working with everyone who wants to bring this innovate project to reality in Fairfax County,” she added.


Catalogue for Philanthropy Selects OAR

OAR among “Some of best small charities in Greater Washington”

OAR is now ranked among “some of the best small charities in Greater Washington,” according to the Catalogue for Philanthropy 2004-2005 for Greater Washington (CFP-GW). OAR was one of 78 organizations out of 250 applicants chosen for their “distinction, merit, cost-effectiveness and accomplishment.” Only 14 charitable organizations in Northern Virginia were accepted for listing in the Catalogue for 2004-2005, which is sent to 25,000 individuals and families in Greater Washington.

“We are thrilled to be selected by the Catalogue for Philanthropy,” said Carla Taylor, OAR Executive Director. “This is testimony to the outstanding work of our dedicated Board members, volunteers and professional staff. Without their combined efforts, achieving this kind of recognition would not be possible,” said Ms. Taylor.

The Selection Process
A highly selective and thorough process is used to determine which organizations are featured in the catalogue. Thirty grantmakers and leaders at 20 foundations and nonprofit organizations evaluate applications for distinction, merit, cost-effectiveness and accomplishment. Location, diversity among fields and kinds of organizations, appeal to donors, and value in teaching and promoting philanthropy, all contributed to the final decisions. The purpose of the CFP is to raise public awareness of, and respect for, philanthropy, increase and improve charitable giving and facilitate satisfying relationships between donors and recipients.

About the Catalogue
The CFP was created in 1997 in Massachusetts and first published in 2003 for Washington, D.C.-based charities only. In 2004, the CFP expanded to include organizations in “Greater Washington” and now include charities from Northern Virginia and Maryland. The CFP is published annually in mid-November. Hard-copies are sent by mail to 25,000 individuals and families in Greater Washington free of charge. Copies may be obtained by request through CFP’s website. Visit them at: http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org

To see OAR featured in the Catalogue for Philanthropy visit: http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/dc/2004/oar_fairfax_4052.htm


Stories for Children Gets Grant Award

OAR of Fairfax County, Inc. has received a $1,000 grant from the UniCare Health Plan of Virginia, Inc. to expand its innovative “Stories for Children” Project which is part of OAR’s Responsible Fatherhood Program at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and the Pre-Release Center.

Funding will come from UniCare’s Community Support Program. The Community Support Awards fund activities and programs of benefit to low-income families. An additional 20 children and their parents will be helped by the grant. The program’s design is simple: children of parents in the County Adult Detention Center or Pre-Release Center receive a tape recording of children’s stories made by the parent, along with a personalized message from them. A tape, book, and a recorder are mailed to the child.

Stories for Children has been a popular and rewarding project, ” said Carla Taylor, Executive Director of OAR of Fairfax County. “We’ve found that it helps reduce family stress and maintains family ties,” Ms. Taylor said. “We are very grateful for UniCare’s support of this worthwhile program,” she added.

“Keeping family ties during incarceration is often very difficult because of distance and institutional rules limiting visitation time or personal contact,” said Lisa Tate, the project coordinator. “The program has made a big difference for everyone,” she said.


Saluting 'Tireless' Al Hotvedt

After 13 years of loyal volunteering for OAR, Alfred (Al) Hotvedt has decided to take a well-deserved rest from his duties. He celebrated his 85th birthday earlier in 2004 and believes it’s time to make way for others who are eager to serve their community through OAR.

A Remarkable Gentleman
“He is a remarkable gentleman”, said Carla Taylor, OAR Executive Director. “He has been a generous contributor and donor to OAR, but most importantly he has given freely of his time and talent to directly help others in need. He’s what I would call a super volunteer—tireless, dedicated, and a true believer in our mission in the community,” Ms. Taylor said.

An Energetic Volunteer
A resident of Burke, Al has worn many hats while supporting OAR’s mission of “rebuilding lives and breaking the cycle of crime.” Al has been an especially energetic volunteer—he has not only been a mentor to eight inmates, but he also assisted in the Adult Detention Center lobby, served as an interviewer, and was an orientation leader.

The Ultimate Outreach Worker
“Al has been a very special volunteer for us,” said Fran Furman, Volunteer Coordinator. “He was the ultimate family outreach volunteer while staffing the information desk in the lobby of the jail each month. He’s done so much for OAR and the community—he contributed over 840 hours of time as an OAR volunteer. We will miss him greatly,” said Ms. Furman.


OAR Welcomes New Board Members

The goal of OAR’s Board of Directors is to provide governance, fiscal oversight and policy guidance to all aspects of OAR’s operation. We welcome our newest Board members, Roxanne Boggiano and Major James Whitley of the Sheriff’s Office.

Ms. Boggiano currently is the coordinator of Forensic Psychological Experiences at Marymount University. She is a community representative on the Board. Ms. Boggiano’s academic and professional experience will be a special asset to her work on the Board of Directors.

Major Whitely has been with the Sheriff’s Office for over 21 years and is the Commander of the Support Services Division. He is responsible for the Pre-Release Center, Medical, Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Services, Inmates Services, as well as Inmate Classification and Programs.


Phone Donations Help Domestic Violence Victims

We want to extend our thanks for all the cell phone donations OAR received. Your efforts represent an investment in the community and the environment. Your participation in the Donate a Phone program provides valuable support for OAR’s community efforts. Through this program, phones and airtime are provided to neighborhood victims of domestic violence. Phones that utilize older technology will be safely recycled rather than end up in landfills. Phone collection is ongoing so keep those cell phones coming!


Winter Clothes Drive

he changing seasons mean it is time to dress more warmly. The OAR clothes closet provides clothes in varying sizes to our clients in need. Currently we have a shortage of men’s winter weight pants and winter coats. If you have any of these items available to donate (as well as any other winter items), please drop them by our office or call us at (703) 246-3033.