Mentoring Program

The OAR Mentoring Program

OAR volunteers have been provided mentoring services to incarcerated individuals for over 40 years.  As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance and improve programs and services, OAR recently applied for and received funding through the Bureau of Justice Assistance in support of our mentoring program.

As a mentor, volunteers have the opportunity to provide a meaningful and stable relationship for someone who likely has a limited support system. Mentoring helps fill a gap in an individual’s life. Mentoring will expose mentees to a new type of relationship, new perspectives, and broadened understandings.  These opportunities can have a dramatic influence on an individual’s decision making and be a positive influence in his or her life.  Volunteer mentors can make the difference.  A mentor’s patience and trust will build a relationship where change is encouraged, expected, and possible. The OAR mentoring program provides a positive and supportive network for OAR clients that reduce the challenges associated with release and builds a foundation for ongoing success.

Time Commitment

Mentoring relationships begin when a mentee is within 3 months of his/her release date and continues for a total period of 15 months (3 months pre-release and 12 months post release).  This allows the mentor and the mentee to build an established relationship, develop plans, and set specific goals prior to the mentee’s release from incarceration.  Mentors and mentees are expected to meet weekly, while still incarcerated, and then have regular contact (3 to 4 times per month) post release. 

Training

Volunteers are thoroughly trained and supported by OAR staff.  An initial orientation to the mentoring program is provided and is followed up with specific training provided by OAR Case Managers.  All mentors are provided with a Mentoring Program Manual and have regular access to an OAR Case Manager who is also assigned to the client being mentored.  Mentors are offered regular opportunities for ongoing trainings as a part of the OAR Continuing Education Program.  This is designed to encourage volunteer mentors to support one another and to provide high quality learning opportunities.

Mentor Pairing and Program Safety

OAR follows established procedures and considers the individual requirements of each volunteer when pairing mentors and mentees.  OAR matches mentors and mentees while considering factors such as gender, geographic location, criminal history and other requirements.  OAR’s mentoring program is built on a foundation of evidenced-based best practices for mentoring programs.  The mentoring program sets clear boundaries on the mentoring relationships.  The boundaries are expressly and continuously communicated to mentees and enforced by OAR staff.  These boundaries allow for a meaningful and appropriate relationship between mentor and mentee but maintain appropriate levels of anonymity and confidentiality for the volunteer. 

Getting Involved

OAR has the immediate need for volunteer mentors.  If you are interested in learning more please contact the Senior Volunteer Coordinator, Tasha Coleman, at (703) 246-3055 or by email at tcoleman@oarfairfax.org.