OAR's Impact & Success Stories

Individuals caught up in the criminal justice system are offered rehabilitative and supportive services to help them become productive members of the community. OAR’s primary service area is Fairfax County, but some services are available in Prince William and Loudoun Counties and to any others in the Washington Metropolitan area processed through the Fairfax County Court system. Family programs are open to all in need, regardless of residency.
 
OAR’s Board of Directors oversees all financial and policy issues and is accountable to the community. The Board has representatives from several official organizations, OAR volunteers and the community at large. In addition to bi-monthly meetings, Board members sit on five committees to assist with the growth and development of the agency. These committees include Executive, Fund Raising, Nominations, and Programs. 
 
OAR makes a difference in our entire community. Statistics clearly show that our current criminal justice system approach to incarceration does little to eliminate crime or create safer communities. Recidivism affects not only the offender, but also the victim of the crime, the children and family of the offender, taxpayers and the community as a whole. OAR of Fairfax County provides opportunities, alternatives and resources to rebuild lives and reduce recidivism.
 
(* Recidivism: A tendency to relapse into a former pattern of behavior, esp. a tendency to return to criminal habits.)

Highlights of OAR’s Impact (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009)

• 3,293 total clients served; 214clients were homeless
• 128 volunteers contributed 8,684 hours, a 38% increase from FY 2008, valued at $178,283
• Skills classes: 1,344 participants                                               
• Employment services: 537 clients                                              
• Mentoring: 56 clients                                                     
• Impact of Crime Class: 127 participants
• Family outreach (jail lobby): 1,342 service units                                    
• Violence Intervention Classes: 139 with 83% success rate
• Community service: 743 placements; value: $540,495 in deferred jail costs
• The Beacon program added three new participants; recidivism was 0%

For OAR of Fairfax County’s FY 2009 audited financial statement, click here.

Recent Employment Success Stories from OAR of Fairfax County Clients

Our new client, "Matt," came to the Work Empowerment Program (WEP) orientation workshop in January. He told us that felt inspired after leaving the workshop, and while still wearing the dress shirt and tie that he wore to Orientation earlier that day, he approached the manager of a restaurant where he had stopped for lunch.  Matt explained that he used some of the techniques outlined in the WEP orientation and convinced the manager to hire him on the spot.

"Steve," a client that OAR has been actively working with since last summer, secured a
position at a commercial cleaning company in the area. Though Steve said he continues to look for a permanent home and a car, he feels blessed to have a job and thanks OAR staff for helping him.

 "Randy" stopped by the office this month and told staff he had landed a
position with a telecommunications contractor and is a new sales associate going through a 
paid training program.  During his visit, he shared that he learned a lot from the two Work Empowerment Program workshops and applied OAR’s interviewing tips.  He also commented that the resume he  developed with his case manager's help was what got him in the door for the interview.

The manager at pizza chain shop called to tell us he is extremely pleased to report that
both "Kevin" and "Jerry" are excellent employees and great men.  He expects each of
them to continue with the chain long term.