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 and the community at large. In addition to bi-monthly meetings, Board members sit on committees to assist with the growth and development of the agency. These committees include Executive, Fund Raising, and Nominations. 
 
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, 2010 through June 30, 2011)

• 3,204 total clients were served by OAR during the past fiscal year

• 147 community volunteers contributed 6,944 hours valued at over $142,000

• 997 clients participated in skills-based classes with 91% improving their self-sufficiency skills                                     

• 377 formerly incarcerated individuals were given employment assistance and 38% of them obtained employment

• 42 clients were paired with a volunteer mentor with the relationship beginning during incarceration and continuing after release 

• 1,246 family members or friends of an incarcerated loved one received information, referrals, and support in the lobby of the Adult Detention Center

• 171 individuals with a tendency towards violence participated in OAR’s state certified Violence Intervention Program.  68% of participants successfully fulfilled the requirements of their contract

• 81% of alternative sentencing clients successfully completed their community service

To read OAR of Fairfax County's FY 2010 Annual Report, click here.

For OAR of Fairfax County’s FY 2010 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.