Beacon Program: Where Opportunity Shines

Overview

The Beacon is a re-entry program for Northern Virginia sponsored by OAR of Fairfax County, Inc.  It has been operational as a pilot program since March 2009.

The Beacon was developed using the best practices of similar projects around the country in which formerly incarcerated persons with little or no resources are turning their lives around.
They are breaking free of the cycle of crime and refocusing energies through training and employment, educational opportunities and developing self-sufficient business enterprises. Previously unrecognized internal strengths and resources are illuminated by reaching out to and participating in the community.

The Beacon Mission

To enable the formerly incarcerated to become productive members of society by supporting them in building and sustaining a community and a business through which they develop the skills and values needed for success in life.

The Vision for The Beacon

The Beacon is a community of the formerly incarcerated; living and working together while redirecting their lives positively and profoundly. The residents hold each other accountable for behavior and personal growth and are responsible for the overall management of the community and the business project. This self-sufficient and sustainable program will ultimately accommodate 100 participants. By working with one another as well as the community, The Beacon team seeks to be valued for its economic contributions, civic services and improved public safety.

Core Principles of The Beacon

The Beacon seeks to:

• Change behaviors and develop positive life skills
• Ensure that all residents comply with The Beacon Code of Conduct
• Allow residents to learn from repeated positive practices and experiences
• Demonstrate that positive work ethic comes from consistency and diligence
• Foster the principle of self-sufficiency

The Beacon Advisors

Steering Committee: The Beacon is directed by a team including previously incarcerated persons, veteran managers with experience in the criminal justice system and seasoned administrators.
Advisory Board: Guidance is provided by community leaders from the business, political, faith-based, human services and public safety sectors. Additionally, the Advisory Board is enhanced by a group of previously incarcerated persons.

Getting Involved

The success of The Beacon depends upon support from our community and its diverse talents. Specific areas of need include: interest from those previously incarcerated, political and community outreach, legal advice, real estate and zoning expertise, fund raising and donor cultivation. To lend your support, please call 703.246.3033 or email info@oarfairfax.org.

Join Us to Help Opportunity Shine!

For program details, click here for The Beacon Fact Sheet