OAR is proud to announce that April 14, 2010 marks the 30 year Anniversary of our Executive Director, Pat Smith. We are grateful for her leadership and passion leading our agency. Her dedicated service to our community is inspiring.

On March 16, 2010 Jay Worrall, the man who founded the Offender Aid and Restoration program died. He was 94.
Jay’s life is an example of how one person can impact so many. Jay’s vision and dedication produced a positive impact for thousands of individuals and families. Nearly 40 years ago he had a vision to bring community mentors into jails to serve as role models and help prepare the young men and women for their return into our communities. That vision continues in the work done by the OAR programs in Charlottesville, Richmond, Fairfax, and Arlington, Virginia, and in Anderson and Indianapolis Indiana.
“Two roads diverged into a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” This quote from Robert Frost has always struck me as a reminder of what one person can do. On this day that person is Jay Worrall.
When I learned of his death it was a sad day for me personally. As one of my colleagues said his life and contributions have made such a difference in the lives of many; those who have worked at the OARs throughout the state and country, those that live in those communities, and most importantly, in the lives of the people OAR serves. His vision to help offenders as they returned to the community was rare 40 years ago. Its importance was not understood then as it is today.
One of Jay’s daughters, Laura Tennyson, said she hopes her father will be remembered for “how he embraced the world and embraced human beings.” I could not agree more. Being part of an organization that has helped offenders for nearly four decades is something for which we, at OAR, can be proud of and thankful. Jay has made all the difference to us and the many we have served.
When I think of Jay, I remember a gentle soul who was always willing to help those less fortunate than he. When he took the road less traveled it did make all the difference.

The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce established Leadership Charlottesville (LC) to help build an active corps of engaged, dedicated civic leaders. Each LC graduating class completes a final project targeting a community need.

This year LC is assisting the Reentry Program at Offender Aid and Restoration. The Reentry Program assists ex-offenders in overcoming the obstacles and barriers they face because of their criminal records. LC is working to improve access to employment opportunities for ex-offenders living in our community.

We need your help to explore the challenges faced by this population as they enter the work force. Please complete the attached survey by March 31, 2010. It will only take a few minutes of your time. After the survey, please take a moment read a thank you written by OAR that also gives more details about their services.

Thank you for your input,

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SRRPG8C 

OAR is pleased to announce that Pat Smith was elected Vice President of VCCJA and Ross Carew was elected staff representative to the Executive Board of VCCJA.

12 Staff traveled to Hampton, Virginia to participate in the 13th Annual VCCJA conference. Staff received training on topic such as Effective Communication, Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Addiction and the Change Process, and Ritual Crime and the Occult.

On October 27, 2009, we completed our office renovation. This project could not have been completed without the generous work of the Building Goodness Foundation. Through the work of the foundation, we were able to gain two additional offices within our existing footprint. Special thanks to David Schmidt of Alexander Nicholson for leading the project. Also, thanks to all of the volunteers and businesses that assisted the project, specifically Safe-Way Electric, Martin and Horn, and Albemarle Heating and Air.

We currently have an open position for a pretrial officer. Job duties will include supervision and investigations. Please see our ad on Craigslist or in the Daily Progress. Or call our office to learn more.

Yesterday, OAR celebrated the successful completion of the first phase of our office wide Effective Communication/Motivational Interviewing training plan. All staff completed training, practice sessions, direct observation of skills, and a written test on the basics of this proven recidivism reducing communication skill. Great job staff! Phase two of this process begins in the fall.

The first training session was held today for the new reentry mentoring program. Six community members will begin the mentoring process with inmates as they transition back into the local community.

Reminder to OAR Board Members that the Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday May 21, 2009 at 5:30 at the OAR office