Restorative Justice is More than a Second Chance.

Equitable Opportunities Matter

In our current economy where there are twice as many job opportunities as qualified workers, the unemployment rate for the formerly incarcerated remains at 27 percent; nearly five times the national average and higher even than the Great Depression. Nationally, 50 percent of formerly incarcerated individuals are unable to find meaningful employment within a year of their release. Locally, 75 percent of OAR’s clients in Northern Virginia are unemployed or underemployed at intake. Businesses are missing out on local workers with a range of skillsets and a desire to work hard and change their lives. 

At OAR, we believe in creating equitable opportunities through community action. For over 50 years, the heart of OAR’s mission has been to break down barriers to employment, housing, and other basic needs for justice-impacted individuals and their families. If you are an employer or community partner interested in operationalizing your DEI initiatives through equal opportunity employment, join OAR NOVA’s Fair-Chance Employment Coalition!