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Help OAR Secure Support for Reentry Services

Help OAR Secure Support for Reentry Services

In August, Governor Northam called a Special Session to address the budget, COVID-19, and criminal justice reform in Virginia. We asked OAR supporters to reach out to their representatives in an effort to voice support for “un-alloted” funds from the Reconvened Session to be re-allocated in this Special Session budget.

We also provided a sample email below to use as a starting point.

 

Draft email to include: 

Dear Senator/Delegate [INSERT NAME HERE], 

I am writing to express my support for the increased funding request for the Pre-release And Post-Incarceration Services (PAPIS) Coalition in the 2020 Special Session budget (Item #406).  The PAPIS Coalition is composed of nine re-entry services organizations located throughout the Commonwealth.  OAR of Fairfax covers the counties of Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun and I am advocated for increased funding for them and the entire PAPIS Coalition. OAR services break the cycle of crime by providing the Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources justice-involved individuals and families need to be successful.  

The PAPIS Coalition as a whole receives a $2.2 million state appropriation administered by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). In order to continue our work, the PAPIS Coalition and OAR of Fairfax request the reallotment of the $1 million that was included in the budget passed during the 2020 regular session and “unalloted” during Reconvened Session in response to the budget shortfall caused by COVID-19. 

During these unprecedented times, strong and stable reentry services are needed now more than ever, to ensure returning citizens successfully navigate the complex pandemic landscape, thereby decreasing their chances of reoffending. With additional funding, OAR of Fairfax will add additional staff, including a full time case worker in Loudoun County and part-time case workers in both Fairfax and Prince William. OAR of Fairfax will also build training capacity with their existing staff so new hires can receive important skills training from within the organization. 

The services provided to over 10,000 Virginians each year by the PAPIS Coalition have a proven track record of reducing recidivism, saving the Commonwealth money, and enabling second chances for people coming out of the justice system. I respectfully requests the reallotment of additional funding to match growing demand and rising costs in reentry services. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.  

Best, 

[INSERT YOUR NAME HERE]

________________________

Thank you for using your voice to support criminal justice reform!

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