Reentry & Family Services
Pre- and Post-release Services
OARÂ provides pre-release and post-release services to help individuals reintegrate into the community after incarceration.
Services are designed to break a cycle of crime and assist community members to successfully find employment, housing, health care, and related services such as mental health and substance abuse treatment if needed.
Download a program brochure for your area of interest:
Services for Justice Involved Community Members
OAR case managers meet with interested individuals and together they do an assessment and create a service plan. OAR offers:
- Employment assistance, including resume preparation, employer referrals, and job readiness funding
- Help obtaining work uniforms, tools, transportation, and job training scholarships
- Emergency assistance, including food, clothing, and financial assistance with rent and utilities
- Counseling to help deal with emotional and cognitive effects of incarceration
- Workshops on topics of interest such as Tax Preparation, Budgeting, Restoring Your Driver’s License, Self-Esteem and Job Interviews
- Family Assistance Programs
OAR can also link clients with important community resources such as www.jobsforfelonshub.com.
Services for the Families
Families are often challenged by the incarceration of a loved one. They experience a major sense of loss, both practical and emotional. The loss of income can destabilize a family and lead to homelessness. The change in family dynamics can erode the possibility of successful restoration of the family unit. Children can suffer significant emotional impairment when a parent or sibling is incarcerated. To address these and other issues, OAR offers family members additional support such as:
- Family Support Group
- School Supplies
- Family Ties Project—holiday gifts for children of OAR clients
- Referrals to appropriate resources if substance abuse or mental health issues are of concern
Outreach to families is particularly important in the first stages of their involvement in the criminal justice system. Family members often have many questions and little understanding of how the system works. An information desk in the lobby of the jail is staffed by OAR volunteers to answer questions, disseminate information, and provide sympathetic listening.Â
To contact OAR about any of the above services, click below.
