Arnall is the executive director of Offender Aid and Restoration of Arlington County.
What does OAR do?
OAR is a community-based organization formed in 1974 that works with men and women inside the local jails teaching life-skill classes and then works with folks when they come out of incarceration to help them make a successful transition back to our community. We serve the areas of Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church. In addition, we oversee the community service functions of the Arlington and Falls Church courts.
Why do you work with inmates who are still incarcerated?
It’s important for folks in our local jails to know that there are people out on the outside willing to come in and teach them skills they need. When they come out, they feel safe to come back to our office.
What skills do you teach?
All the way from anger management to finance planning, parenting, how to start your own business, stress management, computer skills.
What do ex-offenders need in order to successfully reintegrate into society?
They need a place to live that’s safe. They need a job. And they need strong, positive relationships.
Are there any problems particular to ex-offenders in Northern Virginia?
Northern Virginia is a very highly educated work force. Although we do have many clients that have college and graduate degrees, most do not. So to find employment, steady employment, in Northern Virginia, with such a highly educated, focused work force, is very difficult. It’s not impossible. There are service jobs that need to be filled. The catch is to find them so it’s a livable wage.
How can friends and relatives help incarcerated or recently released loved ones?
Sit down and let them tell their story. And know that we all are on a journey and if they can, simply be on the journey with them as they put their lives back together.
– Emily Babay
