Over my 23 years at OAR, I’ve been asked many times, “Why do you do this work?” In time, an answer formulated in my mind and in my heart. To do this work, we must believe, in our core, that people can change. I believe this to be true and I have seen it happen both personally and professionally. 

Change is hard. Change does not come in a pretty package wrapped up like a holiday gift. Change doesn’t typically happen the way the person wants it to, the way OAR Case Managers want it to, or the way loved ones and family members want it to happen.  But it can happen.

Change can be revolutionary. For some, waking up inside of a cell, at the local jail, wearing a green jumpsuit, is a massive catalyst for immediate and dramatic change. For others change is evolutionary. It may take months, years, or multiple incarcerations for real change to take place. But it can happen. 

The route to change is often a journey with twists and turns, setbacks and opportunities, starts and stops, and unexpected challenges. For individuals in our local jails, there is almost always someone in their life who is hoping, wishing, and praying that this time, it will be different. Some of these loved ones have cut all ties, because it’s just too hard.  These loved ones still have hope because they know change can happen.

When someone is ready to change, regardless of their past, OAR is ready help with the journey. You know change is hard. But you know it can happen. Make a generous donation to OAR this holiday season to help the next person who contacts OAR and says, “I’m ready, but I need some help”.   

Sincerely,

Brandon and the OAR Team