Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources of Fairfax Fair Chance Employment Program

The Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources of Fairfax (OAR Fairfax) through the Fair Chance Employment Program will address unemployment by assisting up to 150 individuals in gaining essential skills and securing employment within a three-year grant period. The program aims to significantly reduce the likelihood of individuals returning to criminal activity by providing necessary support. OAR Fairfax assists justice-involved adults over the age of 18 detained in the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center prerelease and those returning to or living in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties post-release. The program offers up to 4 months of prerelease employment assistance and up to 2 years of post-release support through coaching, vocational training, and certification programs. Funding will cover essential needs and financial aid for certification programs and degrees.
The program aims to engage 100 new local employers, including those in STEM, technology, and business services, over the project period. By creating a paid apprenticeship incentive program for employers and developing paid on-the-job pathways, participants will have the opportunity to advance into career positions. To achieve these objectives, OAR Fairfax plans to hire a full-time Employment Specialist, engage local Reentry Councils, and conduct a labor market analysis to identify employment opportunities. They also aim to establish a paid apprenticeship incentive program and engage new local employers.