Civil Liberties
For Over 40 Years...
OAR has been protecting the civil liberties of those incarcerated in the Tompkins County Jail through the following services including: ReEntry services, Assigned Counsel intakes, and our charitable bail fund.
Drop-In Services
OAR offers phone and computer services for those who don't have phone or internet access to help contact employers, fill out applications, research resources, and attend virtual court appearances.
OAR knows how important access to technology is, so if you would like to use our phones and/or computers please call ahead during business hours to schedule an appointment or come during walk-in hours: Monday-Thursday 9-3pm.
Other Drop-In Services offered on a daily basis (depending on availability):
- Coffee/ Water/ Tea
- Rescued food
- Clothing
- Hygiene products
- Bedding
- Books
- Brochures
ReEntry Services
OAR has been working with our clients to ease their reentry back into the community for many years. The growing interest in the issue has increasingly engaged more people.
OAR believes that by working with an inclusive group of organizations and individuals, greater changes lie ahead.
We provide a vast array of Client Services which include (depending on availability):
- Assistance with completing DSS applications, filling out court paperwork
- Advocacy
- Assistance with free government phone applications
- Office Assistance: copies, fax, scan, stamped envelopes, writing supplies, notary
- Health care referrals
- Forms of ID for formerly incarcerated/ court involved
- Limited technology assistance
- Housing services/ Employment services
- Fingerprinting for RAP sheets/ Certificates of Good Conduct/ Certificates of Relief from Disabilities
- Limited transportation services: local TCAT bus passes, C-Tran bus passes for parole in Elmira, NY.
Newer Specialized Services:
- OUTREACH
- PEER NAVIGATOR for court involved individuals
- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM SUPPORT
Visit our Resources page for more information.
Assigned Counsel
The vast majority of OAR’s incarcerated clients live below the federal poverty line.
Constitutionally, these individuals have a right to legal representation — provided in Tompkins County through the Assigned Counsel program.
OAR conducts intakes for Assigned Counsel representation for those in and/or outside the Tompkins County Jail, guaranteeing swift assignment of legal representation. We also assist with the Change of Attorney application.
Education
College Initiative Upstate is a learning community of educators, students, and volunteers from Tompkins County who are working together to build pathways from criminal justice involvement to college and beyond.
We can help you: choose a college, apply for financial aid, work with outstanding student loans, receive tutoring, engage in college readiness courses, get wrap-around support during the application process. Give us a call to see if college is right for you.
Visit our CIU page to learn more.
Liaison Services
At OAR, we offer comprehensive liaison services between you and different entities in the community.
Getting you the support you need is our number one goal, whether you are incarcerated or not.
We maintain a direct line for receiving phone calls from clients at the Tompkins County Jail.
This allows incarcerated people to stay in contact with loved ones and allows our staff to relay messages from lawyers, employers, landlords, and family members/friends.
We also provide one stamped envelope a week to ensure everyone maintains their right of communication, as well as set up phone appointments for family members/friends to come to our office and talk to their loved ones directly that are located at the Tompkins County Jail for free.
Community Partners
We are here to activate a network of services so that you can maintain family and community ties, access available resources and support, and reduce the negative consequences of incarceration. The organizations we work with provide:
- Legal Assistance
- Social Services
- Healthcare
- Mental Health Support
- Housing Assistance
- Employment Guidance
- Educational Services
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Support
Artist photos above via the amplifier foundation