VBA Lunch Featuring Derviwn Overton, Executive Director, OAR: Opportunities, Alternatives & Resources

Please join us for the March VBA Lunch at Foster's Grille, featuring Derwin Overton, Executive Director of OAR (Opportunities, Alternatives & Resources).

OAR is a local non-profit restorative justice organization providing human services since 1971. Our history has its roots in the highest principles of human rights, the most practical applications of a community’s enlightened self-interest and citizen action. Its origins can be traced to a 1968 prison strike at the State Penitentiary in Richmond, Virginia. In response, several local churches convened a conference on Churches and the Correctional System. Following that effort, Jay Worrall, Jr. founded the OAR movement, which at the time stood for Offender Aid and Restoration. It was his vision of citizen visitors helping jail residents that formed the original premise for the creation of OAR organizations around the country.




Derwin Overton has served as the Executive Director of OAR (Opportunities, Alternatives & Resources) in Fairfax, VA, since April 2005. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Elizabeth City State University and an Executive Certificate in Strategic Planning and Non-Profit Management from Harvard Business School.  In his current role, Derwin enhances fundraising efforts and builds relationships with donors, government officials, and other organizations. He oversees human resource management, including hiring, staff development, and compliance with policies. Additionally, he manages OAR’s budget, grants, and contracts, ensuring the fulfillment of agreements. As the Community Programs Director from August 2001 to April 2005, Derwin led program managers, improved agency outreach, and developed critical programs such as the Post-Release Fatherhood Support Group Curriculum. He has also served on Governor McDonnell’s State Re-entry Council and chaired The Fairfax Fatherhood Collaborative. His certifications include Behavior Management, Crisis Intervention, Group & Individual Counseling, and Conflict Resolution, reflecting his commitment to leadership and community service.