Cincinnati car donation helps to rehabilitate ex-offenders

In the late 19th century, Volunteers of America developed and operated the nation’s first “halfway houses” to help ex-offenders make the transition home and become productive members of society once again. Want to help? Through charitable contributions, such as Cincinnati car donation, you can positively impact the lives of those leaving prison through Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio’s residential reentry program.

Who, what, and how: Our residential reentry program

Who? Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio serves individuals recently incarcerated that have been released from prison early for judicial reasons and/or those released on account of substance abuse issues. These ex-offenders come to us on a referral basis via local authorities such as the Bureau of Community Sanctions, county probation offices, local courts, and the Adult Parole Authority. However, we reserve the right to accept or decline these potential residents into our program based on the following criteria:

  • The type and severity of their offenses (each case is considered individually).
  • Substance abuse treatment needs.
  • History of compliance while incarcerated.
  • Mental health and level of functioning.

What? Those accepted into our program benefit from intensive case management, counseling (group, individual, and substance abuse), job-readiness, skill development, and referrals to community resources. The goal is to provide these former prisoners with the necessary skill-set to succeed by teaching them how to strengthen their family relationships and establish positive support systems.

How? Each resident is assigned a case manager who then creates an individualized program that addresses each resident’s specific needs. Throughout the program, residents are continually assessed to ensure success and positive outcomes at the end of their specialized program.

The psychological benefits of our residential reentry program

Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio is dedicated to providing evidenced-based, residential reentry services to clients through a safe and secure environment. A common theory in psychology, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is based around the idea that human beings are only motivated to fulfill certain needs when baser needs are met first. Referred to in hierarchical levels, the idea is that first physiological (breathing, food, water, sleep, etc.) needs and safety must be met before love/“belongingness,” esteem, and self-actualization (creativity, morality, problem-solving, acceptance of facts, etc.) can be attained. Often, formerly incarcerated individuals find themselves homeless upon release. It is Volunteers of America’s goal to meet these basic physiological and safety needs so ex-convicts can go on to achieve love, esteem, and self-actualization — to become happy and productive members of society.

Cincinnati car donation makes programs like residential reentry possible

Volunteers of America is only able to provide programs and services such as these with the support of our community members — through acts like Cincinnati car donation. Skip the worry of selling your used/unwanted car, truck, tractor, boat, or RV by donating it to Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio. Donating your vehicle is good for the soul and your wallet: When you donate your car, you may receive a greater value as a charitable contribution on your tax return.

So, you might be asking yourself, “How do I donate my car?” We offer three simple ways to donate — online, on the phone, or by mail. Complete the online form or call 1-800-862-6030 and Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio will contact you to schedule a pick-up. You can also mail your clear title to 5640 W. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43228. We also offer free, same-day towing from all 88 Ohio counties. Moreover, be sure to check out some other ways to donate besides through Cincinnati car donation.