Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Helping Others Rebuild Their Lives!
We are a peer led organization dedicated to supporting, and empowering individuals and families impacted by incarceration and violence. Together, we rebuild lives and strengthen communities.
OAA’s purpose is to reduce violence, recidivism, and community harm by engaging individuals and families through lived-experience mentorship, system navigation, and community-based support that strengthens public safety and long-term stability.
OUR PURPOSE
About us
Championing the healing, dignity, and empowerment of formerly incarcerated individuals and survivors of violence, while uplifting families and communities through mentorship and advocacy.
Second Chances Deserve Strong Support.
What We Do
Re-entry Navigation
Reentry Navigators assist formerly incarcerated individuals in their personal journey to successfully reintegrate with families and communities. OAA navigators create supportive forums that serve as centralized hubs to provide safe space to meet, fellowship, and connect with various services.
Violence Intervention
OAA efforts are focused on reducing violence, promoting healing, creating neighborhoods where families and youth thrive. OAA equips and trains Credible Messengers to become experienced violence intervention and prevention professionals.
Family/Community Engagement
OAA is intentional about restoring and unifying families. This can only be accomplished by bringing individuals, agencies, organizations, and community members together to solve existing and emerging problems that can not be solved by one group alone.
Youth Opportunities
Empowering youth to engage in structured and intentional relationships to transform attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. The goal is to assist youth in making better and safer decisions, pursuing their goals, repairing relationships with family and community.
In the News
Recognized. Reported. Respected.
Our work has been featured by trusted media outlets and community organizations.
Local News Outlet
Nonprofit Supporting Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Expands Community Impact
Community Publication
Peer-Led Reentry Program Creates Lasting Change
Regional Media
Offender Alumni Association Opens New Community Space
Our Impact
Give today. Save lives. Strengthen communities. Your gift supports the path to healing and stability.
OAA empowers individuals impacted by incarceration and violence to grow, heal and thrive through every stage of their transformational healing journey.
10+
5000+
Years of Peer Support
Lives Touched
85+
45+
Community Partners
Active Mentors
In Action
See how peer support, mentorship, and community are transforming lives every day.
Support us
Join the Movement , Support, Mentor, or Volunteer Today
Give your time and skills to support community programs, events, and outreach efforts.
Volunteer
Collaborate with us to expand impact through programs, resources, and community support.
Partner with OAA
Help fund peer support, mentorship programs, and community initiatives that change lives.
Donate Now
Meet the Team
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Drayton Nabers, Jr.
Co-Founder
Drayton is a graduate of Princeton University, earned his law degree from Yale University in 1965. Before returning to Birmingham to practice, he was a law clerk at Justice Hugo Black on the U.S. Supreme Court. -
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Deborah Daniels
Executive Director & Cofounder
Deborah has championed many causes in Alabama, as well as actively serving on numerous committees and task forces focused on reducing recidivism of former offenders. -
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Dena Dickerson
Chief Operating Officer
Dena is a positive example of successfulness after incarceration. Previously serving as a case manager for a men’s homeless shelter, she acquired greater insight for the need of assistance for former offenders. -
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Julius Campbell
Program Director Savannah, Georgia
Julius is a passionate servant- leader, motivational speaker, and mentor who brings with him a host of relevant and relational skill sets that will aid in our commitment to encourage, educate, and empower our youth.
