Our Story

Drayton Nabers, Jr. and Deborah Daniels co-founded the Offender Alumni Association (OAA) in 2014 with their first support group in Birmingham, AL. This group included 5 former offenders.

After two years, OAA became an official 501(c)3 non-profit, and launched support forums in two major Alabama prisons, in addition to implementing its community revitalization initiative.

By 2017, over 500 former offenders and family members had attended the outside support forum and nearly 2000 had come to an in-prison support group.

OAA then added a family support group and hosted a Youth Career Readiness Initiative with 14 at risk youth in the summer.

In 2018, OAA launched two additional outside support forums (one in Birmingham West End and one in Atlanta Metro area), and started an inside forum for women at the Birmingham Community Base Facility.

OAA is looking forward to hosting its additional support groups in Birmingham-Eastlake, Huntsville, with additional locations in Metro Atlanta and Murfreesboro Tennessee scheduled by the close of 2018.

Mission Statement

The Offender Alumni Association’s (OAA’s) mission is to create a network of justice impacted individuals who inspire each other to reduce crime, develop healthy relationships within their community and provide opportunities for economic, social, and civic empowerment.

Vision Statement

To reduce crime and restore our communities.

OAA Values:

Integrity: We maintain the highest standards of accountability and confidentiality.

Productivity: We care enough to be consistent.

Restoration: We utilize the Credible Messenger approach to help others heal and gain skills that will assist them to a place of wellness.

Dedicated: We listen intently to learn, and practice unconditional love.

Give Back: We invest time to assist and empower our communities with resources.

Community: We work to reduce future incidents of violence and retaliation while promoting healing.

People Centered: We value and understand that people are the heartbeat of the world and its vast communities. By using a people-centered approach, we show respect for individuality and build trust and rapport.

OUR TEAM

In 2014 Deborah Daniels and former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Drayton Nabers Jr. cofounded the Offender Alumni Association (OAA) in Birmingham, Alabama.

Two years later, OAA became an official 501(c)3 non-profit.

Board of Directors

Brian Gunn | President| Birmingham Planning Commission
Ralph Hendrix | Programming Committee | UAB Community Corrections
Alford Jerome Dees, II, Esq. | Member | J.D. Walker & Associates
Ron Hamner | Member | U.S Dept of Veterans Affairs
Adlai Trone | Member | Entrepreneur

STAFF

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. Despite having been a repeat offender herself, she has evolved as a vocal change agent for empowering former offenders. It is her belief that having access to the necessary resources, tools and support most former offenders are more likely to transition back to society successfully and become productive citizens. She firmly believes the missing component to reforming the criminal justice system is positioning offenders for positive change and empowerment to maintain the change. With our incarceration being our nation’s leading crisis, Deborah is equipped to understand what is needed to make a significant difference.

Dena Dickerson, Program Director

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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. She believes that others, through their lived experiences, are uniquely purposed to provide support, assistance and encouragement to newly released offenders in becoming successful and productive citizens.

Dena’s analogy of the role of OAA helping former offenders: It’s almost like coming to the edge of the forest and the person wants to come to the other side because everything is so beautiful...and they just can’t make that step...and you just reach your hand in and say “I got you..”

Contact: dena1oaa@gmail.com | 205-434-3423

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OAA New Destiny - Gadsden, Alabama

Demetruis English

I enjoy doing what I’m doing because it feels good to help someone on this journey called freedom!

I believe in second chances, because I am a second chance recipient!

OAA Savannah - Savannah, Georgia

Julius Campbell

Julius Campbell is one of the newest members to the Deep team. As a Life Navigator, his lived experience is a welcomed piece to this diverse village. 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. He is a Minister, Founder Executive Director of OAA Savannah, and a TEDTalk speaker.

Listen to Julius’ TEDxDecatur Talk, “The People vs Recidivism: Helping Returning Citizens Succeed.”

Out of prison, into the fire, back to prison. It doesn't have to be that way. Julius Campbell, who spent over a quarter of a century in the Georgia prison system before his recent release, shares invaluable insights into the causes of recidivism and what we the people -- as individuals and as communities -- can do about it. After 26 years of incarceration, Julius has returned home a better rather than bitter man. His transformation while in the criminal justice system was driven by his earnest desire for rehabilitation and his faith. During his time in prison he pursued higher education, graduating from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry. In addition, he has added a host of necessary skill sets to his tool belt (i.e., mentoring, compassionate coaching, and motivational speaking). Since his release he has continued in his passion of encouraging, educating, and empowering others to finish strong.

Marie Jones

The mistakes I made, I do not want to make again. It has pushed me to the path that I am on now and my purpose, helping others, especially women and children. Becoming a mother at the age of 12 gave me what I needed to assist those mothers that are shattered and struggling to be understood, encouraged, and inspired to be as great as they can be, leaving their past behind. I am grateful to be a part of this great organization, one that believes in second chances, giving back and being a part of the solution, while elevating voices of those directly impacted by the criminal justice system.