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Girl by the Sea

PROGRAM FRAMEWORK:

Restoring Human Dignity Through Integrated Human Rights Services

Program Brief

Orpe Human Rights Advocates is a multidisciplinary human rights organization dedicated to restoring dignity, equity, and justice for underserved, vulnerable, and marginalized communities. Through a holistic set of programs, including legal aid, health equity initiatives, homelessness and housing interventions, poverty alleviation, vocational and leadership development, entrepreneurship skills, career development, shelter operations, and coordinated social support, OHRA advances a comprehensive ecosystem of empowerment.

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Grounded in international human rights principles and community-centered practice, OHRA provides direct services, advocacy, training, policy engagement, and crisis intervention. All programs are shaped by equity, inclusivity, and the belief that every person deserves safety, stability, and opportunity. Collectively, these efforts strengthen individual resilience, promote social justice, and build sustainable pathways out of poverty and systemic disadvantage.

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Rationale for Intervention

Despite progress in social services and public systems, many individuals and families across Maryland and the surrounding region continue to experience chronic injustices:

  • Inequitable access to legal support, leaving thousands vulnerable to housing insecurity, discrimination, immigration challenges, and family law issues.

  • Persistent health inequities, particularly affecting racial minorities, immigrants, low-income families, and unaccompanied individuals.

  • Growing homelessness and housing instability, worsened by economic shocks, rising rent prices, domestic violence, and limited shelter capacity.

  • Enduring cycles of poverty, exacerbated by unemployment, lack of marketable skills, limited career pathways, and system-level barriers.

  • Low access to leadership, entrepreneurship, and vocational training, which limits long-term economic independence.

  • Fragmented social support systems, which often fail to coordinate meaningful wraparound services.

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OHRA’s integrated model addresses these interconnected challenges through comprehensive programming that meets immediate needs, builds capacity, and fosters sustainable independence.

Program Goals & Activities

Goal 1: Expand Access to Justice Through Legal Aid

Activities:

  • Provide pro bono and low-cost legal representation (housing, family law, immigration, discrimination, human rights cases).

  • Operate legal clinics, help desks, and court navigation services.

  • Conduct legal rights education seminars and community legal empowerment sessions.

  • Advocate for policy reforms promoting justice and equity.

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Goal 4: Reduce Poverty Through Vocational Skills & Workforce Development

Activities:

  • Deliver hands-on vocational training (IT, culinary arts, construction, healthcare, warehouse operations, etc.).

  • Offer soft-skills training (communication, time management, digital literacy, personal development).

  • Provide certification pathways aligned with employer needs.

  • Create job placement pipelines with local employers.

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​Goal 2: Advance Health Equity & Well-Being

Activities:

  • Provide community health education (disease prevention, mental health, nutrition, preventive care).

  • Coordinate linkage to primary health care providers and community clinics.

  • Offer mobile outreach for at-risk individuals (homeless, immigrants, uninsured).

  • Conduct health screening events with partner agencies.

  • Promote culturally competent health navigation systems.

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Goal 5: Build Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Career Development

Activities:

  • Train emerging community leaders through leadership academies and mentorship programs.

  • Provide entrepreneurship training on business planning, financial literacy, and startup guidance.

  • Offer career coaching, resume support, job readiness workshops, and internship pathways.

  • Host empowerment seminars for youth, women, and marginalized groups.

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​Goal 3: Prevent and Reduce Homelessness Through Shelter Operations & Housing Support

Activities:

  • Operate a 30-bed shelter with trauma-informed care, case management, and supportive services.

  • Offer emergency shelter, transitional housing support, and rapid rehousing assistance.

  • Provide meals through a commercial kitchen and nutritional services.

  • Implement individualized housing stability plans.

  • Connect clients to rent assistance programs, landlord mediation, and legal advocacy.

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​Goal 6: Deliver Coordinated Social Works & Wraparound Support

Activities:

  • Provide social work case management for families and individuals.

  • Coordinate referrals to partner agencies (food aid, behavioral health, disability services).

  • Offer family strengthening programs (parenting workshops, youth support).

  • Conduct crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed counseling support.

  • Develop individualized service plans for each client.

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How OHRA Program Creates Impact in the United States

If OHRA provides integrated legal advocacy, health equity programs, housing and shelter support, skills development, leadership empowerment, entrepreneurship training, and coordinated social works then individuals and families will gain stability, protection, economic independence, and resilience.

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This leads to improved well-being, reduced homelessness, greater justice and safety, higher employment, and strengthened human dignity.

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Inputs

  • Skilled social workers, legal experts, educators, and health workers

  • Funding (government, donors, foundations)

  • Partnerships (community clinics, legal networks, workforce agencies)

  • Shelter facility and training spaces

  • Technology and data systems

  • Community leadership and advisory bodies

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Outcomes (Short to Medium Term)

  • Increased knowledge of legal rights

  • Improved access to healthcare

  • Reduced barriers to stable housing

  • Increased job readiness and workforce entry

  • Improved leadership and self-advocacy skills

  • Enhanced family stability and well-being

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Activities

  • Legal aid services

  • Health outreach and preventive education

  • Shelter operations and housing services

  • Vocational, leadership, entrepreneurship, and career development training

  • Case management and family support

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​Long-Term Impact

  • Reduced homelessness in the region

  • Stronger community leadership among marginalized groups

  • Higher employment and income rates

  • Improved health outcomes

  • Decreased poverty and systemic vulnerabilities

  • A more just and equitable society where human dignity is upheld

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Outputs

  • Clients receiving legal help

  • Health education sessions conducted

  • Housing placements and shelter stays provided

  • Number of trainees completing vocational programs

  • Number of participants in leadership/entrepreneurship programs

  • Families receiving coordinated case management

Sustainability Plan

The OHRA Sustainability Plan ensures that the organization’s programs: legal aid, health equity, homelessness and housing support, poverty alleviation, vocational and leadership development, entrepreneurship skills, career development, shelter operations, and coordinated social works remain effective, scalable, and resilient over the long term.  OHRA defines "Sustainability" as the ability to maintain program services and impacts beyond initial funding cycles, ensuring lasting improvements in the dignity, safety, and well-being of underserved communities.

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