Meet Alessaundra Shallal, an SIS senior, majoring in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Legal Studies, who is also minoring in International and Comparative Studies. She is interning with Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources (OAR) NOVA as a Services Coordinator this semester, and has her pick of any department for her spring internship with them. She is currently deciding between Court Programs or the Re-Entry and Family Services department, consulting with department heads and interns to make an informed choice. Whatever department she ultimately joins, she is excited to contribute.
What were your main responsibilities?
As the Service Coordinator Intern, I get to be at the heart of OAR’s work: welcoming and supporting justice-involved individuals and their families, coordinating urgent resources, and helping people reconnect with their communities after incarceration. I serve as the first point of contact for clients walking through our doors, whether that means offering food, hygiene items, clothing, or transportation, or guiding them through our intake process to connect them with a case manager. I also maintain confidential client records in the OAR database, handle communications across phone and email, and collaborate with partner organizations to keep our community resource spreadsheet up to date.
The work can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring a strong ability to multitask and sound judgment. I’m trusted by my supervisors to manage sensitive situations independently, applying professionalism and discretion in every client interaction.
How did you find this internship opportunity?
Originally intended as a volunteer experience, the former volunteer coordinator and I connected so well during my interview and onboarding that OAR decided to transition the role into an internship instead.
I think this internship is particularly valuable as someone going into law, because it reflects the real-world impact of crime and the administration of justice. We meet our clients at what is hopefully the end of their involvement with the justice system, yet re-entry often remains difficult and shaped by systemic disparities. Experiencing the law from a client-centered perspective is such a unique opportunity and will undoubtedly shape how I approach the law as an attorney.
How did your coursework help you succeed in your internship?
As a Legal Studies senior, I’ve had extensive interdisciplinary coursework and leadership opportunities rooted in humanities and government theory. INTS’s versatility has allowed me to pursue my passions in social justice, critical race theory, and the justice system – criminal or otherwise.
At OAR, I see firsthand how much a nonprofit can do for the community, especially in areas where certain criminal charges are so prevalent (i.e., drug use, domestic violence, larceny, etc.). It also makes clear how incarceration is driven by social inequities and disproportionately impacts minority communities. That’s why I feel honored to use my integrative learning to contribute to nonprofit work that feels purposeful, while also gathering transferable legal skills.
Did you work on any special projects or with any inspiring mentors?
When I first started my internship, I noticed that clients weren’t really using the flyers or resources in the lobby. To make them more approachable, I added small notes of encouragement like “Food coupons: please take one!” This simple change worked wonders, as almost all the resources were taken within a week. Later, I watched a client wait over an hour and a half for his appointment (he had come early to show his commitment to the re-entry process), and I realized there wasn’t nearly enough in the lobby to keep clients engaged, especially since many don’t have functional phones. That experience made me think about how we could improve the space by adding books, activities, plants, and other resources to make the lobby feel more welcoming and non-carceral. When I shared the idea of sprucing the space with increased colors and lively furniture, my supervisor backed me fully and even offered to teach me how to coordinate donations, giving me ownership of the project.
As part of what I like to call “Operation Lobby,” I have: 1) replaced all signage; 2) updated both bulletins with information that will remain relevant even after my internship; 3) created themed word searches, coloring pages, and crosswords centered on mindfulness; and 4) reinstated the giving library – which I am most proud of.
Originally an initiative started in honor of the late and longstanding employment developer at OAR, Mike Malovic, the library was ultimately left behind, with only one book on the shelf when I started my internship. Now, in only 2 months, the library boasts over two shelves of donated books, contributed through outreach efforts to OAR staff and community partners. I also was more than happy to give some of my own books to get the ball rolling. The collection spans a wide range of genres (which I have since labeled and indexed for inventory) – from self-help, career development, and relationship guidance to religion, poetry, and fiction – and clients are welcome to take one or two books per visit. This project intends to normalize mindfulness and positive habits for our clients. It helps clients shift away from mistrust of institutions (and of themselves) toward a mindset of growth and change. I’m also deeply honored to have the opportunity to carry on Mr. Malovic’s legacy.
I look forward to receiving more furniture donations to truly bring a fresh look to the lobby, as well as collaborating with the community and OAR staff to fully stock the bookshelf before I transition from this position. I’m incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my incredible supervisors and colleagues at OAR, and I’m proud to use my platform to give back and support those in need.
November 13, 2025