LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Community members gathered Thursday to celebrate Juneteenth while also addressing ongoing challenges that continue to create barriers for many Americans.
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) hosted a criminal record sealing clinic to help qualifying individuals prepare the paperwork needed to file for their records to be sealed. Organizers said the event was designed to support people who have been incarcerated and are working to successfully reintegrate into society.
For qualifying nonviolent offenders, having a criminal record sealed can open doors to employment, housing and other opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to obtain.
"It was a huge benefit, of course, because it's sort of a fresh start. And so, yes, people make mistakes, but you shouldn't be prevented from getting housing, getting a job, even owning a gun. There's things that with an expungement and a sealing of your records, you can actually open up different corridors of society so you can be a part of society once again," said Kristie Ortiz of Advocates for Basic Legal Equality.
ABLE had 25 people register for the clinic, with six individuals qualifying to receive assistance in preparing documents to file with the court.
Several other organizations were also on hand to promote re-entry programs and resources available in the community. Organizers said holding the event on Juneteenth served as a reminder that many systemic barriers still exist and that efforts to create equal opportunities must continue.
"We have license disparities. We have, charges, crimes and things of that nature. And this is just one way to give them an even playing field, right? Give them something to work for. Give them a reason, a why behind the reason. And they'll be more, they'll be more attainable to do it for themselves," said organizer Amber Basares.
ABLE representatives said they plan to return to LACNIP in late September to host another criminal record sealing clinic.
