Jessi’s Story

In one case handled by CLA’s CORI/Re-Entry Unit, Staff Attorney Annie Maurer was able to help a client, “Jessi,” a young mother in recovery, remove barriers to employment.

Jessi sought employment as a home health aide but was prevented from getting work because the Department of Public Health (DPH) decided that she was “unsuitable” for the job due to her criminal record. Jessi did, in fact, have convictions from another state that occurred when she was a teenager. After five years of incarceration, Jessi completed probation, obtained her GED, completed substance use treatment, and began actively participating in mental health treatment. Not only that, Jessi also obtained her own housing and had a child.

To help Jessi, Attorney Maurer first contacted the relevant courts and obtained the police reports and dockets. Attorney Maurer then assisted Jessi in the appeal of DPH’s finding of unsuitability. This advocacy included helping Jessi draft her personal statement, which highlighted the steps she took toward recovery and reintegration. In addition, Attorney Maurer wrote a brief outlining the reasons DPH should reverse its finding. After receiving our advocacy packet, DPH overturned its finding and Jessi  immediately began training as a home health aide. Jessi ultimately became a licensed home health aide and now has a well-paying job which allows her to pay her rent and other expenses and support her young child.