Offering Second Chances

Criminal records (known in Massachusetts as Criminal Offender Record Information, or “CORI”) can make it hard to find a job or housing and to successfully rejoin society. Helping formerly incarcerated people re-enter society and attain steady work and safe housing is an essential first step in enabling them to live safe, stable, and productive lives. CLA’s ability to effectively address these problems goes to the very core of the American belief in offering second chances.

When Jonathan first contacted CLA Staff Attorney Alyssa Golden, he worked for an organization providing post-incarceration job training and employment opportunities and wanted to discuss ways to connect people with resources offered by his agency and CLA.

While speaking to Attorney Golden, Jonathan disclosed he had a criminal record that posed many barriers in his own life. Jonathan was incarcerated for a period of time because of drug-related convictions. Not only did he face obstacles because of his convictions, but upon Jonathan’s release he had no job history. Jonathan began considering a career and realized his own experiences provide invaluable insight into how to help people living with substance use disorder navigate the myriad barriers posed by criminal records.

He proceeded to graduate from Westfield State University with a certification in addiction counseling.

Attorney Golden worked with Jonathan to assess his options and ultimately sealed every conviction on his record. She said, “Criminal records follow people around long after their interactions with the criminal court system have ended. CORI sealing is a powerful tool because it drastically decreases the number of entities who can access those records. It can significantly increase people’s options for accessing safe, affordable housing and pursuing steady employment.”

The knowledge that his criminal record has been sealed has positively impacted Jonathan’s view of the future. “Before meeting Alyssa, I felt hopeless. I felt so anxious about reaching out for help for myself, but she was so understanding and compassionate. I had never been the type of person to ask for help. I hadn’t considered that this could be an option, never mind something I could get help with for free. She saved my life.”