On Friday, Western New England University (WNE) President Robert E. Johnson and MGM Springfield President Chris Kelley joined representatives from MassMutual and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center to announce a series of events focused on criminal record expungement and career opportunities in conjunction with WNE School of Law's Center for Social Justice (CSJ).
On October 3, 2023 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. MGM Springfield will host WNE law students and other volunteers from the CSJ along with employees from MassHire Holyoke, who will provide information for those with a criminal record to learn about the expungement and sealing process. Attendees will have an opportunity to begin the process on-site by submitting a request for a free copy of their Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) report. In conjunction with this event, MGM will host a job fair to connect individuals with employment opportunities.
A follow-up joint event on October 26, 2023 from 2 to 5 p.m. coincides with the American Bar Association's Pro Bono Week (October 22-28th). Those who attended the October 3 event will be invited back to review their CORI with a MassMutual volunteer attorney and/or other legal volunteers who will assist on-site with the expungement or sealing process. This event will also be held at MGM Springfield.
"I am thrilled that Western New England University's Center for Social Justice and the School of Law's future lawyers continues to provide second chances and access to employment opportunities for those in need," said WNE President Johnson. "These events provide individuals with criminal records who may be facing barriers to housing, employment, and even education, an opportunity for a second chance. Together with our partners, we'll change people's lives."
"Criminal record expungement unlocks a meaningful second chance and builds a critical pathway toward enhanced workforce opportunities," said President and COO of MGM Springfield. "MGM Springfield is incredibly proud to partner with the Center for Social Justice at Western New England University School of Law, and MassMutual to assist in offering a fresh start. Expungement can be a first step in removing the obstacles of past mistakes, to create and shape a bright future."
The Center for Social Justice's Director Ariel Clemmer said, "The CSJ is proud of the work we have done with, and for, the community around CORI criminal record sealing and the expungement/sealing process in Massachusetts. The CSJ's CORI initiatives target racial and economic injustice and are intended to empower people by addressing the harms caused to people of color from the war on drugs. We partner with grassroots organizers, community partners, and volunteers to provide all clinic participants with free copies of their CORI records, one-on-one consultations with legal volunteers, preparation of petitions to seal/expunge, and brief legal advice."
All events are free and open to the public. Participants are required to bring a photo ID. For more information, call the Center for Social Justice at 413-796-2101.
