Media contact(s):
Lester Holmes: (216) 881-4598, lester.holmes@jfs.ohio.gov
Mary Louise Madigan: (216) 698-2521; mlmadigan@cuyahogacounty.us 

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – As many employers throughout Cuyahoga County seek qualified individuals to fill their open positions, Cuyahoga County is doing its part to provide people with past criminal records opportunities for employment and a fresh start. The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry will host the Central Surge Expungement and Resource Fair to help them get the legal help and resources they need to qualify for local jobs.

What: Central Surge Expungement and Resource Fair
When: Saturday March 26th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Friendly Inn Settlement (2386 Unwin Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44104)

An expungement is a legal process that clears any reference of past criminal convictions provided under Section 2953 of the Ohio Revised Code. Volunteers from the Cuyahoga County Office of Public Defender, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, and the Law Clinics from Case Western University and Cleveland State University, respectively, will counsel expungement applicants through the process. The event is free and open to the public with registration.

In addition to legal help, more than a dozen County agencies and community groups will be onsite to provide resources for education, employment, housing, food assistance and medical care.

Simeon L. Best, the Director of the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry, said it is important to provide these opportunities for the formerly incarcerated as they reacclimate themselves to society.

“The Office of Reentry understands how important employment is to a person’s successful reintegration into society. Therefore, we are bringing resources to members of the Central neighborhood that can aid them in overcoming employment barriers and ultimately sustain their reintegration process,” Best said.

To participate in the Central Surge Expungement Clinic, register at https://hhs.cuyahogacounty.us/office-of-reentry. All questions can be directed to Cuyahoga-Reentry@jfs.ohio.gov.