CLEAN SLATE CLACKAMAS, PCC CLEAR, NATIONAL EXPUNGEMENT WORKS (N.E.W.) TO HOST A WEEKLONG SERIES OF EVENTS IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL EXPUNGEMENT WEEK SEPTEMBER 19 — 24, 2022 (PHOTO)
News Release from Clackamas Workforce Partnership
Posted on FlashAlert: September 13th, 2022 8:30 AM
Oregon City, Oregon – September 13, 2022: In partnership with National Expungement Works (N.E.W), Clean Slate Clackamas, Clackamas Workforce Partnership, PCC CLEAR Clinic, Clackamas Community College, and Children’s Family Community Connections (CFCC), organizations will be hosting a weeklong series of events in support of greater social justice throughout the Portland-Metro Region.
Until recently, Oregon expungement law was so complicated and costly, only around 5.5% of eligible residents obtained relief. Clinics like Clean Slate Clackamas and the Portland Community College Clear Clinic in Multnomah County aim to change this – and provide qualifying individuals a transformational opportunity for a second chance.
National Expungement Week: Portland-Metro Schedule of Events (Portland-Metro)
PCC Cascade Campus, 10am – 4pm (PCC CLEAR Clinic)
Monday 9/19/2022: Expungement Clinic
Tuesday 9/20/2022: DACA Renewals, immigration legal screenings, deportation defense services
Wednesday 9/21/2022: Know Your Rights Clinic, Housing Resources, Eviction Expungement, Legal Defense Services
Thursday 9/22/2022: Community Resource Day, Cannabis Industry Partners, Community-Based Organizations and Non-Profits
Friday 9/23/2022: Expungement Clinic, Voter Registration, Youth/Juvenile Expungement
PCC Clear Clinic Paralegal, Sean Ferraro: “Since the beginning of the year we have hosted a free expungement clinic every Friday, and it is an incredibly helpful resource for the community. A criminal record can hold people back from many opportunities that most people take for granted, such as housing, jobs, and even educational access. While many Oregonians are eligible to have their record expunged, hiring a private attorney for help with the process can cost up to fifteen hundred dollars. By offering this service for free, we can reach more people than private attorneys. It also helps us build connections with the community.”
National Expungement Week: Portland-Metro Schedule of Events (Clackamas County)
Clackamas Community College, Oregon City Campus, 9am – 4pm (Clean Slate Clackamas)
Saturday 9/24/2022: Clean Slate Clackamas Jobs and Resource Fair and Expungement Clinic
With over 15 employers and 20 additional community resources available, this daylong event will bring increased access to resources and employment opportunities specifically geared to job seekers and their families who have been involved in the justice system. The free expungement clinic will provide an opportunity to for qualifying participants to apply for criminal expungement, youth/juvenile expungements, SB 819 applications, fine forgiveness referrals and more. Registration to the expungement clinic is required at https://www.clackamasworkforce.org/for-people/expungement-clinics/.
“It was my goal to create an event that provided access to local resources and support fand a strong list of employers who are ready to hire, specifically in support of participants who are justice involved, said Amanda Wall, Community Relations Manager at Clackamas Workforce Partnership. “Beyond the scope of the jobs and resources fair, the expungement clinic will provide an opportunity for a true second chance for our participants, which will lead to higher wagers, quality employment, better housing, education services and more.”
Clackamas Community College Workforce Development Services will be available as part of the jobs fair, focusing on career development, access to child care and education. “Expungement is a critical step for many folks in gaining stable, living-wage employment and is a great way for the college to support Clackamas Workforce Partnership and our community,” CCC Workforce Development Services Director Gabby Sloss said.
Children’s Family Community Connections are providing resources through the County like WIC, addiction recovery programs, voter registration, mental health and more. “Growing a vibrant county economy is one of Clackamas County’s strategic priorities, and expungement programs play an important role in that. Our employees involved with this event are proud to help residents improve their ability to pursue living wage jobs,” Rod Cook, Health, Housing and Human Services Department Director said.
National Expungement Week 2022 is a movement for the liberation of justice-impacted communities. Through holistic programming and resources including legal relief, wraparound services, and advocacy for expanded access to expungement, we build and restore pathways for generational healing, presence, and wealth.
Ashanti Stafford, N.E.W Volunteer and Organizer said “Anywhere you look in this country, it’s a harsh reality that our criminal justice system has harmed many of our communities, specifically BIPOC. And when you sit with that, you understand that people can’t truly go forward and heal if the wound isn’t allowed to close. That’s why expungement is necessary. We are only as strong as the community that holds us up. This being National Expungement Works’ 5th year, it’s been great seeing the community partners strive to combine our abilities and passions to affect real change. Oregon Senate Bill 397, setting out to expand expungement access was just the tip of the iceberg for the positive progress in Oregon laws. I’m looking forward to us serving more people, advocating for broader and deeper legal relief, and uplifting our communities that have been harmed by decades of a racial injustice.”
For more information about the week’s agenda, plus a link to registration, please visit https://expungeoregon.swoogo.com/2022
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About Clackamas Workforce Partnership: Clackamas Workforce Partnership is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building a strong workforce and dynamic economy in Clackamas County. Through public-private partnerships, CWP attracts funding for programs and services that help people develop new skills, obtain professional credentials; and secure a quality job that provides a living-wage, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional advancement. CWP also assists businesses in proactively addressing a key challenge to their success—a reliable pipeline of skilled local workers. As a convener of public-private partnerships, CWP works across all sectors and industries to strengthen the local workforce and create economic prosperity for all who call Clackamas County home.
About PCC CLEAR Clinic: PCC CLEAR (Community Legal & Educational Access & Referral) Clinic! The CLEAR Clinic is a free legal clinic at PCC Cascade in North Portland, providing the following free legal services to Oregonians. The CLEAR Clinic aims to help PCC community members reduce barriers to employment, housing, education, and well-being. We are dedicated to increasing access to justice and addressing the lasting impact of disproportionate law enforcement on people of color and low-income communities.
About Clackamas Community College: For more than 50 years, Clackamas Community College has offered high-quality education and training opportunities, lifetime learning and robust student life programming. Recognized for its committed, supportive faculty and staff, CCC offers programs and services in career technical, college transfer, literacy/basic skills, community education and business training to a diverse student body at three active campuses.
About National Expungement Works (N.E.W): National Expungement Works (N.E.W.) provides legal relief through record expungement, record sealing, record clearing and/or any other form of record relief that is allowed per local legislation. N.E.W. offers relief services year-round in addition to the Week of Action and Awareness – events and conversations across the country every September to help as many of the 77 million Americans with convictions on their records. These convictions can restrict access to housing, employment, education, public assistance, and voting rights long after sentences have been served
About Clackamas County’s Children, Family & Community Connections (CFCC): Children, Family & Community Connections provides workforce development, business productivity, weatherization, and youth wellness services for the people of Clackamas County.
Contact Info:
Amanda Wall, Clean Slate Clackamas, Clackamas Workforce Partnership
amanda.wall@clackamasworkforce.org
503-805-6456 | 503-657-6644 x105
Leni Tupper, PCC CLEAR
alena.tupper15@pcc.edu
Lori Hall, Clackamas Community College
lori.hall@clackamas.edu
Ashanti Stafford, N.E.W
ashantidstafford@outlook.com