Goodwill Industries of Kentucky has partnered with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kentucky – in addition to many remaining partners – to continue to offer virtual expungement services in 2021.
A $25,000 investment by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky will be used to subsidize the services provided by Goodwill and partnering attorneys and staff at six virtual expungement clinics in 2021, each to be attended by 200 participants. The scheduled expungement clinic dates are January 21, March 18, May 20, July 15, September 16 and November 18.
“Expungement” is the process by which a record of criminal conviction is erased or sealed from state or federal record. An expungement order directs the court to treat the criminal conviction as if it had never occurred, essentially removing it from a criminal record. Anthem, Goodwill and partnering agencies – Legal Aid Society, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Legal Aid and AppalReD – will guide participants through the expungement process, run record checks, review previous charges and begin paperwork for the expungement.
As a result of the pandemic in 2020, Goodwill shifted expungement clinics to a virtual platform, which allowed the nonprofit to reach more participants throughout the Commonwealth. Last year, Goodwill helped more than 700 job seekers navigate the expungement process, proving that virtual clinics are effective in helping second chance participants reintegrate into mainstream society.
“Goodwill works hard every day to support people who seek employment, but need help getting a foot in the door or simply a second chance,” said Amy Luttrell, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. “We’re proud to have strong partners by our side so Kentuckians can work towards realizing their potential when given an opportunity.”
Goodwill’s virtual expungement clinics are in high demand due to the comprehensive expungement services provided. These services include processing of Kentucky State Police reports, extensive client follow-up and direct handling of court cases. These efforts, complemented by soft-skills training and career services, are conducive to prior offenders finding a second chance for meaningful, sustained employment.
For more information, email virtualexpungement@08r.7e6.myftpupload.com. Media releases and segments regarding the clinics can be found below:
- WPSD Local 6: Virtual expungement clinic: giving people second chances
- The News-Enterprise: Goodwill Industries to host virtual expungement clinics
- WHAS Great Day Live: Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
- WBKO: Goodwill Industries of Kentucky