Media contact(s):
Lester Holmes, (216) 881-4598, lester.holmes@jfs.ohio.gov 

Cooking Competition, Juvenile Expungement Workshop Amongst Activities Planned to Assist Returning Citizens April 25-29

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry, in collaboration with various community groups and organizations, is proud to announce Reentry Week 2023. The week-long series of events, themed "Restoring the Returned," will take place from April 25th to April 29th, with the aim of providing resources and support to individuals with criminal convictions, empowering them to become productive members of society.

Some featured events include:

Tuesday, April 25th - "Chopped4Change" Cooking Competition: The culinary skills and talents of student participants from Grafton and Northeast Reintegration Center will be on display during this inaugural event.

Thursday, April 27th - Youth Justice for You: The ACLU and Ohio Public Defender's Office will partner to educate the community on the process of sealing juvenile court records and juvenile expungement at the NorthStar Neighborhood Reentry Resource Center. Juvenile records do not go away after an offender turns a certain age, and this event will provide essential knowledge and support to those affected.

Saturday, April 29th - Breaking the Chain Expungement Clinic and Job Fair: This event is hosted by the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Center for Employment Opportunities at John F. Kennedy High School. This event will offer individuals with criminal convictions the opportunity to learn about the expungement process and employers who want to give returning citizens a second change for job and career opportunities.

Other events throughout the week will include town hall meetings, community forums, and family-oriented activities. View a complete listing of Cuyahoga County Reentry Week activities.

Reentry Week was established by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2016 to improve reentry outcomes and raise awareness of the importance of successful reentry. Simeon L. Best, Director of the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry, emphasizes that it is essential for the County to provide resources and support to citizens returning from incarceration.

“Reentry Week 2023 will not only highlight the challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society but also celebrate the positive contributions made by those who have successfully returned to society,” said Best.