“We are part of society again.”
The Reily Reentry Project is a major service program of the Louisville Urban League that supports clients seeking to expunge their records of conviction. “It was life changing for me and my family,” said Bobbie, a participant in the program. “With my record expunged, significant barriers were removed, allowing me to pursue my dreams.”
Karen says amen to that. “I wasn’t able to get a job and now I have my own landscaping business.”
Julie is another participant whose life was changed by the program. “Expungement allowed me to vote this year for the very first time. I am able to work with older citizens and their families are not worried about my criminal history.”
Karen concurs. “Having a record expunged is a relief, a burden lifted. I do not have to worry or cringe when employers run my record. I am more confident looking for jobs. I am a registered nurse now.”
For individuals with previous convictions, expungement opens up opportunities to access jobs, housing, and educational opportunities as they will no longer have to disclose their records on job applications, credit applications, or various other types of applications. For Herold, “The mental stress of having a criminal record has been lifted,” allowing him to help people freely. “I can now chaperone my grandson’s school field trips.”
The Reily Reentry Program has been described as transformative, pivotal, groundbreaking, and life-altering by individuals receiving LUL Expungement Services. Because of the program, Bobbi pursues a career that epitomizes paying it forward. “Through this program, I was able to return to school to study social work. I am now working under supervision to become a licensed practitioner, offering therapeutic support to individuals who have faced similar life challenges. My ultimate goal, my dream, is to help break generational barriers and bring healing to those who once felt hopeless, just as the Expungement Program did for me.”
