Second Chance Clinics

Introduced in 2023, Social Change's Second Chance Clinics stand as one of our most transformative initiatives to date. These clinics directly address the devastating generational impact of the "New Jim Crow" phenomenon—the legal subjugation and systemic discrimination tied to criminal records.

Record discrimination denies individuals access to life’s core necessities, such as employment, housing, and education. It determines their quality of life, perpetuates cycles of recidivism, and leaves families mired in poverty. This, in turn, can cut decades from their life expectancy compared to those without records.

To help free individuals shackled by these injustices, Second Chance Clinics provide high-quality, compassionate legal assistance and representation. By working alongside trusted organizations such as Rights and Restoration, we amplify the impact of these clinics. These partnerships enable us to:

  • Offer specialized legal expertise, addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with records.

  • Unburden individuals of legal fees, eliminating financial barriers to expungement and sealing.

  • Address the collateral consequences of over-punitive systems.

  • Provide fresh groceries to registrants, ensuring immediate support for their families while addressing systemic barriers.

Impact in 2024

In just six (6) Second Chance Clinics, we averted over $285,000 in court fees and legal costs, helping 190 individuals with expungement and sealing cases. These clinics have become an essential resource for individuals still grappling with stigma and systemic barriers long after serving their sentences.

Our Collaborative Approach

Through partnerships with expert organizations like Rights and Restoration, we ensure our clinics remain effective, accessible, and empowering. These collaborations bring:

  • Legal expertise tailored to the unique needs of those impacted by record discrimination.

  • Support systems that address both immediate and long-term challenges.

  • Holistic care, including fresh groceries, to meet the immediate needs of registrants and their families.

Check out these powerful testimonials and interviews from people who received the help they needed to navigate the expungement process. Their stories highlight the transformative impact of removing systemic barriers and opening doors to new opportunities.