Moderator and panelists who discussed the importance of and opportunity for Clean Slate legislation in Ohio. (left to right): Verjine Adanalian (OJPC Second Chance Director), Sheena Meade (CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative), Rep. Brett Hillyer (Ohio State Representative District 51), Lamont Sapp (OJPC Client), and John Rush (CEO of CleanTurn)

Photo by The New Studio

Special Thanks to our Benefactor Ticket Guests: Jody Yetzer, Aly Kayne, and Casey Shupe

Photo Gallery Below (Photos by The New Studio)

Ohio Justice & Policy Center held its annual fundraising event, raising nearly $100,000 to support legal services, at Anderson Pavilion at the end of September. Highlighting the 20th anniversary of OJPC’s Second Chance Project, the theme “Redemption for Ohioans: Clean Slate Ohio” drew attention to the opportunity for clean slate legislation in Ohio. Clean slate legislation would automate the clearing of eligible criminal records after a specific amount of time and provide redemption for over a million Ohioans.

Featured speaker, Sheena Meade, CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative, gave a passionate address about the importance of this type of legislation and that someone’s worst day should not define the rest of their lives. Sheena then participated in a panel discussion that included John Rush (CEO of Clean Turn, a second chance employer), Rep. Brett Hillyer (Ohio Representative who introduced the current proposed bill), and Lamont Sapp (OJPC client). OJPC Second Chance Director, Verjine Adanalian, facilitated the panel conversation and discussed the barriers to employment, housing, and more faced by OJPC clients due to their records.

OJPC recognized a long-time partner in the Statehouse who has worked hard over the course of his career on criminal justice reform, the Honorable William J. Seitz III, with the inaugural “David A. Singleton Zealous Advocate Award.” Rep. Seitz shared his thoughts on the benefits of giving people second chances.

It was an informative and timely discussion, and we are grateful to all who were able to join us and all those that support our work.

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