Although Jasmine McBride* worked hard to provide for her four kids by taking on various jobs, including food delivery and braiding hair, she still struggled to make ends meet. Ms. McBride was ready to take the next step in her career, but employers hesitated to hire her because of her past criminal records.

Ready to move forward and establish a better life for herself and her children, Ms. McBride contacted a Foundation grantee for help. The grantee helped Ms. McBride seal her criminal records, freeing her to find a better-paying job in healthcare. Now, Ms. McBride is employed as a licensed practical nurse — a job previously denied to her due to her records — and is on track to enter nursing school.

Ms. McBride’s story is hardly unique. One in three Ohioans, or nearly four million people, have a criminal record of some kind, according to Foundation grantee Ohio Justice & Policy Center. Additionally, in 2022, 18,000 Ohioans were released from prison, and an estimated 75,000 were released from jail.

As these Ohioans reenter society, the Supreme Court of Ohio is leading the charge in developing recommendations to help formerly incarcerated Ohioans seeking a fresh start. The Supreme Court of Ohio’s Reentry Task Force, formed by Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy in 2023, recently released its final report with 16 recommendations to improve outcomes for formerly incarcerated Ohioans. The holistic recommendations include support for health, employment, housing, and access to civil legal services.

The Foundation and its grantees join the Supreme Court of Ohio in helping low-income Ohioans access better employment opportunities and brighter futures. In addition to assisting Ohioans in sealing and expunging criminal records, Ohio’s legal aids and the Ohio Justice Bus also help Ohioans with suspended driver’s licenses navigate the reinstatement process to get back on the road so they can get to work safely and reliably.

“Ohio’s economy demands a qualified and reliable workforce,” said Foundation Executive Director Angie Lloyd. “Our grantees are doing crucial work that helps Ohioans improve job prospects, maintain employment, and earn promotions.”

*Name and photo have been changed to protect client privacy.

The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation is the largest funder of civil legal services in Ohio. A gift to the Foundation supports Ohio’s legal aids.