The Linn County Board of Supervisors is hosting an Expungement and Employment Barriers Resource Clinic on Saturday, September 22, 2018, in Cedar Rapids for Linn County residents. The County is working with Iowa Legal Aid, the City of Cedar Rapids and other local agencies to offer a variety of services to prospective clients. The purpose of the clinic is to alleviate the inextricably linked burdens of incarceration, unemployment, poverty and loss of basic rights.
Pre-registration is required. A registration form can be submitted online through Linn County’s website at www.linncounty.org or by calling Iowa Legal Aid at 515-243-1193. The deadline for registration is Friday, September 14.
Once an application is submitted, Iowa Legal aid will determine if the case and client can be helped. Eligible clients will receive legal assistance for issues related to expungement, court debt, driver's license and vehicle registration issues, voting rights and criminal records that are being used in legally challengable ways.
In addition to legal assistance, eligible clients will receive information on obtaining housing, employment, financial planning and other related topics. The clinic will be held at the Linn County Community Services Building at 1240 26th Ave. Court SW.
“This clinic will be an incredible asset to the community,” said Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker. “We will help residents improve their own lives, remove barriers to employment and allow people to fully participate in society. This, in turn, helps our local economy by providing employers with access to individuals who are ready and willing to work.”
This effort is spearheaded by Supervisor Walker and stems from recommendations of the Safe, Equitable, and Thriving Communities Task Force report.