WKSU News: Akron's re-entry clinic is expanding to help people with records find jobs

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Akron's re-entry clinic is expanding to help people with records find jobs The University of Akron's clinic offers free assistance with filing the forms the state uses to establish someone’s a good employment risk in spite of their record by WKSU's MICHAEL BRATTON	Reporter Michael Bratton

Sahl says the new grant allows the clinic to improve lives throughout the state.

Courtesy of The University of Akron

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The University of Akron’s Re-entry Clinic is getting a $67,000 grant from the Ohio State Bar Foundation to help people with criminal records get jobs.

The clinic offers free assistance with filing the forms the state uses to establish that someone’s a good employment risk in spite of their record.

The new funds will expand the clinic’s reach outside of Summit County, educate employers on the benefits and survey applicants who receive the so-called Certificate for Qualification of Employment from the state about the program’s success.

Associate Professor Joann Sahl says the grant now allows the clinic to improve lives throughout the state.

LISTEN: Sahl on growing the program

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“You no longer have to live in Summit County to get help," said Sahl. "There are now other places in Northeast Ohio and in Northwest Ohio where you can get assistance with the CQE application. So it’s really expanded what I like to call the ‘path to hope’ for so many people who deserve a second chance.”

In addition to Summit County, Northeast Ohio residents can now gain assistance in Cuyahoga and Mahoning counties.