LOUISVILLE, KY. – Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is a leading advocate for individuals seeking a second chance at life after incarceration. Recognizing the significant barriers many face upon reentry, particularly in securing stable employment, Goodwill’s commitment to this cause is exemplified through its expungement program. This initiative, which successfully cleared 6,680 records in 2024, represents a vital step toward rebuilding lives and fostering community reintegration.
Expungement is a legal process that enables individuals who have fulfilled their obligations to society and meet the requirements for expungement, which include maintaining a clean record for five years after serving their sentence, to seal their records from public view, effectively providing them with a fresh start.
For those who have served their time, the stigma of a criminal record can be an overwhelming obstacle, hampering the ability to find work and housing and rebuild personal relationships. In Kentucky, where tens of thousands remain incarcerated, the challenges upon release can be daunting, but expungement provides renewed hope for success. To provide these second chances, Goodwill partners with the Department of Corrections, Legal Aid Society, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, AppalReD Legal Aid, and Kentucky Legal Aid to host expungement clinics.
At clinics, experienced legal professionals work closely with individuals to determine their eligibility for expungement. If they qualify, Goodwill helps guide them through the entire process, ensuring they understand each step and have access to the resources they need. The nonprofit covers expungement fees, which can be as high as $600 per record, making this opportunity accessible to more individuals. In 2024, Goodwill also partnered with Easy Expunctions to make expungements available daily through a user-friendly virtual platform.
“Second Chance Month is a time to recognize the transformative power of expungements in the commonwealth,” said Dennis Ritchie, Goodwill’s vice president of strategic partnerships. “By removing barriers to employment and stability, we’re not just clearing records, we are opening doors to new beginnings and providing renewed hope.”
Goodwill’s holistic approach goes beyond just legal assistance. The organization also provides resources such as job training, resume building, and interview preparation, further equipping participants with the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. By addressing both the legal and practical challenges faced by those reentering society, Goodwill plays a pivotal role in transforming lives and promoting the message that a person’s past does not have to dictate their future.
Goodwill will continue hosting expungement clinics throughout the commonwealth in 2025, offering in-person and virtual options at its Opportunity Centers. For more information or to register for an upcoming clinic, visit GoodwillKY.org/Expungements.
About Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is a 101-year-old nonprofit organization that operates in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. The organization is committed to using resources from its 66 retail stores to help build pathways out of poverty for individuals who need a hand-up in life. In 2024, Goodwill helped place 3,092 Kentuckians into jobs with its 1,400-plus employer partners and inside its retail stores. Goodwill uses approximately 90 cents from every dollar generated in its retail stores to operate programs and services that help Kentucky’s hardest-to-serve job seekers build the life they desire.