Fresh Start: Salem County Expungement Event Offers Hope for Many
Photo by Frank Santos
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was produced as part of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University’s South Jersey Information Equity Project fellowship and supported with funding from the Independence Public Media Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the NJ Civic Information Consortium.
BY FRANK SANTOS | South Jersey Information Equity Project
For many people burdened by past mistakes, the path to a better future can feel blocked at every turn. Job opportunities, stable housing, and financial security are often out of reach for those with a criminal record.
But in Salem County, a recent expungement event provided a powerful opportunity for individuals looking to reclaim their lives.
Led by Meredith L. Schalick, a Rutgers Law School professor and director of the Expungement Law Project, the event was held in partnership with South Jersey Legal Services and the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office. It provided free legal assistance to help eligible individuals erase or seal past convictions—giving them the chance to move forward without the weight of their records holding them back.
The room was filled with hopeful faces, each person seeking a second chance. Expungement is a crucial step for those looking to secure better employment, pursue education, and access improved housing options. Studies show that having a criminal record can reduce the likelihood of being hired by nearly 50%—a statistic that disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities.
Schalick emphasized the significance of such events, stating, “It’s been well publicized that the criminal justice system disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities, so expungement and legal services are often needed the most in those areas. Our opportunity to help communities get a second chance is what we’re really aiming to do.”
Supporters of the initiative included Kristin Telsey of the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office and Pastor Michelle of First Baptist Church in Salem County. Their involvement reinforced the event’s mission—not just to clear records, but to restore dignity and hope to individuals who have long felt trapped by their past mistakes.
Those who successfully complete the expungement process stand to benefit in profound ways, from securing better job prospects to qualifying for loans and mortgages. These aren’t just small wins—they are life-changing transformations that can uplift entire families and communities.
Held on Wednesday, February 26th, this event marked a turning point for many. And for those who missed it, another opportunity awaits: the next expungement event will take place in Paulsboro, NJ, on Thursday, April 17th, 2025.
In a society where past mistakes too often define futures, events like this prove that change is possible. For many in Salem County, this was more than just a legal service—it was a gateway to a fresh start and a hopeful future.
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