A series of expungement clinics aimed at helping individuals clear eligible criminal records and remove barriers to employment and housing will be offered across the region this summer through a partnership between the local chapter of the NAACP and Audubon Area Community Services.
The initiative, announced Monday by the NAACP Owensboro Branch and Audubon Area Community Services, will include four clinics in July as well as a community kickoff event on June 17.
Organizers said the clinics are designed to provide free legal guidance and support for people seeking to expunge eligible criminal records.
“These clinics are about more than clearing records — they’re about restoring dignity and creating real pathways forward,” said Michael Johnson, president of the NAACP Owensboro Branch. “Everyone deserves a fair opportunity to work, provide for their families, and contribute to the community. This partnership reflects our commitment to removing barriers and expanding access to justice.”
The effort will begin with a community launch event from 4-6 p.m. on June 17 at Foust Elementary School’s gymnasium. The event will allow attendees to meet with employers, housing providers, and community organizations while learning more about the expungement process and available resources.
Clinic dates and locations include:
- July 7, 4-7 p.m., Logsdon Community Center, 2400 Friendship Drive
- July 9, 4-7 p.m., Walnut Memorial Baptist Church, 519 Byers Ave.
- July 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Salvation Army, 215 South Ewing Road
- July 28, 4-7 p.m., H.L. Neblett Community Center, 801 W. Fifth St.
According to organizers, participants will move through a structured process that includes having their criminal history reviewed by a re-entry team, meeting one-on-one with an attorney, and receiving a determination on whether they are eligible for expungement.
Pre-registration is encouraged, though walk-ins will be accepted and can begin the process on-site.
Participation in the clinics is free. Organizers said required court-related costs for those who move forward with expungement may be covered, depending on available funding.
Individuals approved for expungement will be required to file a petition in the county where the clinic is held, contact the clerk’s office, and appear on a court docket within 30 days.
“Expungement is a powerful tool for helping individuals move from surviving to thriving,” said Samantha Taylor-Kaai, chief operating officer of Audubon Area Community Services. “When we remove barriers to employment and housing, we strengthen families, support economic mobility, and build healthier communities. We’re proud to partner with the NAACP to make these opportunities more accessible.”
Organizers said the clinics are intended to address the broader challenges people often face after involvement with the justice system by connecting participants with legal professionals, workforce partners, and housing resources.
