Second Chances Summit helps improve lives of Rockford area residents
Two dozen volunteer attorneys provided free legal assistance to 135 people hoping to expunge or seal their criminal records, opening the door for them to obtain better jobs, find better places to live or go back to school. Interest in second Second Chances Summit was so high that a third annual event is likely to occur next year.
Attorneys met one-on-one with summit attendees to reivew their criminal records and drafted the necessary documents to request judicial relief for those determined to be eligible under Illinois law. Eligibility depends on the type of offense and length of time without a subsequent charge.
"If you listened to the stories of any of the people who attended the summit, you quickly realize they are haunted for years or even decades by a past transgression that often wasn't a serious enough offense to even warrant jail time," State Senator Steve Stadelman said. "As a result, they've been underemployed and lack the financial resources to engage a lawyer. In extending a hand up to them, we are lifting our community as a whole."
During the summit at the Nordlof Center in downtown Rockford, attendees also could register to vote, apply for a library card and learn about employment opportunities and job retraining programs. In addition to the attorneys who donated a full day of their expertise at no no charge, several local law firms donated funds to offset costs associated with the event
Stadelman organized the summit in partnership with Prairie State Legal Services, Rockford Public Library and United Way of Rock River Valley.
' Wellness Fair ' offers free health services for fifth year
From flu shots to reflexology demonstrations, an array of free local and state services are being brought together by State Senator Steve Stadelman in his annual event focusing on women's health.
Admission and parking are free for Senator Stadelman's Women's Wellness Fair from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 16, in Kresge Hall at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St. in downtown Rockford.
Services available at Senator Stadelman's Women's Wellness Fair include:
• Influenza, shingles and pneumonia immunizations
• Blood pressure, blood glucose and body mass index (BMI) testing
• Massage and reflexology demonstrations
• Enrollment in the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program for uninsured women
• Illinois Organ and Tissue Donor registration
• Medicare and Medicaid advice
• Skincare consultations
Displays booths also will feature information on weight-loss support groups, essential oils, healing crystals and chakra stones.
Complimentary refreshments will be provided, and the harp and flute duo Emerald Wind will perform. Additional details are available at www.facebook.com/steve4womenshealth.
"Health care, especially for women, remains a central public policy concern," said Stadelman, who began the event in 2015. "I believe very strongly that a woman's ability to pay should never stand in the way of her receiving basic health care -- especially preventive care."
In case you missed me on Facebook ...
Lo pasé muy bien (I had a good time) at the Dia De Los Muertos celebration! The money raised will be used to buy backpacks filled with essentials and given to the children in the DCFS Foster Care Program. Great to see Ricardo Montoya Picazo, who works in Cheri Bustos' office, and Mayor Thomas McNamara!
