Safer Foundation

Wednesday, Safer Foundation was proud to host a New Leaf Illinois Record Relief & Legal Support Event at our Danny K. Davis Second Chance Center located on the West Side of Chicago. Through New Leaf Illinois funding, community members were able to access free resources, legal guidance, and support around record relief, expungement, employment barriers, and housing concerns. We appreciate the participation of legal partners Moran Center and Westside Justice Center.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, partnered with us, and continue to advocate for second chances and brighter futures.

If you or someone you know can benefit from record relief resources, stay connected with us for upcoming events, community support opportunities, and pathways toward a fresh start. Together, we create access, join advocacy efforts, and fight for second chances.


Illinois

Did you know that New Leaf Illinois can help clear your old cannabis record + all other eligible records?

If past charges are holding you back, it's worth finding out what's possible. Their network of legal aid organizations are here to help.

Call 872-NEW-LEAF or visit newleafillinois.org today.

Thank you to everyone who joined us last month at the CARRE Conference and helped make these conversations so meaningful.

We’re still reflecting on our Leadership for Advocates and Allies panel featuring Celia Colon, Marlon Chamberlain, Dr. Quintin Williams, and Greg Chambers.
Celia Colon, Founder and CEO of Giving Others Dreams, shared powerful personal highlights from the day. She spoke on the importance of the Clean Slate movement, community accountability, and creating equitable pathways for returning citizens. Her story is a reminder of what is possible when lived experience meets leadership and purpose.
We also recognize the contributions of:

• Marlon Chamberlain, Founder and Executive Director, Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments
• Dr. Quintin Williams, Senior Program Officer, Joyce Foundation
• Greg Chambers, Director of Policy, Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments
The conversation does not stop here.

Embrace allyship and collaboration. Support second-chance initiatives. Show up for returning citizens. Advocate for equitable policies that strengthen communities through civic participation and accountability.
Change happens when we move from awareness to action together.

Honoring the lives and sacrifices of those who served while continuing the work of building safer and stronger communities. Happy Memorial Day from Safer Foundation

Reposting this powerful story from The Chicago Community Trust highlighting how financial health impacts stability, opportunity, and second chances. Decartyse’s journey is a reminder of what’s possible when communities invest in people returning home. Proud to support this work alongside Safer Foundation.



https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1443756581113363&id=100064371056550&rdid=uLhwutDsfuniQiRi #

Join us for Clearing the Way: Free Record Relief & Legal Support—a community event providing trusted legal guidance and resources to help individuals move beyond past records.
Attendees will receive support with:
• Expungement and record sealing
• Cannabis-related record relief
• Employment and housing barriers
📍 Danny K. Davis Second Chance Center, Chicago
🗓 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Walk-ins welcome. No registration required.
Take the next step toward new opportunities.

Clear your past. Build your future.
Join our partners for an Expungement Workshop designed to connect you with legal knowledge, resources, and support to take the next step forward.
✔️ Learn what expungement is
✔️ See if you qualify
✔️ Get expert guidance
🗓 May 23 | ⏰ 10 AM – 2 PM
📍 Santori Library (Aurora, IL)
Open to the public — don’t miss this opportunity.

Don’t let past mistakes block your bright future. New Leaf Illinois can help you clear your old cannabis record - and any other eligible records in the process. They’re a legal aid network funded by the State of Illinois.

Call 872-NEW-LEAF or visit newleafillinois.org.