Thanks to the Rotary Club of Eugene’s initial $1,980 investment in October 2024, and the collaboration of Restored Connections Peer Center (RCPC), Public Defenders Services of Lane County, and Lane Workforce Partnership, Set Aside Clinics have been expended across Lane County. To date, six clinics have been held, supporting 428 Lane County residents in filing for removal of eligible criminal history. These clinics provide free legal assistance, peer navigation, and hands-on help with paperwork, directly addressing barriers that prevent people from accessing employment, housing, and long-term stability.
The need for this work remains significant. It is estimated that of Oregon’s 4.1 million residents, approximately 1.4 million have a criminal record, yet only about 112,000 people who qualify have applied for expungement. This “second chance gap” is associated with an estimated $5,100 in lost earnings per person each year, underscoring the economic impact of unresolved criminal records. Even dismissed charges can create lifelong barriers, making access to expungement services a critical workforce and economic development strategy. By offering these clinics, participants who have paid their debt to society get a chance for a fresh start by helping expunge their non-violent criminal histories. The impact of this effort will be felt for years to come, and we are excited to see how it continues to grow. In addition to grant funding, the Rotary Club of Eugene is proud to note that our members also volunteered to assist at the clinic in Eugene, contributing their time and effort to ensure the event ran smoothly. Our volunteers’ commitment is a true testament to the power of collaboration in driving positive change.
Rotary’s investment helped ensure these clinics remained truly low barrier. Through a shared cost model, no participant was turned away due to inability to pay the $33 filing fee required by the Oregon Sheriffs’ Department. The Rotary Club of Eugene’s leadership as a funder made it possible to leverage public and nonprofit dollars, ensuring equitable access to justice and opportunity. Thank you to our club members for supporting this effort and helping neighbors move forward with dignity, stability, and renewed opportunity.
The Rotary funding was made possible by a generous grant from the Eugene Rotary Charitable Fund. The funds were used by the Restored Connections Peer Center to cover court filing fees in collaboration with the Public Defender Services of Lane County, Inc. Their support ensures participants can take steps toward a brighter future, free from the burden of past criminal records. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community, one step at a time!
Not shown: Rotarians Jesse Quinn and Liz Ness, Jay Silverman, Mike Grudzien, Dan Montgomery and Jerry Harris. There were so many volunteers on hand that we had to ask some to leave early to relieve crowding!