Fresh Start Expo provides resources for people impacted by justice system
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Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
People impacted by the justice system have a resource in the Valley as a Tucson-based Fresh Start Expo sets up for the first time.
Why it matters: People with criminal convictions face challenges finding jobs and housing and navigating other walks of life.
- The justice system also has a broader effect on families as a whole, said Matthew Stewart, founder of the nonprofit Our Sister Our Brother, which is helping to host the expo.
State of play: Our Sister Our Brother and FIBCO Family Services, another nonprofit, in partnership with First Institutional Baptist Church, are hosting the first Phoenix-based Fresh Start Expo at the Grand Canyon University Convention Center on Saturday from 9am-2pm.
- Tucson has held a Fresh Start Expo for several years, the most recent being earlier this month.
Zoom in: Community organizations, service providers and employers will be on hand to assist attendees with issues like restoring their civil rights, finding housing and jobs, dealing with outstanding warrants, expunging marijuana convictions and dealing with other criminal record issues. Family counseling and child safety consultations will also be available.
- There will also be free clothing and haircuts, gift giveaways, a bounce house and a climbing wall.
- Former NBA players Lafayette "Fat" Lever, Olden Polynice and Jeff Malone will be present, as will comedian Royce Bell, who will perform with fellow Wild'n Out comedians.
- Stewart said part of the goal was to give families a free and fun way to spend time together, in addition to providing services.
What they're saying: "When you take a parent out of a home, it really leaves a gap in the support for that child. Often, other relatives are filling in those gaps," Stewart told Axios. "A lot of these families do need additional support and many times don't know where to find that, particularly those involved in child welfare."
What's next: Stewart said the organizers hope to make the expo an annual event in Phoenix.