Have you ever made a mistake?

I know I have. I can think of plenty, professional and personal. Like the time in high school I came home from a track meet and went to a friend's house, hanging out there for hours without bothering to tell my dad. I still remember when he finally found me how worried he was. But I also remember that he did not ground me forever. I had a consequence--but he forgave me, and gave me another chance to prove myself responsible.

We all make mistakes. And we all need second chances. And this is what Christian Legal Aid of DC's (CLADC) Cleared to Thrive Campaign is all about.

April is second chance month, a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the barriers faced by millions of Americans with criminal records. Because even after people have experienced consequences for their mistakes, those mistakes can loom over them, making it hard to secure things like housing, jobs, education--the building blocks of a fresh start.

The law actually provides an avenue for a fresh start, with criminal record sealing for certain categories--but without an attorney, it's nearly impossible. That's where CLADC comes in. We help our vulnerable neighbors in the DC who can't afford an attorney. Our Cleared to Thrive campaign is aimed at rallying support and raising funds for our work helping provide second chances for people who want to rebuild their lives and clear their eligible criminal records.

I'm joining CLADC's campaign to help clear the way so that others can thrive.

Would you join me?