You Have Rights
Right to work: Employers can’t automatically disqualify you. Some jobs have restrictions (childcare, licenses), but most don’t.
Right to housing: Fair housing laws protect you. Some landlords discriminate illegally. Know the law and enforce it.
Right to education: Criminal conviction doesn’t prevent you from getting education. Financial aid is available. Some schools specifically serve reentry students.
Right to voting: If your sentence is complete, you can vote. Some restrictions exist in some states, but many rights are restored.
Right to parental rights: You can petition to restore parental rights. Processes vary. Legal help exists.
Right to expungement or record sealing: Depending on your conviction, you might be able to seal or expunge your record. This erases it from public view. Talk to a lawyer.
Right to driver’s license: You can get a driver’s license if you meet state requirements. Some offenses might restrict this temporarily.
Resources in Akron & Summit County
Hope and Elevation Behavioral Health Specializes in justice-impacted individuals. Offers behavioral health services, reentry support, community connections, referrals to employment and housing resources.
Legal Resources:
- Legal Aid Society of Summit County: Free legal help for low-income individuals
- Ohio Justice and Policy Center: Works on criminal justice reform and individual case support
- Local public defenders’ offices: Some continue to work with clients post-sentencing
Employment:
- Local One-Stop Career Centers: Job training, job placement, resume help
- Vocational rehabilitation: Training for specific trades
- Apprenticeship programs: Paid while you learn
- Second chance employers: Companies specifically hiring justice-impacted people
Housing:
- Housing authorities: Public housing programs
- Nonprofits: Transitional housing, rental assistance
- Churches and community organizations: Often have housing resources
Education:
- Summit County schools: GED programs
- University of Akron: Community programs, financial aid
- Community colleges: Certificates, degrees, financial aid
- Online education: If mobility is limited
Substance Abuse Treatment:
- County health departments: Connections to treatment
- SAMHSA Hotline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- AA, NA, SMART Recovery: Peer support groups
Mental Health:
- County mental health services
- Hope and Elevation: Trauma-informed care
- Crisis hotlines: If in acute distress
Peer Support:
- Support groups for formerly incarcerated people
- Mentorship programs
- Faith communities
- Community organizations
How to Access Resources
Start with Hope and Elevation: They know the landscape. They can connect you.
Ask your parole/probation officer: They have information about local resources.
Call 211: Dial 211 or visit 211.org. Describes local resources by category.
Search online: City and county websites list services.
Ask your social worker, counselor, or therapist: They know what’s available.
Ask other people in reentry: Peer knowledge is valuable.
Restoration of Rights
Voting rights: Restored in most cases when sentence is complete. Check your state’s specific rules.
Gun rights: Felony convictions restrict gun ownership. Restoration is possible in some cases and requires legal help.
Parental rights: Custody/visitation might be restricted. You can petition for restoration.
Professional licenses: Some require waiting periods, others require application.
Each situation is different. Legal advice helps.
Working With a Lawyer
You might qualify for free legal help:
- Legal Aid: If low-income
- Law school clinics: Free services
- Pro bono attorneys: Lawyers volunteering
If you need to hire a lawyer:
- Ask other people in reentry for referrals
- Check bar association websites
- Interview multiple attorneys
- Understand fees upfront
Government Benefits
You might qualify for:
- SNAP (food assistance)
- Medicaid (health coverage)
- TANF (temporary cash assistance)
- Housing assistance
- Utility assistance
Apply. You’ve paid taxes. These are resources available to you.
When You’re in Crisis
Immediate safety threat: Call 911
Mental health crisis:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Local emergency room
- Hope and Elevation crisis support
Legal emergency: Call your parole officer or a lawyer
Substance use crisis: SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357
Homelessness: Call 211 or local shelter
You don’t have to handle crisis alone.
Long-Term Resource Planning
Reentry is about building toward independence. Use resources strategically:
Year 1: Use everything available to stabilize Year 2: Use resources to build skills and stability Year 3+: Transition to less support as you build self-sufficiency
The goal: You become the resource for others.
Real Talk About Resources
You’re not less-than for needing help. You’re human. You’ve been through something hard. Resources exist because reentry is genuinely complex.
Use what’s available. Build from what you have.
The Community Commitment
Akron and Summit County organizations understand reentry. Hope and Elevation is committed to your success. We have the knowledge, connections, and resources.
You’re not alone in this.
Reach out. We’re here.