Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) announces the temporary limitation of intake for its Second Chance Project as it undergoes a strategic reconfiguration to enhance its impact. This decision comes as part of LANC’s commitment to continually innovate and improve its services to better meet the evolving needs of the community.
Emily Mistr, head of the Second Chance Project, explains, “We are essentially shutting down the Second Chance Project as it has existed and reconfiguring it. Up to now, we have primarily provided general intake and clinic events for expunction and some driver’s license restoration services to the public. We now aim to refocus our efforts to serve targeted populations more effectively.”
In collaboration with LANC’s Innovation Lab, Mistr will lead the reorganization effort. During this transition period, the project will have intake limitations to ensure efficient resource allocation:
- Services in New Hanover County: Due to overwhelming demand in New Hanover County, we are pausing phone intake for Second Chance Wilmington. We will only be accepting direct referrals from Port City United.
- Durham County Services: Individuals residing in Durham or with cases in Durham seeking expunction or license restoration assistance should apply for services in person at the DEAR office in the Durham County courthouse.
- General Intake for Other Areas Suspended: For residents outside of Durham, general intake for expunction or license restoration services is temporarily suspended.
“We understand the importance of these services for individuals seeking a second chance and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition,” says Mistr. “We anticipate unveiling the new program by mid-June, after thorough strategic planning and meetings.”
Legal Aid of North Carolina remains dedicated to its mission of providing access to justice for all, and this reconfiguration of the Second Chance Project reflects its ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to best serve the community.
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Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers to economic opportunity. Learn more at legalaidnc.org.
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Media Contact
Helen Hobson, Chief Communications Officer, 704-430-7616, HelenH2@legalaidnc.org