3rd Annual C.O.R.I. Independence Day-Opportunity House

Project Coordinator, Keith Peters of Arise for Social Justice, spoke to a group of men at The Opportunity House this morning, June 19th. Keith spoke in depth on the logistics of sealing criminal records. The men at the Opportunity House are recovering from substance abuse and other health issues. Obtaining Employment and Housing can be difficult when you have a record with the criminal justice system. Keith promoted the upcoming CORI reform day being held at Blunt park in Springfield, MA on June 30th from 11:00am to 4:00pm. The men at the Opportunity House  had many questions around CORI and the 3 Strikes legislation currently being considered in Massachusetts.
The Opportunity House, owned by Behavioral Health Network- BHN, has 38  residents. The average stay at the House is from 6 to 7 months. With the help of a experienced staff, each resident is encouraged to establish a recovery network, rebuild family ties, find employment and housing.  It is one of the few effective programs in the state offering these services. Opportunity house has been open since 1971. BHN also operates "My Sisters House" a similar program for Women located in Springfield Ma.
Arise applauds the efforts of the Staff at Opp House for allowing all of the residents to attend this important event, both this morning and the upcoming event on June 30th