Present Pillars in Benton Harbor is planning its next Expungement Resource Fair for next month.

The organization’s Nicholas Gunn tells us the fairs are designed to provide direct support for those seeking a fresh start, with legal experts and advocates on-site to guide attendees through the process of getting their criminal records cleared when possible.

“We have volunteer attorneys and those that are there to help with legal counsel, and they’re able to walk participants and community members who come through those doors through how to get expungement on things that may be on their record,” Gunn said.

Gunn says with previous expungement events, Present Pillars has helped more than 500 people through the process, which can be complicated.

“It’s an amazing thing that we’re doing here at Present Pillars. Even at the fairs, we’ve talked to people, and many people have heard about expungement, but they didn’t know that they were eligible, or they didn’t know how to navigate this resource.”

Present Pillars says it’s encountered too many people in the community who are still being held back by mistakes in the past. It wants to help those that are eligible get a clean slate.

The Expungement Resource Fair will be September 20 at the Walmart in Benton Harbor from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Gunn says they selected that location because it’s a high-traffic area that could bring in a lot of people.

Those who plan to attend are advised to register in advance so the attorneys present can know some basics of their situation. You can register right here.