Client Testimonials

"In 2016, I was convicted of carrying a concealed weapon (CCW), and it affected my life and career tremendously. At the time, I had been working as a CNA at a nursing home for nine years and was attending college to pursue a nursing degree. That was all I had known since graduating from high school.

After my conviction, I was dismissed from my job and unable to renew my CNA license. This left me financially struggling to care for my family. I was forced to take on jobs I did not enjoy. Although I became good at them, I was never truly happy or fulfilled.

I am incredibly grateful to OPA and to Faith for giving me a second chance at life and helping me regain my confidence and happiness. Being able to expunge my record has made a life-changing difference. For years, I was denied job opportunities because of my past.

Recently, after my expungement, I reapplied to my former job caring for the elderly in a nursing home—and I was hired back. Words cannot express how happy I am to return to the work I love and feel so passionate about. It feels like I am finally able to pick up my life where I left off in 2016.

After seven years of rejection, I am ready to begin this new chapter, and I am deeply thankful for this program. I respectfully ask the State of Michigan and the organizers of this organization to continue funding these efforts, because everyone deserves a second chance to move forward from past mistakes.

I am also proud to share that I have been accepted back into nursing school and will begin classes this fall at GRCC.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Faith for her constant support, encouragement, and compassion throughout this emotional journey. I am also grateful to OPA for making a meaningful difference in our futures.

Sincerely,

Silvia Bazaldua"