Forum to explore how second chances strengthen Kentucky’s communities and economies

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) will host a Forum on Increasing Access to Justice on Monday, July 20, bringing together leaders from the legal, business and nonprofit sectors to examine how civil legal services help remove barriers to employment and economic opportunity. The event comes as Kentucky continues to advance workforce initiatives such as the Kentucky Comeback campaign, which encourages employers to expand second-chance hiring for people in recovery from substance use and those with prior involvement in the justice system.

Speakers include Chris Evans, executive director of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. Attendees also will hear from Kentuckians who have overcome legal barriers with the help of local legal aid providers.

The first panel, "Unlocking Talent: How Second Chances Strengthen Kentucky's Workforce," will be moderated by LSC President Ron Flagg and feature Ryan Bowman, associate director of partnerships at the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, and Barbara Aker, corporate director of Family Pride at More Than A Bakery and Richmond Baking, a family-owned and operated contract manufacturing group in Woodford County, KY. The panelists will discuss how second-chance hiring strengthens Kentucky's workforce while giving people rebuilding their lives a greater chance at stable futures.

The forum's second panel, "The Power of a Second Chance: Stories of Work, Recovery and Hope," will feature firsthand perspectives on recovery, employment and the role of civil legal services in creating new opportunities. Moderated by Jenn Perkins, managing attorney of volunteer services and community engagement at Legal Aid Society, the discussion will include Felix Sharpe, counsel at Humana and a legal services expungement clinic volunteer, and Rachel Wheat Jackson, a therapist at Bridge to Recovery and former legal services client.

"Access to civil legal services can turn someone's life around," said Flagg. "But the impact extends far beyond the individual. When people can overcome legal barriers to work and stability, families thrive, employers gain skilled workers and entire communities grow stronger."

Following the forum, an awards reception will feature a keynote address from Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller.

LSC is hosting these events in partnership with Appalachian Research and Defense Fund (AppalReD Legal Aid), Kentucky Legal Aid, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass and Legal Aid Society. The forum will take place from 10-11:45 a.m. ET at the Louisville Marriott Downtown and will also be livestreamed on LSC's YouTube page.