Project Opportunity

Project Opportunity is a pilot initiative that aims to create equitable opportunities for Boston residents with CORIs. The program:

• Connects residents with free legal consultation for sealing or expunging records
• Convenes panel discussions to address challenges and solutions for residents with CORIs
• Connects residents with key resources for well-being
• Trains City departments to meet the needs of residents with CORIs

Sealing and Expungement

Make an appointment with a volunteer lawyer from Project Opportunity’s partner, Lawyers Clearinghouse, to review the possibilities for sealing or expunging your CORI. The entire process is FREE. Project Opportunity will cover the cost for the lawyer to access your CORI, and if your record can be sealed or expunged, the lawyer will continue to provide full representation. This means they will handle all necessary hearings, petitions, or other paperwork to resolve your case.

If your record cannot yet be sealed or expunged, the lawyer can still give you helpful information about when it may be eligible. You may return for another free appointment at that time.

Click the button below to get started today!

Make an Appointment

Want to help get the word out about sealing and expungement options? Share the flyer.

Events

The following free, virtual CORI-friendly events are part of the Community Job Fair & Resource Fair series presented by the City of Boston and partners.

Workshop: Resume Basics
Wed, Oct. 6, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Learn the purpose of a resume, understand how it’s used, and start to organize your work history into a basic resume format. 
WATCH THE WEBINAR

Workshop: Interview Basics
Wed, Oct. 13, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Be prepared and confident for your next job interview! Learn about types of interviews, interview etiquette, proper responses, and “end of interview” strategies.
WATCH THE WEBINAR

Community Resource Fair
Wed, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Get connected with organizations that offer education opportunities, job training, and critical resources. Participating organizations include Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, Project Place, Suits and Smiles, and more. See the full list.
WATCH THE WEBINAR

Community Job Fair
Wed, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Learn about job openings with CORI-friendly employers and submit your resume to employers that interest you. Participating employers include Amazon, CentiMark, Greater Boston Food Bank, Whole Foods, and more. See the full list.
REGISTER HERE

Previous Panels

Project Opportunity regularly holds virtual panel discussions on different topics that highlight challenges and solutions for people with CORIs. Check back soon for information on the next virtual panel. Or watch previous panel discussions below.

COVID-19 & CORI: Reengaging in the Workforce for Residents Impacted by CORI. June 11, 2020

Entrepreneurship for Residents with CORI. July 23, 2020

Working with CORI & Recovery panel. Oct. 29, 2020

Resources

How & Why to Create a Resume (video)
 Learn the purpose of a resume, understand how it’s used, and start to organize your experiences into a basic resume format. Sample resumes will be shared, too. 

Interview Basics (video)
 Be prepared and confident for your next job interview! Learn about types of interviews, interview etiquette, proper responses, and “end of interview” strategies. 

Job Fair Prep (video)
 The best job candidate is a prepared candidate. Learn all of the key factors to making a good impression before, during, and after the virtual job fair.

Job Fair (video)
Learn about CORI-friendly employers, such as Amazon, Boston Cityscapes, Flour Bakery, Greater Boston Food Bank, LaborMax Staffing, Monroe Staffing, Recover Green Roofs, VPNE, and Whole Foods Market.

Resource Fair (video)
Learn about CORI-friendly job training and education resources: City Academy, Suffolk Construction, ABCD HOPES Program, CodeSquad, Community Work Services, Dress for Success, JVS Adult Diploma and Bridges to College and Careers, Project Place, Resilient Coders, Suits and Smiles, and the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts

For essential resources, such as food and housing, please visit this resource page on the City of Boston website.

Partnering Departments

Project Opportunity is a collaboration of several departments of the City of Boston. Their lead representatives are below.

Contact

For questions, please contact Bethany Serota at bethany.n.serota@boston.gov.