Scaling Second Chances: Lessons from the Hilltop Move the Box Pilot
A mom homeschooling her kids at the library saw the sign that said “expungement applications” and whispered, “I need that.” Hours later, she became the first guest to walk out with her expungement process complete.
That moment was the heart of something much bigger. Over the past year, Make-A-Day had been in conversation with Deena Strategies about how to address one of the most stubborn barriers to housing and employment stability: the weight of an old criminal record. At the same time, the Hilltop Library invited us in for a community event. The timing was right. After our first event with Hilltop, sharing meals and connecting with neighbors, we knew this was the place to launch a new model for justice.
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Neighbors Saving Neighbors: Lessons from Save A Life Day
On September 25, neighbors across Franklin County gathered for Save A Life Day, a countywide effort to shift the overdose narrative from tragedy to prevention. From the packed room at Linden Fresh Market to the quiet reflection of the memorial table, the day was more than an event. It was a living demonstration of community care in action.
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Mindful Connections: Where Futures Take Root
Some days change lives quietly. At our Mindful Connections Pop-Up, 91 neighbors accessed housing, healthcare, recovery support, food security, and more, all in a single afternoon. From starting housing paperwork to getting a haircut before a job interview, every moment built momentum toward stability.
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