Melissa A.
I was treated with dignity and respect
I was treated with dignity and respect, first and foremost. I was trusted, as I provided evidence that I've become a working class citizen that provides to society by assisting others who struggle with the same issues I did. Evidence based practices have become a part of not only my personal life, but a part of my professional life as well. Having expungements on cases that were dismissed, but still affect my record, has been a small yet huge part of my recovery, in cleaning up my record, so as I'm not identified as instances in my past. It is a feeling that is indescribable. Having success in my profession has been difficult navigating the legal system and always having to prove to human services and legal systems that I'm able to work with the vulnerable population. Having been a member of said population, I believe those like me in recovery are the best to assist in other's recovery, yet having to always advocate and spend large amounts of money, time, and energy proving this becomes cumbersome. Especially when being questioned about court dismissals that happened 20 plus years ago, meaning a charge was dismissed, but is still on one's record. RASA is literally a godsend. Thank you RASA.




