A FRESH START AFTER CONVICTION
With 2020 on the horizon, there’s a lot of emphasis put on “getting a fresh start” and the idea of “new year, new you.” But this may be more difficult for some than others. Those who live in the shadow of a prior criminal conviction can find every step forward incredibly hard to make. If you or a loved one is going through this struggle, here’s some advice. BUILD A SUPPORT GROUP Sometimes, a conviction can alienate you from friends and family. In these moments, it’s important to reach out to those who are willing and able to help you get back on your feet. It can be embarrassing, but put yourself in their shoes. If someone you cared about needed your help, you’d want to know, right? This network of support can prove invaluable to help you find a job, create stability, and rebuild your social life. proactive in making sure you don’t slide back onto the wrong side of the law. If friends or family try to encourage you toward the same behavior that got you in trouble in the first place, set boundaries. If they continue to pressure you toward committing a crime, then distance yourself from these bad influences. VOLUNTEER In her blog “The Friendly Felon,” author Aza Enigma lists volunteer work as a great tool for anyone looking to restart their life. She writes of her own experience: “I didn’t just find something to do with my time; I met people with positive attitudes and huge networks of people.” These networks can also lead to further job opportunities, hobbies, and friends. CONSIDER EXPUNGEMENT For those that have been living with a criminal record for some time, expungement may be an option. Depending on the charge and the circumstances of your case, you may have the opportunity to clear your record and begin life anew. This can open up new opportunities for work and education and take the weight of the past off your shoulders. CUT OUT NEGATIVE INFLUENCES On the other side of the coin, you need to be
POTATO LATKES
Inspired by The New York Times
INGREDIENTS
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2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed 1 large onion, peeled and cut into quarters
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2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp black pepper
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2 large eggs
Safflower or vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
DIRECTIONS
1. Using either a food processor with a coarse grating disc or the coarse side of a box grater, grate potatoes and onion. (If using a food processor, halve or quarter potatoes.) Once grated, wrap in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth to wring out as much moisture as possible. 2. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mix in eggs, flour, salt, baking powder, and pepper. 3. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan containing 1/4-inch of oil over medium-high heat. Use a heaping tablespoon to drop batter into the hot pan, working in batches. Use a spatula or spoon to form them into discs. Fry about 5 minutes per side, until deeply browned. 4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain, and serve alongside applesauce and sour cream.
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