Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic-Project Grace
December 12, 2022 by Marguerite
by Mackenzie Winchester, ’23
During the Fall 2022 semester, I was given the opportunity to experience firsthand how a faith-based organization can contribute to the development of the community. Despite growing up right outside of the city, I had never felt close to the Indianapolis community. Once a week, I would go to the Expungement Help Desk, a part of the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, in downtown Indy and meet individuals from all walks of life with a shared goal of receiving a second chance. The Help Desk, also known as Project Grace, emphasizes the importance of not judging others but rather accepting them and allowing for growth.
Over the course of the semester, I learned how to draft paperwork including court cost waivers, conviction and non-conviction petitions, and intake forms. These were types of paperwork that I did not even know existed in September, but through this work, I expanded my knowledge of legal jargon. The internship was not only challenging allowing me to grow, but it was very rewarding. As a college student, it is difficult for me to give because both time and money are scarce, but through this internship, I was able to prioritize helping the NCLC accomplish its mission. At the same time, I discovered my own passion for helping other people. While I am unsure what my future may look like, I am excited that it includes being a part of the Indianapolis community. The work that I was able to do for the Expungement Help Desk helped impact lives in a meaningful way. Every individual I interacted with had a different story to tell, and I witnessed how powerful grace and compassion could be in the lives of those who need it the most.