Department of State, community partners serve more than 250 local residents at Road to Restoration clinic in Lansing

The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) joined local partners in Lansing for a Road to Restoration clinic, continuing a collaborative effort to aid Michiganders in taking the necessary steps to restore their driving privileges. More than 250 area residents attended the Lansing clinic, hosted by Union Missionary Baptist Church.

In 2021, changes to state law lifted suspensions for drivers who failed to pay tickets or court fines or failed to appear in court for certain non-moving and other violations.

While the new laws removed suspensions for more than 150,000 Michiganders, many must still take further action to get their driver’s license restored. Now in its second year, the Road to Restoration program is a successful public-private partnership that has served more than 4,750 Michiganders at 21 clinics in 11 cities. At each clinic, residents meet one-on-one with expert staff to go over their driving record and learn what steps they must take to restore their license. When possible, opportunities to take the next steps are provided on site through MDOS or local authorities.

“The Road to Restoration program has grown tremendously since we launched last year thanks to many great local organizations around the state who know the value of hosting our clinics in their community and enthusiastically provide their assistance,” said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “With their help, we continue to meet people where they are and bring needed services right to them, making government work for the people.”

“We are proud to welcome members of our community and our local friends for this opportunity for restoration and renewal,” said Rev. Charles E. Magee, interim pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church. “Whenever we can offer our neighbors a second chance, or even a third chance, it is important to come together and extend that hand.”

“The Road to Restoration clinic offers empowerment to individuals looking to improve their situation,” added Rev. Kenny Craig, incoming senior pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church. “It’s an excellent way to help relieve some of the pressure so many families in our community are facing right now.”

Other local community partners helping to sponsor the Lansing clinic were the Office of Financial Empowerment for the City of Lansing, the Lansing Branch NAACP, the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA), and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU). The 54A and 54B District Courts were also on site to assist residents, as was Ingham County Friend of the Court.

At the Lansing clinic, community partners were instrumental in aiding hundreds of residents, providing financial assistance in cases where outstanding court costs or other fees prevented them from regaining their license. The City of Lansing, the Lansing Branch NAACP, and CATA all provided support and worked with residents to clear fines and fees.

“The City of Lansing is proud to participate in the Michigan Department of State’s Road to Restoration program,” said Amber Paxton, director of the Office of Financial Empowerment for the City of Lansing. “Mayor Schor has allocated $102,000 from ARPA funds to support Lansing residents as they restore their driver’s licenses and get back on the road. We believe this work will have a positive impact on individuals and their families, with a greater ripple effect throughout the community.”

“The Road to Restoration Clinic program provides an opportunity for individuals to restore their ability to navigate work, life, and other financial obligations with greater ease,” said Susi Elkins, MSUFCU chief community impact officer, “We are proud to sponsor the clinic and support the community members who seek its guidance.” 

“The efforts of the state and other organizations is to be commended. The Lansing Branch NAACP is focused on sponsoring the efforts as we understand the full value and freedoms afforded to those individuals regaining this privilege,” said Harold A. Pope, president of Lansing Branch NAACP. “The efforts to restoring the driving privileges of so many is nothing less than liberating. It will allow individuals to perform normal daily tasks that many of us take for granted. Restoring driving privileges is an outstanding effort allowing so many to regain the mobility to complete daily tasks that many of us take for granted. Driving to the store, picking up children from school or going to a job interview is what can now be given back to so many.”

“Public transit gives the community the ability to conveniently and affordably get to their desired destinations. We remove transportation barriers to jobs, health care, social services, food and groceries, entertainment and so much more,” said CATA Chief Executive Officer Bradley T. Funkhouser. “CATA is proud to provide our support to area residents to get them back on the road, give them another option for mobility, and grow a more connected region.”

“The 54B District Court is proud to partner with the Michigan Department of State Road to Restoration for this driver’s license restoration clinic,” said Chief Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt. “The court had staff and judges on site to assist, incentivize, and support individuals in obtaining a valid license. We believe this event will benefit our local courts and community.”

Road to Restoration clinics are also made possible by the Michigan Department of Attorney General, DTE Energy, Miller Canfield, the Detroit Justice Center, the Michigan Association of United Ways, and Michigan 2-1-1.

The next Road to Restoration clinic will be April 26 in Taylor. Additional clinics are scheduled this year in Kalamazoo, Detroit, Mt. Pleasant, Alpena, Marquette, and Sault Ste. Marie.

For additional information about the program, to find a local clinic, or to sign up for an upcoming clinic, visit Michigan.gov/ RoadtoRestoration or dial 2-1-1.

Space may be limited and pre-registration is strongly recommended.

Road to Restoration clinics do not provide DUI/OWI expungement services and license reinstatement is not guaranteed.