Dec 7, 2021 Reporting from Niles, MI
A place of kindness - Jamal Mcgee
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/how-we-compare/our-patients/Detail/a-place-of-kindness/?utm_source=A_place_of_kindness&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Dec 7, 2021
Dec 7, 2021
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Benton Harbor resident, Jamal Mcgee, visited the Center for Better Health when he needed help getting his record expunged.
Almost 20 years ago, he assaulted a police officer and faced up to 20 years in prison.
“My father told me not to go out
A place of kindness - Jamal Mcgee
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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A place of kindness - Jamal Mcgee
Dec, 2021
Benton Harbor resident, Jamal Mcgee, visited the Center for Better Health when he needed help getting his record expunged.
Almost 20 years ago, he assaulted a police officer and faced up to 20 years in prison.
“My father told me not to go out that night, but I was just being a kid, drinking and partying with my friends,” said Jamal.
After serving one year and three months in the Berrien County Jail, and six months in bootcamp, he was released from custody. Jamal was determined to pursue a better path for his life that allowed him to exercise his true passions and stay out of trouble.
“Cooking saved my life and I have my grandma to thank for that,” said Jamal. “When I was a kid, other boys were playing outside or helping their dads work on cars while I was in the kitchen with my grandmother cooking cabbage, cornbread, red beans, and rice to perfection.”
After getting out of prison, Jamal knew he wanted to fulfill his grandmother’s legacy. In 2004, he completed a 12-week course and received his culinary degree.
With a renewed confidence to accomplish more of his goals, Jamal took the initiative to file a petition to get his record expunged. He was eager to complete the expungement on his own, but soon became discouraged by the complexity of the process. He needed an expert’s help.
One day while scrolling through Facebook, Jamal saw a video of a legal navigator talking about the services he provided and connected people to at the Center for Better Health in Benton Harbor. When Jamal heard “free legal services,” he immediately called to schedule an appointment.
“When I walked into the Center for Better Health, I approached the front desk for help with my expungement request,” said Jamal. “I ended up also leaving with food assistance, Medicaid, and Medicare. I was not working at the time so the free resources I received were crucial to my health and wellbeing and I am very grateful.”
The Center for Better Health showed Jamal mercy at a time when he needed it most.
“It felt like the staff sensed I needed a little push asking for more help and they listened to me with open ears and hearts,” said Jamal. “They treated me like family.”
The outstanding experience Jamal had at the center made him want to share those resources with his family, friends, and community so others could benefit as well. Understanding some people are hesitant to seek help, Jamal has made it his mission to share his story and bring as many people through the doors of 100 W. Main Street in Benton Harbor as possible.
“Many times, people don’t want to leave their comfort zone which can make it hard to identify resources and seek help,” said Jamal. “I want everyone to know about this special place of kindness in our community that cared for me when I needed it most.”
Learn more about services offered at the Center for Better Health by calling 269.408.2258 or clicking here.