A successful pilot project designed to help those exiting the Criminal Justice system obtain the ID they’ll need to reintegrate with society hopes to keep going on a quarterly basis in the future.
Mental Health Services of Renfrew County (MHSRC), a program operated by the Pembroke Regional Hospital, and The Grind Pembroke operated eight weekly clinics up to the end of March and assisted 17 individuals in obtaining the needed identification.
Often those helped were lacking the literary skills to know where to start- and having identification is essential to reintegration.
During the pilot project period, the Grind assisted the clients in filling out forms and accompanied them to the Service Ontario office to complete the process.
The Grind also acted as Guarantor and offered the fixed address required on the application forms.
MHSRC financially supported the costs associated.
Executive Director Jerry Novack of The Grind called the project a “huge success” and an opportunity to meet the needs of community members by working together.
Both partners hope that if the need for this service continues, they can look to operate the clinic on a quarterly basis.
