The Centre for Workforce Development (CFWD) invites community members to attend a Free Identification & Employment Clinic this Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the John Howard Society of Belleville (21 Wallbridge Crescent), next to Gleaners Food Bank.
Held during March Break, the clinic creates a unique opportunity for young people who may need help obtaining identification or exploring employment and support services available in the community. While the event places a special focus on youth, it is open to individuals of all ages, particularly those who are vulnerable, low-income, justice-involved, marginalized, or experiencing housing insecurity.
Identification is often the first and most critical step toward accessing employment, education, housing, healthcare, and social supports. Through this clinic, individuals can receive guidance and assistance applying for essential documents such as:
• Canadian Birth Certificates (with fee waivers for those who qualify)
• Ontario Health Cards (OHIP)
• Ontario Photo ID Cards (with fee waivers for those who qualify)
Participants will also be able to learn about employment supports, training opportunities, and local community services that can help them move forward with confidence.
“Young people especially benefit from having access to identification and information about employment pathways,” says Sandi Ramsay, Executive Director of the Centre for Workforce Development. “Hosting this clinic during March Break creates a welcoming opportunity for youth to drop in, ask questions, and connect with services that can help them reach their potential—while also ensuring people of all ages can access the identification and supports they need.”
The clinic will also provide information and connections to a range of supports, including:
• Employment Ontario programs and services
• Adult upgrading and skills training programs
• Transitional and emergency housing supports
• Community counselling and mental health services
• Youth in Transition programs
• Ontario Works information and application assistance
• Referrals to additional community supports
This initiative is made possible through collaboration with several dedicated community partners, including the Enrichment Centre for Mental Health, Serco, John Howard Society of Belleville, ServiceOntario, Hastings County, Community Learning Alternatives, St. Leonard’s Hastings Prince Edward, Career Edge, Youthab, Next Step Housing Connection, Loyalist Community Employment Services, Agilec, the Belleville Quinte West Community Health Centre and Meta Employment Services – all caring community organizations committed to supporting individuals facing barriers.
Community members are encouraged to drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. No appointment is required. Everyone is welcome!
The Centre for Workforce Development is your expert on the local labour market in Hastings, Prince Edward and Lennox & Addington Counties. Funded in part by the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario, it operates as one of 25 non-profit Boards across Ontario with a focus on local labour market research and workforce development. For more information about the Centre for Workforce Development and upcoming community initiatives, please visit www.cfwd.ca.
