Vulnerable, marginalized, and unhoused individuals in Quinte West were met with compassion and critical support at Tuesday’s Free Identification and Employment Clinic held at Trent Port Marina in Trenton. The event, spearheaded by the Centre for Workforce Development (CFWD) in partnership with 18 local agencies and supported by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Trenton, provided 226 life-changing services to over 80 community members over a five-hour period.
This initiative was made possible in part through funding from the 2025 Quinte West Community Fund Grant Program.
“The City of Quinte West is proud to support the Centre for Workforce Development’s Free Identification and Employment Clinic through our Community Fund Grant Program,” said Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison. “This initiative is designed to support projects that enhance quality of life, promote community development, and address the needs of our residents.”
The clinic clients received assistance with personal identification, employment services, housing supports, and wellness resources — all under one roof. Partner agencies included:
- Service Canada
- ServiceOntario
- Hastings County
- Belleville Quinte West Community Health Centre
- Trenton Care & Share Food Bank
- Employment Ontario Service Providers (Agilec, Career Edge, META Employment Services and Loyalist Community Employment Services)
- Community Learning Alternatives
- Community Partners for Success
- The Enrichment Centre for Mental Health
- Gift from The Heart
- Next Step Housing
- Quinte Transit / Quinte Access
- QUIS (Quinte Immigration Services)
- St. Leonard’s Home
“This initiative demonstrates the powerful impact we can have when caring, committed agencies come together in the spirit of collaboration,” said Sandi Ramsay, Executive Director of the Centre for Workforce Development. “Barriers to identification and employment can make it nearly impossible for some individuals to move forward in life. Yesterday, our community stepped up to offer hope, dignity, and practical support to those who need it most. We are deeply grateful to all our partners and volunteers, and to the City of Quinte West for its financial support through the Community Fund Grant Program.”
A follow-up Identification and Employment Clinic is tentatively scheduled for mid-to-late October 2025, aiming to reach even more individuals in need.
For more information about the Centre for Workforce Development and upcoming community initiatives, please visit www.cfwd.ca.
