Published April 9, 2026

In April, we collaborated with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, and Pennsylvania Department of Health to host an event at our Erie Avenue Facility in Philadelphia focused on a simple, yet powerful goal - ensuring individuals returning from incarceration have the proper identification and all of the essential documents they need to rebuild their lives as they prepare to exit the criminal justice system.

Access to essential identification is foundational to securing employment and housing, receiving essential job and skills training, and establishing stability as individuals return to the community post-incarceration. At this event, we were able to deliver 30+ on-the-spot birth certificates to individuals at our Erie Avenue facility. By bringing these vital services directly to individuals and meeting them where they are on their journey, this initiative delivered practical, immediate impact.

We are deeply appreciative of Governor Shapiro's Administration for including us in this powerful initiative, and look forward to collaborating with them well into the future. We also extend our special thanks to all of the partners – PA DOC, PA Department of L&I and PA DOH – who came together with us to make this event possible and such a success.

Read more about Governor Shapiro’s initiative to support reentry efforts and remove barriers to employment here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/newsroom/shapiro-administration-expands-on-the-spot-birth-certificate-ini

Photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.