PHIMC is honored to have received a Certificate of Appreciation for dedication and support to the Summit of Hope. Summit of Hope is a series of community expos sponsored by Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Department of Public Health. These community-hosted events occur statewide and are focused on connecting parolees and probationers with services to ensure smooth transitions from incarceration to community. PHIMC has been pleased to support Summit of Hope by operating as a fiscal agent, purchasing refreshments, helping to coordinate space, and supporting the procurement of identification for probationers who need them.

At these events, volunteers help participants navigate a variety of resources to support this transition, including life and career skills development, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment, and child care and support services. PHIMC recognizes the value of connecting recently incarcerated individuals to wrap-around supports and is proud to have supported Summit of Hope for the last three years.

PHIMC staff have been volunteering at these events since their inception, and Controller Dana Amal has already volunteered at three events this year. When asked about her volunteer experience, Ms. Amal said, “The vendors are so dedicated to the parolees. It’s a phenomenal thing. Everyone should volunteer at least once to see how hard the transition is for ex-offenders to reenter the community and to see how well the community comes together to help these individuals.”

To volunteer at the next Summit of Hope, please visit Illinois Department of Corrections website.