IDignity is a non-profit organization based in

Downtown Orlando Downtown Orlando is the historic core and central business district of Orlando, Florida, United States. It is bordered by Marks Street in the north, Mills Avenue ( SR 15) in the east, Orange Blossom Trail ( US 441) in the west, and Kaley Avenu ...

that assists U.S. citizens and legal residents in acquiring the necessary legal documentation required by the Real ID Act to obtain an identification card. The organization helps individuals obtain their Florida State ID (or

Driver's License A driver's license, driving licence, or driving permit is a legal authorization, or the official document confirming such an authorization, for a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles—such as motorcycles, ca ...

Birth Certificates A birth certificate is a vital record that documents the birth of a person. The term "birth certificate" can refer to either the original document certifying the circumstances of the birth or to a certified copy of or representation of the ensu ...

(from any U.S. state or territory),

Social Security Card Social organisms, including human(s), live collectively in interacting populations. This interaction is considered social whether they are aware of it or not, and whether the exchange is voluntary or not. Etymology The word "social" derives fro ...

, and other supporting documents for free. IDignity operates a central location in Orlando, FL, and has additional chapters in Volusia County, Seminole County, and Osceola County.

History

IDignity was founded and is supported by five churches in downtown Orlando: The Cathedral Church of St. Luke, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, First United Methodist Church of Orlando,

St. James Cathedral in Orlando St. James Cathedral is a parish church and the seat of the Bishop (Catholic Church), Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando, Catholic Diocese of Orlando, John Gerard Noonan, John Noonan. The cathedral's patron saint is James, son of Zebede ...

, and Trinity Lutheran Church. This initiative emerged when Project Homeless Connect identified the lack of affordability of identification documents as a prevalent issue among the homeless population. Michael Dippy, IDignity's Executive Director, was honored as the 2011 Central Floridian of the Year for his dedication to the organization. In 2019, IDignity's first legal counsel, Jacqueline "Jackie" Dowd, received The Florida Bar Foundation's Jane Elizabeth Curran Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to improving access to civil justice for underserved communities.Florida Bar News, "IDignity Attorney Awarded Bar Foundation's Curran Award", 1/22/2019, https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/idignity-attorney-awarded-bar-foundations-curran-award/

References

{{Reflist * Non-profit organizations based in Florida Organizations based in Orlando, Florida Organizations established in 2007