Employment and Employment Preparation Services

Opportunity Chicago

Opportunity Chicago, a collaborative workforce development effort convened by the Partnership for New Communities offers a range of innovative employment and training program options for residents. Through this initiative, CHA has formed partnerships with agencies and employers dedicated to strengthening residents’ skills for continuous employment. Some of the partners assisting residents in obtaining the necessary education and skills training for employment opportunities include the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), the Chicago Department of Community Development (DCD), Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), Chicago Jobs Council (CJC), private employers and workforce development agencies. Outlined below are currently funded programs with available slots.

Transitional Jobs Programs

Transitional Jobs programs are a workforce strategy designed for residents with little to no work history. The programs use time-limited, subsidized jobs and combine on-the-job skill development and supportive services to transition participants into unsubsidized positions within the labor market. CHA and Opportunity Chicago currently fund several Transitional Jobs programs:

Harborquest, Inc provides services to residents of the Near West and North Sides (including Henry Horner Homes, West End, Westhaven Park, Rockwell Gardens, ABLA, Roosevelt Square, and Lathrop Homes). Harborquest "members" prepare for their working futures through four phases of training: workshop sessions, on-the-job training, interviewing, and, finally, a steady job. CHA residents receive a regular paycheck throughout the entire process! For more information, contact Mary Thomas at 312.546.5550 or mthomas@harborquest.com.

North Lawndale Employment Network provides services to residents living around North Lawndale. Participants in North Lawndale Employment Network’s transitional jobs program receive 100 hours of training in a 4-week job readiness program called “U-Turn Permitted.” After completing the training, residents get wage paying jobs with North Lawndale Employment Network producing and marketing honey and honey-based body-care products for Sweet Beginnings, LLC. Residents work and are paid for 25 hours per week for a period of 12 weeks while receiving additional training hours, resulting in placement into a permanent job. For more information, contact Elaine Austin at 773.265.7940 or Elaine@nlen.org.

Heartland Human Care Services provides programs for residents in the Mid-South region of the City (including residents working to meet site-specific criteria for Oakwood Shores, Lake Park Crescent, Park Boulevard, Keystone Place, Jazz on the Boulevard, the Pershing, and St. Edmunds). Heartland's Transitional Jobs program connects residents to paid work immediately and combines real wage paying jobs with skill development, career coaching, and supportive services. Residents in Transitional Jobs work up to 30 hours each week for up to 12 weeks and work on elements of job readiness each week as they transition to stable employment. For more information, contact Matthew Weis at 773.624.6148 ext. 1931 or mweis@heartlandalliance.org.

Workforce Investment Act Services

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services provide training to residents with the goal of finding and retaining quality employment. These services are coordinated through the Chicago departments of Community Development and Family and Support Services using Mayor Daley's network of providers, WorkNet Chicago. WIA services are divided into three levels known as core, intensive, and training. Core services include access to job listings, resume and interviewing preparation materials, career planning tools, info on available education and training opportunities, and referrals to other services. Additional services are available to individuals based upon need. These include individualized counseling, job search and career development assistance, and job retention and advancement counseling. If appropriate, residents may be able to access up to $5,000 for education or job training. For more information, contact Don Robertson at 312.743.1531 or Don.Robertson@cityofchicago.org.

City Colleges of Chicago

City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) offers a variety of career and technical education including certificate and degree programs. Programs are offered at a variety of skill levels in a variety of industries for individuals who want to acquire the technical-occupational skills necessary to enter the workforce immediately upon completion. Health Care, Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Transportation are just a few of the industries that students can earn state and industry recognized credentials to make them more marketable in Chicago’s labor force. CCC also offers GED, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Bridge Programs for individuals who need to increase their reading and math skills while preparing to become part of the workforce. CCC offers the highest quality training along with unmatched student services and resources such as state of the art science labs, computer labs, libraries, and child care centers. City Colleges of Chicago offers a full educational experience to prepare students for today’s world of work. Through an Intergovernmental Agreement, CHA offers free tuition for CHA residents interested in attending CCC. For more information, contact India Jenkins at 312.553.2728 or ijenkins1@ccc.edu.

Contextualized Literacy and Adult Basic Education Programs

Contextualized literacy and adult basic education programs assist adults in becoming literate and obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and advancement. The Chicago Housing Authority through Opportunity Chicago responded to resident needs by expanding contextualized literacy programming to feature programs that provide training in reading, writing, math, and computer skills and have a direct connection to industry training and placement. Programs include:

Association House of Chicago’s Achievement Club works with Club members to set and reach personal, training, employment, and financial goals. Members can do their career planning and improve math, reading, writing, test-taking and technology skills and/or attain a GED through the Vocational Bridge Academy, prepare for office careers through the Office Technology Program, and receive job readiness training, financial workshops, and placement assistance through the Center for Working Families. Achievement Club members play a role in regular community meetings for ongoing support and assistance with their peers. For more information, contact Bernice Haynes at 773.772.7170 ext. 3023 or bhaynes@associationhouse.org.

Central States SER – Jobs for Progress, Inc.’s Healthcare Bridge Program, in conjunction with Daley College, provides residents with the opportunity to develop skills for a successful transition to the healthcare field. The program focuses on essential skill building through curriculum in writing, reading, language, and mathematics. The program also entails an introduction to the healthcare field and key medical terminology. Residents receive help finding employment initially as Certified Nursing Assistants and then later as Personal Care Technicians. More opportunities within the healthcare field can be pursued with continued training. For more information, contact Geisha Cooper, Health Care Program Manager, at (773) 542-9030 x244 or GCooper@centralstatesser.org.

ManufacturingWorks, operated by Instituto del Progreso Latino, works with residents to help them access necessary prerequisite training to prepare them for careers in manufacturing. For more information, contact Natasha Banks at 773.523.2516 ext. 303 or at n.banks@idpl.org.