Resources

If you're  interested in a career instead of  a job that doesn't meet your financial needs, or you're a youth that doesn't think college is the way to go for you, maybe a trade is the answer. There are organizations with apprenticeship programs at no cost to you, instead you get paid on the job training. If you're interested in a career in hospitality, construction and manufacturing, visit Hire360 Chicago at https://hire360chicago.com/ for more information. 

Check out the video in the link below to hear more about what Hire360 Chicago has to offer.

https://youtu.be/pr6pR3KS-N4?si=oxo4BDfyEDESNJZe

You can also visit the following organizations' website for information on the apprenticeship programs that they have available:

National Able Network https://www.nationalable.org/

Calumet Area Industrial Commission https://calumetareaindustrial.com/careers

Safer Foundation https://saferfoundation.org/

Associated Builders and Contractors Illinois https://www.abcil.org/

St. Paul Church of God Community Development Center http://www.stpaulcdm.org/

Chicago Women in Trade Home - Chicago Women in Trades (cwit.org) 

For more information about apprenticeship, other training programs, job opportunities and more go to: https://www.illinoisworknet.com/

Check out Angel of God Resource Center at https://angelofgodresourcecenter.org/ to learn about the variety of support services and programs they provide, including a 26-week program to prepare students to become ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified. 

IDOC-Illinois Department of Corrections is hiring Corrections Officers and Corrections Treatment Officers

PACE has career opportunities. They have on the spot hiring events for bus drivers starting December 5, 2024 and every Thursday thereafter. Hiring locations are Arlington Heights and Markam, IL. For more information click on the following link: Employee Recruitment Events | Pace Suburban Bus 

For information on how to apply, go to https://idoc.illinois.gov/aboutus/trainingacademy.html

For information on other job opportunities check out:

https://www.illinoisworknet.com/JobFinder

LIHEAP, Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a resource if you're low income and unable to pay your utility bill (heating and/or electric). Applications are only accepted during specific periods. Once the money is gone, it's gone and you'll have to wait for the next time. 

Older adults (age 60 and older), families with children 5 years old and under, individuals with a disability, and households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors may apply beginning October 1, 2024. 

Open enrollment begins November 1, 2024. 

Visit https://dceo.illinois.gov/communityservices/utilitybillassistance.html or call 877-411-9276 for more information.

Contact your gas company to see if you're eligible to enroll in the state's new Low-Income Discount Rates Program beginning October 2024. If you're enrolled in the state's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), you will automatically be enrolled in the Low-Income Discount Rate Program. Click the following link for more information, including links to Gas Energy Assistance Programs for the various gas companies: https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.30574.html

You can find various services/resources available to Cook County residents by going to https://211metrochicago.org/ and using the search engine to find what you need. From food to rental assistance, this site will point you in the right direction.

Phalanx Family Services located on the far southside of Chicago "offers a range of programs and services that help families transition from dependency to self-sufficiency", including employment-centered programs, mentoring, advocacy, and workforce development solutions. Click on the following link to learn more: https://www.phalanxgrpservices.org/

The Help With Paying Bills website provides an abundance of information for a variety of resources with links to connect you directly with the provider websites. If you need information regarding rental assistance, homeless shelters, financial help with groceries, help with childcare expenses and so on, this website will steer you in the right direction. Check out their directory at https://helpwithpayingbills.org/. 

Blue Door Neighborhood Center located in the Pullman area focuses on health and wellness. They offer classes, workshops and other resources for you and your family. Go to their website at   Blue Door Neighborhood Center | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (bcbsil.com)  to see what they have to offer.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority  (IHDA) provides affordable housing assistance. Their Smart Buy Program helps eligible home-buyers pay off up to $40, 000 in student loans plus $5000 in assistance towards down payment and closing costs while buying a home. Go to their website, https://www.ihda.org/, for more information about this program and other housing and rental assistance.