Jobs

Growing Healthy Food, Good Jobs

For workers who have struggled to find and keep employment, a short term, skill-building job can be a springboard to success. Through our FarmWorks program, we’re preparing people with basic education as well as training for well-paid jobs in Chicago focusing on farming and warehousing.

Participants gain experience planting and harvesting fresh produce on our urban farm in East Garfield Park and then join our partner, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, assisting in their warehouse.

The approach has been enormously successful – this year we quadrupled the size of the farm, growing 34,000 servings of vegetables for communities struggling to get fresh food and prepared 34 individuals for in demand jobs.

Growing Careers: FarmWorks Combines Transitional Jobs + Contextualized Learning  

Finding Solutions to Youth Homelessness

Youth have been among the hardest hit by the recent economic downturn, which has left them struggling for employment, housing and safety. Our Neon Street Dorms help  youth experiencing homelessness get back on their feet, not only with a roof over their heads, but with support in finding employment and completing their education.

We’re also working on the state and national levels, advocating for funding for youth programs and providing training around employment and housing for teens.

http://www.chicagohomeless.org/illinois-issues-no-place-to-call-home-part-3-youth-homelessness/

https://readi.test/nationalinitiatives/policy/investing-in-our-future/

Jerrod’s story: https://heartlandalliance.exposure.co/jerrod