Catholic Charities’ WIA Out of School Youth Program

The WIA Out of School Youth Program is designed to work with youth ages 16 -21 to assist with work-readiness preparation and employment opportunities under WIA Title 1B. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Services helps eligible youth by providing opportunities to participate in activities that teach skills that are essential to achieving success academically and in the workforce. Catholic Charities in partnership with Cook County Works will assist in providing immediate employment opportunities, assistance with short term vocational training, and supportive services to obtain GED placement. 

Also see: www.cookcountyil.gov/CountyWorks

To be eligible to participate in Catholic Charities’ Workforce Investment Program you must meet the following requirements:  

- Out of School Youth ages 16-21

- Lives in Cook County, Illinois

- Low Income (must meet income eligibility requirements)

Have one or more of the following barriers:

- A school dropout

- Deficient in basic literacy skills

- Homeless, runaway or foster child

- Pregnant or parenting

- An offender

- Require additional assistance to complete an educational program

High School Employment Program

The High School Employment Project gives qualified high school juniors and seniors throughout the City of Chicago and surrounding suburbs an opportunity for part-time employment and job training as service clerks at these WIC Food Centers: 2907 S. Wabash Ave.; 416 E. 43rd St.; 5125 W. Chicago Ave.; 1802 E. 71st St.; 6202 S. Halsted St.; 8959 S. Commercial Ave.; 5332 S. Western Ave.; 3110 W. Armitage Ave.; 4622 W. Diversey Ave.; 11255 S. Michigan Ave.; 2400 S. Kedzie Ave.; and 1106 W. 79th St. Job responsibilities include stocking food shelves, rotation of stock, general cleaning and maintenance, bagging, and transporting groceries to customer’s cars. The students must maintain a "B" or better grade point average throughout their employment.

Community Development and Outreach Services

Lake County Family Self -Sufficiency Program

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program assists low-income, single-parents with dependent children break the cycle of unemployment and poverty. The head of household must be at least 18 years of age, have stable housing, dependent children residing in the household and be living a sober lifestyle. Participants receive education, training, employment assistance and case management for up to five years as they learn to achieve and maintain an independent, self-sufficient lifestyle that allows them to provide the basic needs for their families. Services are available in Spanish.

Family and Parish Support Services

Lunch-n-More Catering and Food Service Enterprise

See entry under Nutrition

Senior Aides

Government-funded employment and training for low-income individuals 55 years and older. Seniors work part-time in social agencies and government organizations while obtaining skills for unsubsidized employment.

Senior Services and Health Care

Summer Youth Employment Program

The Summer Youth Employment Program operates a six-week employment and job-readiness training program for 125 low-income, high-risk youths ages 14-24. The program, located in 22 work sites throughout the City of Chicago, provides meaningful work experiences for youth, reinforces strong work ethic among at-risk youth, and provides youth with mentors and role models.

Community Development and Outreach Services

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training (SNAP E&T)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) Program's goal is to help clients improve their work skills and assist them in securing employment through shortterm training and work assignments. Clients receive assistance with resume-writing, job readiness, life skills and interviewing techniques.

The age of participation is 18-49 and all participants must be single, non-custodial adults receiving food stamp benefits with no other state supported nor government funded income (e.g. medical card, SSI, Social Security, Unemployment).  Participants are admitted by referral from Illinois Department of Human Services only.

 

Family and Parish Support Services