Your next career starts with one conversation.

Valerie

Valerie was receiving disability from Social Security and wanted desperately to improve her situation. When Valerie started with America Works, she was nearly homeless and had very little relationship with her daughter.

It took some adjusting, but after starting her second job she was on her path to stability and independence. She has now been working for over six years. During that time, America Works helped her find a stable apartment and Valerie has been able to rebuild her relationship with her daughter.

Valerie credits America Works with turning her life around and continues to share her accomplishments.

Johnnie

After many years of being homeless, unemployed and battling addiction, Johnnie proved that it’s never too late to start over and was honored by President Barack Obama at the White House.

Johnnie served his country in the Army overseas. Ten years after his return, substance abuse took over his life. He lost his job, and lived on the streets without work for more than 19-years until he connected with Chicago’s Veterans Affairs.

The VA referred him to America Works, where the staff gave him a much needed support system. They helped him prepare a resume, coached him on using a computer, email and the Internet. The team recognized his potential and knew he was ready to step into the workforce again.

They encouraged him to test for a position at the United States Postal Service. He passed the exam and accepted a position with the USPS. Johnnie now lives in his own apartment and is proudly employed.

Akeem

Akeem was laid off from a Digital Marketing Coordinator position and began searching for something that would fulfill him and be relevant to his qualifications. However, after some difficult circumstances with family issues at home, he realized he needed additional help.

Akeem was referred to America Works where his representative used all their available resources to assist him.

“The training here was on a different level. The people here…genuinely want to help.”

Akeem was referred to an interview by America Works and he accepted the position as a Web Designer for $50,000 per year plus benefits.

Lamont

Lamont was unable to read and write when he came to America Works. He also didn’t have any prior work experience. However, the team did not see any of these circumstances as barriers. Instead, they focused on his potential and strengths – his work ethic, willingness to learn and dedication to improving himself.

With the help of the staff filling out applications, Lamont applied for local jobs. On occasion, he would get lost on his way to job interviews because he was unable to read street signs. Our team would immediately find him and drop him off at the right location.

They coached him on attire and interview skills so that he felt confident and prepared. And it worked. Lamont works for a national restaurant chain.

Owen

Owen was newly out of prison after serving more than 24-years when he first came to America Works. He had never used a computer, the Internet or a mobile phone. However, he had his life back and was eager to catch up on everything he had missed.

Our team coached him through the basics of operating a computer, setting up email, applying for jobs, inquiring about certifications and various courses. While he lacked work experience and a resume, Owen came in each day with drive and determination to become self-sufficient.

His hard work paid off. He landed a job after his first interview. Not long after, he obtained his permit and now has his driver’s license. Owen is well on his way to being self-sufficient and has never looked back.