Dear Supporters, Partners, and Friends:
Like most organizations, our work has been dramatically impacted by the challenges of 2020. These unprecedented times call for an extraordinary response. Medical professionals, essential workers, and countless others have stepped up to support the growing needs of our country and world during this time. For the millions in Illinois impacted by job loss, we’re proud to support your efforts to get back to work, and know a job is essential. During 2020, Skills has remained open for business and is working harder than ever to support the growing and changing needs of both the unemployed and business community.
The pandemic has exacerbated challenges unemployed community members on Chicago’s south and west sides were already facing, creating even more barriers to employment. Racial injustices permeating our society have been elevated to the surface and must be addressed. Skills’ mission to provide equitable access to jobs is critical during this time of extreme inequalities, and employment must remain part of the solution as we work to close the racial wealth and access gap our society faces.
Our focus remains on the Power of a Job, the impact of being employed. Jobs are transformative and it is thrilling to see that despite the tribulations of 2020, Skills surpassed 8,000 people placed into jobs since we started in 2012. Jackie, Jasmine, Gerome, Irey, Yakela, the list goes on to hundreds of more people who were able to find a piece of hope to hold onto during 2020 because they were able to get a job and support their families.
The critical piece to making that list of people whose lives have been changed because of a jobs even longer is you. If all of us -- the committed corporate community, the nonprofit community, funders, civic leaders, and government -- lock arms and find holistic solutions to address the present and historic challenges our neighbors in Chicago and across the country face. Together we can do this.
As we focus on 2021, we hope you will join us as and bring the power of a job to more individuals who need it most. Thank you for your support.
Essential Hiring During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Supporting the Rapid Hiring Needs of Essential Businesses
At the onset of the COVID – 19 Pandemic, Skills pivoted it's focus to key industries and employer partners that were vital to the health and wellness of the Chicagoland area. These businesses in essential front-line industries: healthcare, supply chain management, and essential retail needed hundreds of new staff to support the needs of the community.
These employers accounted for 72% of the hires through the first wave of the pandemic.
PROGRAM WORK IN ACTION
Kristin Balark, program participant
Job Readiness Training
This program has evolved from a job readiness curriculum taught to high school juniors/seniors into a full suite of job readiness offerings for all ages. We have adapted and expanded the program to include high schoolers, college students, and employed youth.
876 Job Seekers Served | 140 Hours of Virtual Training | 10+ Participating Organizations
Career Pathway Programs
Career Pathways provide individuals a job paired with education and/or certification attainment, supported by mentoring services. This program sets participants up for immediate success in their role and a long-term career path.
30 Job seekers Placed | 4 Employer Partners | 4 Educational Partners
College to Careers
U2.0 is focused on accelerating the careers of Chicagoland’s recent college graduates and helping them avoid underemployment by aligning their skillset with the current climate of business demand.
18 recent college grads placed into jobs
Thank you to our 2020 Sponsors!
John & Rita
Margot and Thomas
BMO
Michael & Cindy
chez Family
Goldman
Jhardie
JPMorgan
kpmg
Nicholas & susan
Michael D.Scimo Family
michelle Carlin
Chicago Trust
Rich Floersch
Glenn Tilton
joseph High
Terry Peterson
Shaker
Sharon Brady
ORBA
Terrry Peterson
Protiviti
Mary Ellen Schopp
Marc Ugol
