Jewel-Osco: Championing Employment and Community Engagement in Chicagoland
As the Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 Employment Champions Breakfast, Jewel-Osco stands as a beacon of commitment to Skills for Chicagoland’s Future’s mission and programs. Skills’ collaboration with Jewel-Osco spans over seven years and has seen remarkable success, with 1,406 individuals placed into meaningful employment, including 167 just this year. This achievement is not only a testament to the power of partnership but also highlights Jewel-Osco's dedication to fostering economic growth and opportunity in the Chicagoland area.
Jewel-Osco's partnership with Skills for Chicagoland's Future extends beyond job placements. It embodies a shared vision of empowering local talent, strengthening communities, and creating pathways for long-term success. One of the many success stories emerging from this partnership is that of Khalilah Wilson, a pharmacy tech at Jewel-Osco, whose journey reflects the transformative power of this collaboration.
Khalilah Wilson is a mother of three with a deep love for gardening and a passion for lifelong learning. Her journey with Skills for Chicagoland's Future began during a challenging period in her life. After taking a hiatus from paid labor for over two years, she faced the daunting task of re-entering the job market. It was through the Chicago Lighthouse that Khalilah was introduced to Skills for Chicagoland’s Future, where she received personalized support in resume preparation and skill assessment. Khalilah worked with Skills to undergo training to become a pharmacy technician and ultimately secured a position as a pharmacy tech at Jewel-Osco.
This role has become more than just a job for Khalilah—it is a stepping stone toward her long-term goal of becoming a pharmacist. Her journey is marked by continuous learning and growth, building on her certifications in Certified Medical Administrative Assistance (CMAA) and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Khalilah's story is a powerful example of how Jewel and Skills partner to invest in people and change lives, providing not only financial stability but also the opportunity to pursue dreams and inspire future generations.
Furthermore, Jewel-Osco's community engagement efforts are a cornerstone of their corporate ethos, with initiatives that deeply resonate with the neighborhoods they serve. A shining example of this is the reimagined Austin Harvest fresh food market pop-up, a project that Jewel-Osco has supported with unwavering enthusiasm.
Originally opened in 2020 on the site of a looted liquor store, Austin Harvest was intended to be a temporary solution. However, its impact was so profound that it has become a permanent fixture in the community, symbolizing hope and renewal. With a generous grant from the Jewel-Osco Foundation and hands-on involvement from Jewel-Osco’s team, the market was refurbished into a state-of-the-art facility, reopening on August 13th to much fanfare from residents and community leaders alike.
This student-led initiative allows 15 young entrepreneurs from By the Hand Club for Kids to take charge of every aspect of the market’s operations, from planning and staffing to ordering and inventory management. Through this program, students are not only learning valuable business skills but are also making a tangible difference in their community. Jewel-Osco's support, including providing produce at cost and ensuring regular deliveries, has been instrumental in the market's success. The revenue generated at Austin Harvest is reinvested into its operations and student stipends, creating a sustainable model of community empowerment.
Jewel-Osco’s efforts in Chicagoland reflect a broader commitment to making a positive impact where it matters most. Their partnership with Skills for Chicagoland's Future and their active role in community projects like Austin Harvest underscore their dedication to building a brighter future for all. As we look forward to the 2024 Employment Champions Breakfast, we celebrate not just the jobs created but the lasting change that Jewel-Osco is bringing to the heart of our communities.
