Chicago Commons receives $2.2 million for workforce development initiative
Daisy Playa, graduate of Instituto del Progreso Latino, shares her personal
story at a press conference to announce that Chicago Commons is a winner
of a $2.2 million philanthropic commitment from JPMorgan Chase as part of
an annual competition to source innovative and sustainable ideas to advance
equity in the United States. The investment will fund a new strategic initiative
to create workforce strategies helping low-income women and single
mothers of color achieve financial stability and build wealth. (Courtesy of
Chicago Commons - PHOTO BY STEVEN KOCH)
By Tia Carol Jones
JPMorgan Chase has awarded Chicago Commons $2.2 million for an initiative to develop workforce strategies for single mothers of color and low-income women, with the goal to enhance wealth building. With the investment from JPMorgan Chase, Chicago Commons will partner with Instituto del Progreso Latino, YWCA and PODER. The career development strategies will include mental health interventions, along with other social supports, for trauma-informed programs that will help the women overcome barriers to employment.
Chicago Commons is a social service agency that was founded in 1894. There are early childhood education centers in Pilsen, Humboldt Park and Back of the Yards. The headquarters and Adult Day Services are located in Bronzeville at 515 E. 50th St. Each year, it provides services to more than 3,500 children, adults and seniors.
Ten years ago, Chicago Commons expanded to focus on the parents of the children the organization serves as a way to make a greater impact on the families and communities. The Family Hub works to address families multifaceted needs through one-on-one coaching and financial wellness, workforce development, and health and wellness. Five years ago, Chicago Commons started to focus on workforce development, with the creation of an early education career pathway. The goal was to meet the need of the community and the state for high quality early educators.
Edgar Ramirez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Commons, said the new collective impact model, in partnership with Instituto del Progreso Latino, PODER and the YWCA is for wealth building for women through a wellness lens. Women in the programs from these organizations can pursue a career in early education, healthcare, banking, insurance and construction. They also will have access to mental health services and staff trained in trauma informed practices.
“Through this, we look to move the needle in workforce development systems, by focusing on women’s health, along with job training, placement and persistence and ultimately building women’s wealth,” Ramirez said, adding that women need to be at the table talking about what they need to succeed.
Throughout the next few years, Chicago Commons and the other partners will work with the employers who hire the mothers, from small businesses to large corporations, to provide family supportive environments. The JPMorgan Chase Annual Challenge recognizes community-driven projects that promote equity and economic opportunities in cities across the country. For the second year, the challenge focused on projects designed to advance the financial resilience of women of color.
“Improving employer practices and policies to better support the emotional and mental health needs of parents is important to us at JPMorgan Chase. We’re proud to support this collaborative’s advocacy work to influence other employers to purse family-centered practices,” said Molly Leonard, Vice President & Program Officer for Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase.
Leonard also acknowledged the parents who were pushing for equitable opportunities and access to career training. Evette Williams is a participant in the Chicago Commons Career Pathways. Through the program, Williams has a job with Family Focus and is getting hands-on experience in child development. She thanked the funders of the Chicago Commons programs for their support.
For more information about Chicago Commons, visit www.chicagocommons.org.
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