For more than 25 years, Chicago’s Cara Collective has helped motivated individuals break the poverty cycle. By equipping thousands of participants with skills to achieve self-sufficiency and stable jobs, Cara empowers them to tackle addiction, unemployment, mental health struggles, and other challenges that contribute to relational and financial hardship. The organization provides critical tools and support, especially for job seekers.
One of its core programs, the Cara Classic, accepts referrals from social service agencies and homeless shelters to enroll motivated individuals in their job training. The program also provides job placement support for those who fully commit to the requirements. On average, participants secure permanent employment within four months of starting the program.
Cara also runs the Cleanslate program, a social enterprise initiative that serves individuals facing greater barriers to employment due to criminal records or low education. Cleanslate provides participants with temporary job opportunities where they receive a weekly stipend and robust training in equipment use, safety protocols, and professional skills, equipping them with real-world work experience.
Additionally, Cara operates an employment agency called Cara Connects, which partners with companies seeking employees for entry-level roles. Cara Connects works closely with candidates to build their skills through training programs and sources qualified individuals with the precise abilities, backgrounds, and motivation to excel in specific positions. It also provides ongoing coaching and support resources for each placed worker to ensure high retention rates and long-term success.
