Building Neighborhood Connections
“Because of my work history, I knew it wouldn’t be easy for me to find a job. But I found employment based solely on the recommendation of WHA’s Employment Center. I’ve been working for ten months. They are a great resource for the community.” -- Employment Center Client
WHA’s approach to employment services often goes beyond job placement. As a neighborhood-based employment center, building community relationships and employer trust is key to the success of the program. The Employment Center clients are ex-offenders, disadvantaged, low-income and other hard-to-place workers, who often require a personal connection that includes assistance with housing, 
transportation, childcare, and counseling.
In 2002, WHA was qualified by the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development (MOWD) as a Business Services or Job Preparation and Placement Services provider. With support from the city’s MOWD agency and the state’s Transitional Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), WHA continues to provide quality employment assistance to residents of the West Side.
Accomplishments:
- Achieved a 98% MOWD performance rating.
Achieved and/or exceeded three employment contracts for ex-offenders, low income and TANF clients.
- Hosted an Open House for business owners and customers, which was attended by reporters from the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Reporter attended.
- WHA has successfully placed over 700 workers in permanent jobs.
