Reentry/Adult Services
The Center provides a compassionate, hope-centered environment that empowers participants to rebuild their lives. Services include job readiness training, job placement assistance, vocational training, and a range of support services. These free programs are available to individuals with felony records, veterans, people with special needs, and Chicago residents who are unemployed, underemployed, or experiencing homelessness.
Our Key Offerings and Programs
The Transitional Jobs (TJ) Program, CTA’s Second Chance Program, and the Employment Preparation and Placement Program all provide pathways to meaningful employment for individuals facing barriers to work. These initiatives offer time-limited, subsidized opportunities, hands-on training, and intensive supportive services to help job seekers develop essential workplace skills. Whether assisting those with limited work history, individuals re-entering the workforce, or clients who are out of work or underemployed, each program is designed to build long-term self-sufficiency and open doors to stable career opportunities.
Transitional Jobs (TJ) :
- Employment services for adults 18 years and older, returning citizens, seniors and our veterans.
- Case managers offer in-house services such as IDs and birth certificates, and connect clients to partners for food, clothing, furniture, and mental health or substance use support.
- Assessing individual's goals, short and long-term working together on an Individual Employment Plan ( IEP)
CTA’s Second Chance Program :
- Nationally recognized program
- Equips residents facing challenges re-entering the workforce—with valuable job skills and career opportunities.
The Employment Preparation and Placement Program :
- Focuses on recruiting clients who are out of work or underemployed and connecting them with pathways to meaningful employment.
Employment Services
- Employment services for adults 18 years and older, returning citizens, seniors and our veterans
- Case managers provide in house supportive services ( Illinois issued IDs for homeless, birth certificates etc.) and outside referrals from collaborative partners for assistance with: ( food, clothing, furniture, mental and substance abuse programs and much more)
- Assessing individual's goals, short and long-term working together on an Individual Employment Plan ( IEP)
- New Job readiness training: Assess employment work history, emails 101, zoom 101, how to show up, work etiquette, knowing what to expect, how to look for jobs, and mock interviewing etc.
- Job placement, staying on the job, missing days, being punctual, 90 days to a year before the employer trust you, financial literacy (savings, credit, emergency funds, Roth IRA)
- Encouragement towards personal development in obtaining a skill set for career- based employment, as well as furthering their education
- Overcomers Soup Kitchen for hot cooked meals by our Reentry Coordinator every Thursday at 2:30pm 5437 W Division Free Haircuts limited to 6
Requirements and Process
- Must be a Chicago Resident to receive service
- Must have a physical Illinois issued ID/ Drivers License and Physical Social Security Card . We can assist if someone doesn’t have those documents.
- We ask that all individuals seeking employment arrive at the office at 8:45am/ 9am is the start time for orientation
- Must be able to stay for 3 hours or more to complete the orientation process
- Complete all intake information and orientation paperwork
- Complete the TABE test in Reading, Math and Science
- Introduction of Case Manager and Individual Assessment Plan (IAP)
- Scheduled appointment to meet your Career/Job Coach
- MUST HAVE PATIENCE