FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some questions we've been asked. We hope our answers help clarify how CARES Chicago can work with you. Of course, if you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (773) 265-3300 or via e-mail at: agcares@ymail.com.

How long do your programs last?

The length of our programs depends on which program you enroll in. However, most programs are geared to helping you find and retain employment. Once we've accomplished that goal, we are available to work with you for the next year should any concerns arise. In addition, most of our programs require that we meet with each client at least once per month.

What are the requirements for your programs?

Individuals can qualify for our programs in a number of different ways. To begin with, you must meet our "low-income" status. This can be done automatically, if you receive any of the following: Food stamps, cash welfare payments, etc. However, if you do not receive any public aid benefits, we can still work with you to do a "low income calculation." Please contact us for more information about qualifying for our programs.

I already have a job. Can you help me find a new one?

Yes, we can. We offer comprehensive career counseling services. Our counselors will meet with you to learn about your current position, any concerns or difficulties you are having, what your career goals are, and how your background, education, and experience can help you achieve those goals. In addition, we will offer you some career assessments, which can help determine the types of jobs that fit your interests as well as your values and priorities where employment is concerned.

What kind of accommodations or help do you provide to people with disabilities?

We have a qualified staff who have experience helping individuals with disabilities. In fact, CARES Chicago, under its previous name of IAMCARES, was founded to help Union workers who had been injured at their jobs. Its mission then expanded to focus on serving all individuals with disabilities to find employment and gain self-sufficiency. Currently, CARES serves all underserved populations by providing employment, training, and support services. In particular, the Supported Employment Program serves individuals who need extensive support services to obtain and retain employment.

How long will it take me to find a job?

Though we encourage our clients to be optimistic, we also like them to be realistic. Finding a job must be treated as a full-time job, in and of itself. If clients are motivated and willing to spend 40 hours per week looking for employment, they will find jobs more quickly than someone who only puts in 10 hours each week. In other words, the answer to this question largely depends upon you! We are available throughout the week to meet with you, review your progress, provide you with additional job leads but also expect you to spend time away from our office looking and applying for jobs. Generally, finding employment can take as little as 2 weeks to as much as a few months.

Can you give me training for any career I choose?

Many of CARES Chicago's programs are funded through the federal government's Workforce Investment Act and the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development (www.cityofchicago.org/mowd). Once we have begun working with you, we will determine if you know what kind of training you would like or if you require training to pursue your field of interest. In this case, the Mayor's Office contracts with over 200 training providers offering more than 700 different training courses. We can work with you to assess which training course is right for you and to help you enroll in that course.

What are the requirements to receive training?

We require that you meet with us on a number of occasions before we decide to enroll you in a training course. There is an Individual Training Account (or ITA) available to everyone and this is a $5,000 stipend to pursue training in a specific field. However, this ITA is only available once for each individual. In other words, if you choose a training program and do not like it or the subject you are studying, you will have used up your ITA and will not have it available in the future. Therefore, we work closely with our clients to determine their work histories and career goals. Initially, we like to help clients pursue employment without having them use their ITAs. In this manner, should they require an ITA down the road, it is still available for them. We ask that clients thoroughly explore the area of training in which they have expressed interest. Our programs require that each client researches at least two training programs offering the same training courses (such as a certification to become an LPN or Licensed Practical Nurse). After their research, we will ask clients the following questions: How long is the program? How were its facilities? What did you think of the program's instructors and the content of the course? What qualification or certificate will you have achieved once you complete the training course? What are job opportunities in your chosen field? Does your training program provide career counseling and connections with employers in the field you'll be in? We want to make sure that you are comfortable with the course you've chosen and that it can offer you ample career opportunities to enhance the quality of your life.

What will happen to my benefits once I become employed?

The answer to this question is fairly complex and largely depends on each individual's particular situation. In all cases, however, if you are receiving unemployment benefits and become employed, you will no longer receive those benefits. Similarly, depending on how much you will be getting paid, you may no longer be eligible for Public Aid, such as food stamps, a medical card, Medicaid, subsidized housing, and/or other welfare benefits. Finally, if you are receiving SSI or SSDI, you will most likely continue to receive some of those benefits but the amount you receive will decrease once you become employed.