Job Assistance
WHAT WE DO
Job Search Assistance helps low income residents of DuPage County secure and maintain employment. Searching for a job can be very difficult. To make the process easier, the Job Search Assistance Program provides clients with one-on-one mentoring at every step along the way.
Job seekers meet with compassionate, trained volunteer mentors who help them throughout their job search process. Volunteer mentors provide guidance on everything from finding jobs on the Internet and elsewhere, to writing a resume or filling out an application, to going out on an interview. The goal is to help job seekers overcome personal obstacles and achieve self-sufficiency through meaningful paid employment.
HOW WE DO IT
Participants entering the Job Assistance Program are assigned a job mentor who works with them one-on-one to develop job readiness, job search, resume and interviewing skills, and coaches from career choice to successful employment. The program offers referrals and mentoring resources to job seekers to find jobs and help to overcome obstacles to employment, but it is not a placement agency. The PRC and its volunteers do not offer references or endorsements for either hiring companies or clients.
For more information about the Job Assistance Program, phone 630-682-5402 x333.
IMPACT
Last year, job coach volunteers registered 312 people searching for employment. With the program's help, 111 people found jobs.
YOU CAN HELP
Become a Volunteer Mentor In private consultations, our volunteer mentors discuss job search obstacles with clients and help them to devise appropriate plans of actions for achieving both short- and long-term career goals. Volunteer mentors assist clients with resumes, cover letters, interview practice, searching and applying for jobs via the Internet, and providing encouragement to newly employed clients. To become a member of our team of volunteer mentors, complete our
volunteer application.
DonateYour monetary gift can change the prospects for a job seeker. For only $100, you can help a client find a job.
Donate now.
VICTORS OF CIRCUMSTANCE
Alison, a single mom, had a good work history. A job she loved ended after eight years when her company decided to outsource her function. She worked hard to find a new position and did after a three month job search. This job turned out to be difficult for a number of reasons. After six months she was asked to resign. Alison was devastated. She had always felt secure in her jobs and now she questioned her ability to work. She sought the support of the Job Assistance Program at People's Resource Center. She met with her Job Assistance Coach/Mentor weekly. Gradually Alison began to feel more comfortable and started applying for positions. Her steady focus and determination finally paid off. She was offered a job with an excellent benefit package and a higher salary in her area of interest, and has the potential for growth and advancement. The Job Assistance Program enjoyed celebrating her success. Her job coach will maintain contact with her to support her as she transitions to her new job.
PROGRAM PARTNERS
West Suburban Jobs CouncilThe People's Resource Center is a sponsor and active member of the West Suburban Jobs Council (WSJC). The WSJC is a coalition of community service agencies working together to increase access to training and gainful employment for multi-barrier job seekers and low-wage DuPage County residents.
The WSJC is associated with the Chicago Jobs Council (CJC). The CJC helps the WSJC to provide advocacy on a statewide basis, as well as offering training and conference opportunities.
For more information on the West Suburban Job Council, contact (630)682-5402 x345.
Partnerships With Local BusinessesThe Job Assistance Program has various training and referral partners throughout DuPage County. Workshops and Job Fairs are offered for clients to access these services.
Referral Agencies People’s Resource Center partners with other local non-profit agencies that specialize in job preparation and employment resources to connect our job seeking clients with local resources.
Some of our partnerships include:
Aurora Jobs Council
Community Career Center
DuPage P.A.D.S.
Family Shelter
IETC
Outreach Community Center
Parent’s Alliance Employment Project
Poised for Success
LDS Employment Resource Services
Warrenville Family and Youth Services
WorkNet DuPage
World Relief