UR CHICAGO ALLIANCE INC
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Mission Statement
Chicago is suffering under the weight of poverty, violence, and neglect. At UR Chicago Alliance, we build a connected community where people are seen and valued. Through a combination of mentoring, job training, and employer partnerships, individuals recognize their worth as God’s creation, which helps them believe a better future for them and their families is possible. Through your support, you can be a part of providing a hope and a future for our neighbors.
About This Cause
Founded in 2017, UR Chicago Alliance is a faith-based work development program that mobilizes churches, community organizations, and businesses to provide some of the city’s most under-resourced people with access to living-wage opportunities and long-term support through a network of supportive relationships. We help program participants (Leaders) to find a roadmap out of poverty, and to recognize their worth as God’s creation. 1) A six-week job cohort: During this training, Leaders participate in the Chalmers Center curriculum. Key topic include understanding how God, work, and relationships are connected; basic job and interview skills; conflict resolution; and communication skills. Staff hold community outreach activities designed to build our brand, trust, and awareness of the program offerings in the community and ensure enrollment in our cohorts. These events include open mic nights, basketball games, street level recruitment and attendance at school events including report card pick-ups and resource fairs. 2) Long-term mentorship: Prior to engaging with Leaders, our Uplines (volunteer mentors) participate in workshops to equip them for the work of being an effective 18-month mentor. This training takes place while Leaders participate in their cohorts, and then pairs are matched after graduation. Uplines are expected to meet with their Leader once a week in person and once a week by phone or text. We have also developed a partnership with Loyola University to facilitate more engaging and vulnerable discussions between Leaders and Uplines. ‘ 3) Ongoing case management: In 2019, we were blessed to hire a part-time social worker to provide case management to our Leaders as well as support our network of Uplines. Nearly all of our Leaders have experienced trauma, mental health challenges, and/or addiction. Addressing these social/emotional needs through case management and connections with community partners ensures our Leaders’ success. 4) Access to employment networks: This is our area of targeted growth over the next three years. Through our Uplines and network of community partners we are off to a strong start in developing a robust employer network. We have a goal of meeting with one business or employment network source per week to grow the network with a focus on living wage employment.