Employment Programs

Department of Education and Workforce Development (DEWD):
EMPLOYMENT
DEWD helps immigrants, refugees, and other residents of Chicago's Uptown community achieve economic self-sufficiency through comprehensive employment services. CMAA specializes in placing those who have the hardest time finding jobs, especially individuals who do not speak English and have cultural barriers to overcome. CMAA also works with Uptown's large homeless population to help find employment. The quality of DEWD also attracts many native-born Americans who take advantage of the job services available. In addition to job placement, staff evaluates work skills and works with employers to make sure CMAA clients fit their needs. 1500 individuals were served in 2008. Currently, DEWD is looking to expanding the Certified Nurse's Assistant (CNA) program, discussed in detail below.

Certified Nurse's Assistant (CNA) Program
This program is temporarily suspended pending renewal of funding.

Job Placement
In 2010, 1,000 individuals came to CMAA seeking employment. The CDBG-funded Employment Program has been very successful, achieving an average of 100% of its goals over the last several years, including 2009. The large number of job seekers means that the program is able to choose enrollees who are most likely to achieve placement and long-term retention; those not enrolled in the program due to enrollment limits are assisted as well, and are referred to programs both within and outside of CMAA to improve their vocational or language skills.