Employment Placement Services At Work for CHA Residents
When life throws challenges your way, having the right support can make all the difference. For Erin and Tommi, Chicago Housing Authority residents, the EPS program at E&ES provided expert career coaching, practical training, and access to vital resources, they not only found jobs but also regained a sense of stability and confidence.
Erin
Erin faced her fair share of challenges. “I was already living in low-income housing, and on top of that, I couldn’t find a job that would give me actual stability. My opportunities felt few and far between” she recalls.
Erin used the resources available to her as a Chicago Housing Authority resident and joined the Employment Program Services (EPS) program at Employment and Employer Services (E&ES).
“I decided to take a chance and enroll, even though I didn’t know what to expect. I figured, why turn down an opportunity for something better?”
Through EPS, Erin received hands-on training and career counseling tailored to her strengths and aspirations.
Working with her Career Coach, she polished her resume, built her interview skills, and
map out career goals. EPS also provided her with supportive services like transportation assistance, professional clothing, and even childcare resources for her young daughter. “The EPS program reduced my stress so that I could think clearly and focus on my career goals”.
After months of hard work and dedication, Erin landed a retail job as a sales associate. “This job fits my schedule and there’s opportunity for growth. I’m happy to finally have a job with a future”, Erin tells us.
With her newfound confidence and financial independence, Erin is hopeful for the future—something she hasn’t felt in a long time. Erin will continue to work towards employment retention and will continue to build her work experience with support from her Career Coach.
Tommi
“Working with the EPS program was so quick and easy, I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner”!
Tommi was eager to find a job. As a Chicago Housing Authority resident, she used the first opportunity to join an Employment Placement Services (EPS) orientation at Employment and Employer Services (E&ES). Within two days, Tommi had already registered for a hiring event and made an appointment with her Career Coach.
“We met before the hiring event which was perfect because it gave me a chance to update my resume and practice my elevator pitch with a real professional.”
The job prep with her Career Coach worked because Tommi was offered a second interview with a prominent local security company while at the event. Naturally, Tommi made a great impression and was offered the job.
“I know my story is special but it took me a month to find a job with help from my Career Coach. When I’m ready to make my next career move, I know where to go.”
