Financial Coaching
Through one-on-one coaching and classes, the WRC Team helps build smart money habits and focuses on the participant and his/her family's financial goals. A Financial Coach works with clients to create a plan to:
- Establish, build or rebuild credit
- Develop personal budgets based on financial resources
- Address and assist with eliminating debt
- Identity theft recovery and prevention
The Family Self Sufficiency Program
This program, offered to POAH residents helps:
- Residents increase their earned income, save money and reduce their dependence on government aided assistance and rental subsidies.
- Enlists a whole family as they document a financial plan for the next 5 years.
- The financial coach assists them with a series of intermediate steps to reach the long-term goal.
- The financial coach also provides services and resources they may need to access to complete the 5 year plan.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
This federally funded program is available at the Woodlawn Resource Center through our partnership through The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA).This program that assists eligible families with energy costs such as:
- Home energy bills
- Energy crises
- Weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs
Employment Services
The WRC has an Employment Specialist on staff who offers:
- Job training and career placement, re-employment, and/or career advancement
- Assesses education, employment experience, skills and interests
- Connects clients to jobs and long-term professional development workshops
- Provide long-term counseling to clients throughout every step of the job searching process and supports them to further their career
Digital Technology
Our onsite computer lab has 10 computer stations and is managed by the Digital Literacy Instructor (funded by LISC AmeriCorps) who:
- Administers digital literacy classes (now offered remotely) and other adult learning technology resources
- Provides technology instruction and guidance for employment and financial clients as well as assistance to independent users
Community Impact
The Woodlawn Resource Center is staffed with Community Impact Coordinator (CICs) who assist POAH residents in offering resources in order to maintain stability in their lives. Each POAH residential building as an assigned CIC who:
- Manages various community outreach events for residents and surrounding neighbors
- Provides new residents with a welcome basket of necessities
- Help residents connect with FOC services, Property Management and other resources
Education Preparation
Staff at the WRC can also help individuals reach education goals, including:
- GED preparation and college readiness courses in partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago
- Job-Training for youth aged 18-24 offered through partners like Year Up, YWCA and SGA Youth and Family Services
Social Support Services
WRC also offers important supportive services to residents and the Woodlawn community. Behavioral health services are provided onsite for individuals and families including youth and senior citizens.
If you need help with something that isn’t listed here, contact us for more information. We have partnerships with a variety of services, including early childhood and education programs with the Woodlawn Children’s Promise Community, public safety programming with the Woodlawn Public Safety Alliance, homeownership assistance with Neighborhood Housing Services, and referrals to other service providers, including the YMCA, CEDA, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Harris Park, CARA, MetroSquash, After School Matters, Sunshine Gospel Ministries, and Friend Family Health Center.
Download the Woodlawn Resource Center Brochure for more information on classes and training opportunities.