Programs » Rockwell Leadership Network
In recognition of its 20th anniversary, LGC initiated the Rockwell Leadership Network as its first project to involve Fellows in a collective effort to address challenging community concerns. Working with multiple partners, the purpose of the network is to work with residents of Rockwell Gardens to help them make a successful transition to the new West End community during the Chicago Housing Authority's Plan for Transformation.
In 2005, the Rockwell Leadership Network created the Job Seekers Network with funding from the Partnership for New Communities. Approximately sixty CHA residents and close to sixty LGC Fellows and their associates participated in a variety of workshops and activities designed to expand the job readiness resources available to residents. The network gives CHA residents access to professionals in all walks of life who can provide training, coaching and mentoring to assist in job searches. It makes connections between people who would otherwise not meet, and opens doors to employment. It also provides opportunities to train staff who are helping CHA residents meet their relocation goals.
2005 Job Seekers Activities and Results
In 2005, sixty-four Fellows and their associates contributed close to 600 volunteer hours to the Rockwell Leadership Network, including planning and overseeing the project and working directly with residents of Rockwell Gardens on job readiness training, coaching and work place tours. The Network offered three series of job readiness workshops. Approximately 60-residents attended at least one workshop. By the end of the year, thirty had attended more than two sessions and nineteen were employed, in school or actively seeking employment.
Here’s what Job Seekers said about the program:
- At first I had no faith in this program. I didn’t want to be there. People don’t always do what they say they are going to do. But this program has opened many doors for me. It took my interviewing to a whole different level. Before, I wasn’t at all confident that I could get a job. I ended up in all the wrong places talking to the wrong people. Now I’m confident that I can do it.
- When someone who is a stranger gives you a chance you start to look at society differently.
- I learned to stay focused and not give up.
- Keep the positive people rolling into this program.
- Networking is the most important way to help myself.
- Don’t settle for what you are doing now. Try to work your way up to a higher position.
- Believe that you are worthy of that job you are applying or interviewing for.
- Continue this program as long as you can. This is a good start for people that are first timers in the job world.
2006 Rockwell Leadership Network Programs
What activities will the Job Seekers Network offer for CHA residents in 2006?
Working with developers and Community Social Services staff, LGC can provide volunteers to:
- Speak on topics related to successful job search and job retention
- Conduct mock phone interviews with coaching before and after
- Conduct mock in-person interviews in a workplace setting
- Develop workplace tours and other special programs designed to give residents an insider's view of employers and their hiring practices (requires at least 20 participants)
- Identify mentors for residents who will commit to an ongoing relationship (requires ongoing Community Social Services staff support).
Can other development teams participate?
LGC's Job Seekers Network shares the Partnership for New Communities' goal of making the Plan for Transformation's mixed-income communities successful for CHA residents. Our priority is therefore to work with residents who are actively seeking to move into the new mixed-income communities, known as "Housing Offer Process" or "HOP" clients. In order to be able to reach additional HOP clients, maximize opportunities for residents and ensure sufficient participation to justify volunteers' and employers' time commitments, LGC is exploring opening the Job Seekers Network to other transformation communities to supplement their job clubs or other employment programs.
Download the Fact sheet for further information.
Business Roundtable on retention and recruitment of low-skilled workers
In addition to job readiness training, LGC is launching a policy initiative to convene employers and work force development
professionals in a dialogue about how workplace practices contribute to success in recruiting or retaining low-skilled employees.
The goal is to determine how both businesses and employees can benefit by creating environments – including work schedules—that
foster loyalty and productivity and reduce costs of recruitment and turnover. Download the Fact sheet for further information, or contact Emily Harris at emily@lgcchicago.org to find out how you can be involved.
For Further Information and to learn how you can participate, contact Emily Harris, emily@lgcchicago.org, 847-763-1665.