A grant-funded opportunity allows Cunningham Children’s Home to provide Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) services for unemployed, under-employed, and under-represented youth ages 16-24 years of age in Champaign County. The JTED program staff help individuals become self-sufficient through training, work-based learning support, and real-world work experiences to maximize their full potential in future employment. Services are developed around an individual’s understanding of their skills, career interests, vocational goals, advocacy in support of obtaining accommodations, and the development of their interpersonal skills, which will enable participants to maintain employment and live independently by providing a work-based learning experience.
As program participants, youth receive individualized assistance from Cunningham’s JTED staff members. They explore careers and assess their skills to better understand their unique learning styles in order to create a personalized career plan to determine the best career fit. Program participants receive on-site job training and coaching to help build work ethics and social skills. JTED staff members also work to establish meaningful relationships with employers in the Champaign County community in support of employment placement with identified local businesses.
Scope of Services
- Career Exploration, Assessment, and Planning: An individual assessment of interest and skills; Counseling on career/job options and development of a work-based learning career plan.
- Skill Development/Certificate: Skill development for workplace employment through a nationally recognized certificates that covers careers like the hospitality industry, 411 Disability Disclosure Training; and assistance to obtain Illinois Food Handler’s Certificate, etc.
- Job Advocacy and Placement: Assistance advocating for any accommodations needed for success in employment; Job coaching is provided as needed; Job placement, assistance to overcoming barriers which prohibit employment, volunteer opportunities, subsidized employment, and independent employment and business partnerships are established in Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul, Mahomet, and throughout Champaign County where our youth live.
Who is eligible?
Individuals who:
- unemployed, under-employed, and under-represented
- reside in Champaign County
- aged 16 through 24
Primary Funder:
Grant-funded through the Job Training and Employment Development Act
Referrals:
Penne Biggers, BS; Intake and Admissions Assistant
Cunningham Children’s Home
1301 N Cunningham Ave, Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 337-9059 (office)
pbiggers@cunninghamhome.org / penne.biggers@illinois.gov
Questions/More Information:
Paige Garrison, MSW, LSW
Associate Director of Family Services
pgarrison@cunninghamhome.org
217-337-9308
Kelly Cuevas
Family Services and Vocational Coordinator
kcuevas@cunninghamhome.org
217-337-9047