The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership marked the virtual grand opening of the Chatham Education and Workforce Center, an 11,000 square foot facility designed to support education and job training for residents in Chatham and surrounding neighborhoods. The event brought together elected officials, community leaders, philanthropists, and family members of Dr. Betty Howard, whose legacy inspired the creation of the center.
Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) stated, “I am pleased to be a part of this historic grand opening of the Chatham Education and Workforce Center, a mission established nearly eight years ago to honor the memory of Dr. Howard. The hard work and determination of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership will lead to providing additional employment opportunities and economic growth for residents in Chatham and the surrounding communities for years to come.”
The center is located just blocks from where Dr. Howard lost her life in 2014 due to random gunfire. Following her death, Congressman Rush led efforts aimed at revitalizing communities affected by violence.
Facilities within the center include classrooms, meeting spaces, a manufacturing classroom/Maker Lab operated by Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) and Richard J. Daley College, as well as a career center with resources for both job seekers and businesses such as resume assistance and job placement services. There is also a computer lab/resource room and a large multi-purpose space that can accommodate over 100 people or be divided into smaller classrooms.
The Greater Chatham Initiative (GCI), which coordinates neighborhood development efforts since its launch in June 2016, will be based at the center.
Kristal Long, niece of Dr. Howard said: “We are elated and humbled to have our beloved Betty’s legacy continued through such an impactful addition to the community. We look forward to not only witnessing the growth and change this Center will bring to our community but also being active participants ensuring her lifetime of work and dedication lives on.”
Karin M. Norington-Reaves, CEO of The Partnership added: “For nearly seven years, The Partnership has remained committed to making this Center a reality. Ensuring the space has a warm feeling using bright colors and open spaces to foster community use paired with state-of-the-art tools required to provide training and career development were critical considerations. It was impossible to know when we all began this journey what the world would look like today, and just how much residents would need the education and job training this Center provides.”
The building at 640 East 79th Street was first purchased by IFF using funds from JPMorgan Chase’s $40 million investment in Chicago’s South and West Sides; later it was bought outright by 4S Bay Partners LLC who contributed more than $3 million towards its completion.
Jessica Sarowitz from 4S Bay Partners commented: “We salute the many unsung heroes who worked for so long to bring this Center to their community… We are grateful that we have had the opportunity to help our neighbors and we look forward to joining them in making this a world that offers opportunity and fullness of life to everyone.”
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle stated: “I am grateful for the good work of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership and our community partners who made vision for this center a reality… I look forward seeing how Center will positively impact neighborhood local economy.”
Additional private sector contributions included Blue Cross Blue Shield donating $50,000 for audio-visual equipment; Com Ed providing $45,000 plus computers; Verizon; Fifth-Third Bank each giving $10,000 toward virtual programming during COVID-19 restrictions.
Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot remarked: “The Chatham Center is our city’s latest asset as we work address systemic inequities that COVID-19 has exacerbated such as poverty joblessness… Not only will it provide Chatham residents with employment resources they need get back on their feet but it will also support citywide goal revitalizing economies historically underserved South Side communities…”
Programs housed at center include skilled trades training (Construction Works Powered by Illinois Tollway), digital literacy courses, manufacturing instruction as well as initiatives targeting CHA resident training reentry programs—all free-of-charge with weekend hours available for broader access.
Since its inception The Partnership has worked with over 2,000 employers placing more than 70,000 individuals into jobs across sectors including manufacturing information technology skilled trades among others.
