North Lawndale Employment Network

The North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) was created in 1999 to help address the unmet needs of the North Lawndale community which was facing extremely high rates of unemployment and underemployment.
 
NLEN’s has two main job readiness programs – U-Turn Permitted, a four week program for residents with felony convictions; and U-Turn Permitted Express, a four week program for residents without felony convictions. Both begin with guidance from workforce and financial coaches, computer literacy and financial management classes, and a racial healing course.  Thereafter, candidates can select from several skills training programs which include transitional work experiences:

• Moving Forward (10 to 12 weeks): diesel mechanics training program built in partnership with CTA.
• TDL Bridge (10 weeks): contextualized program for adults without a high school diploma/GED. Candidates are able to obtain certifications in forklift and OSHA.
• Self-Employment Pathways (12 weeks): entrepreneurship training program for returning women.
• Sweet Beginning (3 months): social enterprise that provides transitional work experience to residents returning from incarceration and can lead to a food handling certificate

EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS

• Initial meeting with NLEN
• Regular contact with NLEN following placement (5/year)
• 30 day Employee Assessment
• Optional: progress reports, mid-term report, or termination reports

EMPLOYER SUPPORTS PROVIDED

• Pre-screening of candidates
• Post-placement support for employees
• Transitional or internship program: weekly check-in’s for 12 months
• Other programs: 30, 60, 90 day check-ins with NLEN retention specialists following placement