COVID-19: How the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership is helping

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) is working diligently to support jobseekers, employers, and our collaborators during the COVID-19 national health emergency. This pandemic profoundly impacts our region’s economy, its workers and businesses, thus, The Partnership remains fully operational and continues to provide services to Chicagoland’s employers and job seekers.

The health and safety of our employees and program participants is our highest priority therefore as of March 18, 2020, our American Job Centers closed to the public, and our network of agencies adjusted operations to accommodate customers through virtual services. Web-based orientations, tutorials, digital literacy courses, and one-on-one career counseling are available for jobseekers. Access those services here. Similarly, consultative services for employers including hiring, lay off aversion, rapid response (layoff support) and training resources remain available through our Business Services Teams.  Access these services here.

We recognize the urgency and increased need for employment services and encourage our customers to utilize the host of resources available through our network of providers.  The State of Illinois also offers a library of virtual services through Illinois Worknet. Sadly, many businesses have been forced to lay off staff. Unemployment Insurance claims can be filed by phone (800)-244-5631 or online at:
https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/individuals/UnemploymentInsurance/Pages/default.aspx.Despite these trying times, many employers are hiring—Walgreens, Amazon, Jewel’s, Mariano’s, Meijer, among them. Delivery services, healthcare, and child care companies are also hiring. More information on the opportunities can be found here. In collaboration with the State, efforts are underway to secure national emergency funding to support the thousands of people who will need rapid re-employment in the aftermath of this crisis.  We are in regular contact with City, County and State leadership and will regularly update our website as new information becomes available. All workforce-related COVID-19 updates can be found here.

For more information follow The Partnership on social media or opt-in to receive regular messages by texting “WORKNOW” to 474747 for updates regarding job opportunities, career workshops, and tips on virtually accessing employment resources.

Be well!

Sincerely,

Karin M. Norington-Reaves
Chief Executive Officer