Cara Chicago

Cara Chicago Since 1991, Cara Collective has worked with people experiencing poverty to find and keep quality jobs.

Cara Collective seeks to fuel a courageous national movement to eradicate relational and financial poverty. Through our four entities – Cara, Cleanslate, Cara Connects, and Cara Plus –we engage job seekers, employers, and other organizations across the country to break the cycle of poverty through the power and purpose of employment. Since 1991, we’ve helped more than 8,100 people get placed into more than 13,400 jobs and get started on their path to real and lasting success.

Take your workforce development program to the next level! Join Cara Plus for our Workforce Development Solutions Lab, O...
10/13/2026

Take your workforce development program to the next level! Join Cara Plus for our Workforce Development Solutions Lab, October 27-29. Our immersive, 3-day lab covers best practices and best failures from more than 35 years in workforce development. You’ll take a deep dive into recruitment, socio-emotional training, employer partnerships, and job retention. Plus, collaborate with peers from across the country to workshop ideas on pain points and opportunities. Check out testimonials from past attendees below.

Now registering for our fall cohort! Learn more at caraplus.org/wdsl

Let's start the week off with some motivation! “My turning point came when I realized that doing the same thing was not ...
10/13/2026

Let's start the week off with some motivation!

“My turning point came when I realized that doing the same thing was not producing different results. I wanted more stability, growth, and opportunities. And I knew I needed support and a new approach to reach my goals.”

Nicole wanted more for herself but didn't know where to begin. Cara helped her recognize her strength and gave her the guidance she needed to build a brighter future.

Read about Nicole’s transformation at https://ow.ly/oUhl50ZXfpI

10/12/2026

"For me, in order to keep joy, I have to have this childlike wonder that gets reawakened regularly because otherwise you can get bogged down with the drudgery of life."

Cara Collective President & CEO, Karin M. Norington-Reaves, recently sat down with Dr. Bobbi Wegner on The Groops Psychology of Work podcast.

Karin talked about the archetypes and patterns that keep showing up across a leadership journey, why she won't accept a private apology for a public affront, how to notice when people have quietly checked out of a meeting, and the liminal spaces we all move through when one chapter has ended and the next hasn't quite begun.

Check out the full episode: https://www.joingroops.com/podcast/leading-through-transition-with-karin-norington-reaves

Give your time, talent, and passion to help make Chicago a better place. Cara Collective is seeking passionate, purpose...
10/11/2026

Give your time, talent, and passion to help make Chicago a better place.

Cara Collective is seeking passionate, purpose-driven professionals to join our Auxiliary Boards.

Auxiliary Board members play a vital role in advancing our mission to eradicate poverty through fundraising, advocacy, networking, and community engagement. If you're looking to turn your skills, leadership, and connections into meaningful impact, this is your opportunity to support job seekers across Chicago and beyond while growing your own network of changemakers.

Apply by November 2 and be part of the movement creating pathways to lasting employment and economic mobility.

tfaforms.com/5234914

10/10/2026

🧘🍵Cara Collective's 4th Annual Health & Wellness Fair is this Friday! 🌿🧘‍♀️ 🎉

Cara Collective is thrilled to host our 4th Annual Health & Wellness Fair on Friday, October 16 at the Salvation Army Red Shield Center! This year's inspiring theme, "The Road to Wellness," celebrates every step of the journey toward healthier, stronger, and more empowered lives.

Connect with dozens of community organizations providing services, programs, and resources that can support your health and wellness.

Here are some of the FREE resources our vendors will provide:

*Health screenings and testing

*Financial education

*Housing Assistance

*Wellness programs

*Employment support

This is a free community event, but space is limited. Learn more and RSVP at

www.CaraCollective.org/Health

We made it a great day with our friends at Acquis Consulting Group. Thank you for attending motivations and helping us ...
10/08/2026

We made it a great day with our friends at Acquis Consulting Group. Thank you for attending motivations and helping us conduct mock interviews!

Interested in bringing in your team for a service day?

Learn more at https://caracollective.org/volunteer/

Hey Amira, ! Congrats on your new role as a Patient Access Specialist with our friends at Rush University Medical Cente...
10/08/2026

Hey Amira, ! Congrats on your new role as a Patient Access Specialist with our friends at Rush University Medical Center!

“Cara is a community I’m proud to be part of. It has helped me grow while giving me the opportunity to help open doors f...
10/07/2026

“Cara is a community I’m proud to be part of. It has helped me grow while giving me the opportunity to help open doors for others.” Cordelia Calderon, Executive Council member.

Cara Collective is looking for driven, motivated professionals to join our Auxiliary Boards! We are now accepting applications for our Associate Board and Executive Council. Support Cara Collective's mission to eradicate poverty while building your network and broadening your impact.

Applications are open until November 2. Learn more and apply at tfaforms.com/5234914

Socio-emotional training. Employer partnerships. Job retention. Peer-to-peer learning. Dive into these topics and more a...
10/06/2026

Socio-emotional training. Employer partnerships. Job retention. Peer-to-peer learning. Dive into these topics and more at our next Workforce Development Solutions Lab session, October 27-29! Collaborate with workforce development peers and workshop ideas on best practices, challenges, and opportunities for your organization.

Learn more at caraplus.org/wdsl

Last Thursday, we made it a great day with our friends at Cara Collective's Associate Board. Thank you for helping us co...
10/05/2026

Last Thursday, we made it a great day with our friends at Cara Collective's Associate Board. Thank you for helping us conduct mock interview and organize our clothing room!

Interested in bringing in your team for a service day?
Learn more at https://caracollective.org/volunteer/

Join Cara Collective's Auxiliary Boards and give back to Chicago!
Learn more and apply by November 2 at tfaforms.com/5234914


Boards

Address

237 S Desplaines Street
Chicago, IL
60661

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+13127983300

Website

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