Cara Chicago

05/22/2026

Earlier this week, we had the privilege of welcoming the two newest team members at Cara Collective. Please join us in celebrating Paulina, our Marketing & Communications Strategist, and Naila, our Marketing & Communications Project Lead! Glad to have you both on board.

Interested in joining our team of the best and brightest in social purpose? Explore our open roles at www.caracollective.org/careers

05/21/2026

Registration for our next Workforce Development Solutions Lab closes next week!

Don't miss your chance to learn with fellow workforce practitioners and dive deep into elements of Cara Collective's service delivery model, including recruitment, training, employment services, and coaching.

Learn more and register: https://caracollective.org/cara-plus/workforce-development/workforce-development-solutions-lab/register/

05/21/2026

Yesterday, we made it a great day with our friends at Bottom Line and KellyMitchell Group. Thank you for learning about our mission and organizing our clothing room!

Interested in bringing in your team for a service day?
Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g8CURwYj.

05/20/2026

Not all jobs offer equal opportunity in a changing labor market. We’re excited to join the conversation with the National Reentry Workforce Collaborative (NRWC) Thought Leadership Series in their upcoming webinar:

Future of Work - High Potential Industries
📅 Friday, June 5
⏰ 1:30 PM ET

Learn why strong demand and advancement pathways are the key factors in reentry workforce strategies to provide durable careers for justice-impacted workers.

Cara Collective’s Tara Harper, Chief External Affairs Officer, will join our friend Steph Dolan, Director, Corporate Coalition of Chicago and Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn, Executive Director, Workforce and International Labor Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Together, we can build a more inclusive economy. We hope to see you there!

Learn more and register here: https://thenrwc.org/tls/

05/20/2026

Since 1991, Cara Collective has removed barriers to employment. When faced with adversity, more than 10,000 individuals turned to our community for help. By joining hands with us, their uncertain futures became an unbreakable bridge to lasting success. Through dedicated partnership, we continue to build pathways out of poverty.

Learn how to help us build at the link in our bio!
https://ow.ly/30VT50Z2eIk

05/19/2026

ICYMI, we’re partnering with Taureaux Tavern to turn cocktails into career opportunities!🍹

Now through June, we’re honored to be Taureaux Tavern's featured nonprofit partner. Together, we’re raising a glass to opportunity with the Bell Ringer Spritz - their featured cocktail that supports our work to eradicate poverty through employment.

A portion of proceeds from every order helps connect job seekers with training, resources, and employers, opening doors to sustainable careers and long-term success. So stop in, sip with purpose, and help fuel pathways to lasting success.

05/19/2026

Chicago’s talent pool is deeper than many employers realize.

In this op-ed, co-authored with our friends at the Corporate Coalition and published by Crain's Chicago, we make the case for fair chance hiring and why removing barriers to employment benefits businesses, workers, and our entire region.

Let’s rethink who gets a chance to contribute.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/elevate/ccb-fair-chance-hiring-employers-chicago-20260511/

Chicago employers are changing core business practices to reduce economic inequities

05/18/2026

🎉Congratulations to Arbella, our for May 2026! Arbella was selected by her peers for consistently demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to the team. Her hard work and positive attitude continue to make a meaningful impact each day, and we are grateful to have her as part of the Cara community. Way to go Arbella!

05/17/2026

It's your last chance to enter our Suite Home Chicago Raffle! One lucky sports fan will win the chance to cheer on six of Chicago’s iconic home teams from the best seats in the house!

Our raffle closes at 8 pm CT tonight. Enter at www.caragala.org

05/16/2026

The may be in the rearview (and the record books) but there is still a chance to support our job seekers and win the chance to cheer on six of Chicago’s iconic home teams from the best seats in the house!

Enter at www.caragala.org

Our Suite Home Chicago Raffle gives one lucky fan an unforgettable lineup of VIP experiences with the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Fire, Sky, and White Sox! Individual tickets and ticket bundles are on sale until Sunday at 8 pm CT. The more entries you buy, the better your chances of winning. Good luck, sports fans!

05/16/2026

"Cara broke me down...and that was the beginning of my joy."

In 2014, Seun and his family fled Nigeria after facing violence and persecution. Soon after, he came to Cara looking for a chance to build a life for himself and his family.

Last night we honored Seun's journey at the with the Jesse Teverbaugh Distinguished Alumni Award. Watch Seun share his journey in this video produced for our evening - https://youtu.be/wkluBVzqCjs?si=aetCC3NbVwYPayzS

Seun, our 2026 Jesse Teverbaugh Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, shares his journey of escaping persecution in his native Nigeria to finding a...