Crosswalk Community Action Agency

08/03/2026

~Job Opportunity~

Vending Service Technician – Marion, IL and Surrounding Areas
This is a full-time position working Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM–3:30 PM. Starting pay is $18–$19 per hour with weekly pay, paid training, and opportunities for career growth.

Technicians repair, install, and maintain vending machines and related equipment; respond to service calls; track equipment; and maintain inventory.

No previous experience is required, as we provide full training. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and be reliable and self-motivated. Mechanical or electrical experience is helpful but not required.

Recon Trainee/Administrative Professional
Pepsi MidAmerica is also hiring an Administrative Professional to join our administrative and accounting team. This full-time position works Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM and pays $17–$19 per hour.

The position begins with Recon Training, which provides hands-on learning and exposure to multiple departments. After completing training, employees may have opportunities to advance into Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Customer Service, and other administrative roles.

08/03/2026

Please see below for information on the Federal Freedom Haulers Initiative.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced a new interagency initiative called Freedom Haulers, a national campaign aimed at recruiting military veterans into careers in the trucking industry. The campaign is being led by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in partnership with the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense (referred to in the announcement as the Department of War), and Labor.
Key Details
• Purpose: Increase the number of veterans entering the trucking workforce while helping service members transition into civilian careers.
• Target Audience: Active-duty service members preparing to separate from the military and military veterans.
• Campaign Components:
o National digital and radio advertising campaign.
o A dedicated microsite with information on trucking careers, training, and available resources.
o Partnerships with private-sector trucking employers.
o Additional policy announcements expected as the campaign rolls out.
Benefits Highlighted for Veterans
The campaign emphasizes several advantages for veterans considering trucking careers:
• Military experience operating heavy vehicles may qualify veterans to waive the CDL skills test through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Military Skills Test Waiver Program, allowing for faster entry into the workforce.
• Eligible veterans can use GI Bill benefits to cover most or all Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training costs.
• Trucking offers competitive wages, flexible work opportunities, and a mission-driven career supporting the nation's supply chain.
• The campaign promotes trucking as a profession that aligns with veterans' leadership, discipline, and operational experience.
Why This Matters
The Administration states the initiative is intended to:
• Strengthen the trucking workforce by recruiting trained, safety-focused veterans.
• Support veterans' transition into civilian employment.
• Address industry workforce needs while building on broader federal trucking safety and licensing initiatives.
Call to Action for JVSG and American Job Center Staff
Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) staff and American Job Center (AJC) staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Freedom Haulers initiative and proactively share this opportunity with eligible veterans and transitioning service members. As you work with job seekers, please:
• Discuss trucking and transportation careers with veterans who may be interested in high-demand occupations.
• Inform eligible veterans about the availability of GI Bill benefits for CDL training and the FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver Program, which may accelerate the licensing process for those with qualifying military driving experience.
• Connect interested individuals to local CDL training providers, trucking employers, apprenticeship opportunities, and workforce resources.
• Incorporate information about the Freedom Haulers campaign into career counseling, workshops, outreach events, and employer engagement activities.
Your outreach and guidance can help veterans leverage their military experience to access rewarding careers while supporting the nation's transportation workforce.

08/03/2026

07/21/2026

FYI

05/15/2026

Attention!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Senior Box pick up has been moved to Tuesday, May 26th.

04/27/2026

We are saddened by the loss of our long-time board member, Karl Maple. Karl served on our Crosswalk board for 16 years. He was an outstanding asset to community action; he will be greatly missed.

04/22/2026

04/01/2026

*FYI*