Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership 
The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership operates the largest public workforce development system in the city, connecting job seekers to training, career coaching, and employment opportunities in high-demand industries such as:

• Healthcare
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing
• Transportation and Logistics
• Construction
• Retail and Hospitality 

Through a network of American Job Centers, the Partnership provides services like resume assistance, interview preparation, and job readiness training.

Heartland Human Care Services (HHCS)

Heartland Human Care Services offers targeted employment support for refugees and immigrants through its Refugee & Immigrant Community Services (RICS) program, including:

• Job placement assistance
• Vocational and English language training
• Youth mentoring and after-school programs
• Culturally responsive case management 

RICS provides interpretation services in all languages to ensure accessibility for all clients.

Get Involved with RICS 

• To volunteer (e.g., as an English tutor or mentor), contact Frank Zator at fzator@heartlandhumancareservices.org. 
• For student internship opportunities, reach out to Joshua Grizzard at jogrizzard@heartlandhumancareservices.org.
• Support RICS clients by contributing to their Essential Needs Wish List. 

Additional Employment Resources 
For additional resources and a list of community organizations that offer education and job readiness programs please visit JCFS Chicago. 

 

Every worker in Chicago, regardless of immigration status, has legal rights, including:

• Minimum wage protections
• Overtime pay eligibility
• Safe and discrimination-free workplaces
• Protection from retaliation when asserting rights

Resources for Workers 

• Office of Labor Standards – City of Chicago: Processes complaints and enforces labor laws.
• Arise Chicago: Offers resources and support for immigrant workers.
• Raise the Floor Alliance: Advocates for policies that protect workers.
• Latino Union of Chicago: Advocates for the rights of workers and OSHA protections.
• Chicago Workers Collaborative

Immigrants and refugees can access resources to start and grow small businesses, including:

• Business planning and legal registration assistance
• Licensing and permitting guidance
• Access to micro-loans and financing
• Support for minority- and women-owned businesses

Key Resources

• City of Chicago’s Business and Consumer Protection Office
• Chicago Business Resource Navigator: Connects entrepreneurs to business support services.
• Women's Business Development Center: Provides programs and services to help women entrepreneurs achieve economic self-sufficiency.
• Accion: Offers financial services to underserved entrepreneurs. 

MWBE Certification

Minority- and women-owned businesses can apply for MWBE Certification to qualify for city contracts and access growth opportunities.

City Colleges of Chicago offers free and low-cost adult education programs, including:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) courses
• GED preparation
• Workforce certificates in high-demand industries

These programs are open to all Chicago residents, regardless of immigration status.