Important Update:

Due to the ongoing, and quickly evolving challenges our city, state and the nation are facing due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are doing our part to encourage curving exposure. In accordance with the federal, state and city orders, NLEN will extend our modified schedule until further notice. Because we care about the safety and wellbeing of our staff, our clients and the community, we are suspending in-person orientations, intake, and CEDA utility assistance application processing until June 30th.

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CEDA applications processed by appointment only, Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm through June 30th.

Set up your appointments by contacting:  Ana@nlen.org Phone: 773-265-7940 or Chevonne@nlen.org Phone: 773-584-4591.

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Orientations are held every Monday and every first Friday of the month at 10 am by calling 773-584-4588 and entering code 4573 (Click here to view orientation flyer). 

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Intake will take place on Thursdays through a conference call. Our intake coordinator, Zhane Davenport, will directly contact all those who are interested in enrolling in job readiness training. Our READI and U-Turn Permitted programs will continue through virtual meetings and e-learning tools and we are exploring other virtual options and we will make those announcements known should they become available.

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Workforce Programs

All workforce programs including U-Turn Permitted, the Financial Opportunity Center, Job Club and Moving Forward will be facilitated through a virtual learning platform over the next two weeks effective Monday, March 16th. Fast Lane Automotive Training is suspended until further notice as well as NLEN Bridge. iPathways is available for clients who desire to complete Bridge online. Upon the conclusion of this two-week period, the NLEN administrative staff will revisit the need for an extension or modification of this action plan based on the latest reports regarding the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

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NLEN is prepared to provide phone card subsidies not to exceed $50.00 for current program participants who use their phones or personal mobile devices to access job readiness training via the online learning platform. Current participants will also receive two weeks of Ventra cards to assist with transportation needs during job searching or training in our customized skills training program.

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• Financial Opportunity Center Resource Center: Closed

• Intake will take place on Thursdays through a conference call only. Our intake coordinator, Zhane Davenport, will contact all those who are interested in enrolling in job readiness training. 

• All workforce programs will be held through Zoom online learning platform.

• Moving Forward Training/Bridge Instruction: Fast Lane Automotive Training is closed until further notice. 

  • NLEN Bridge and Moving Forward participants are to return until further notice.

  • iPathways is available for clients who desire to complete Bridge online.

• Financial Education/Literacy Training & Coaching:

  • Financial Trainings via Zoom

  • Coaching 1:1 via phone; Group Me meet up.

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For questions about U-Turn Permitted, contact Jose Wilson at 773-638-8738 or jose@nlen.org.

For questions about the Financial Opportunity Center, contact Tanesha House at 773-638-1813 or tanesha@nlen.org.

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READI

READI Modified Schedule March 16th until further notice.

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READI programming will operate Monday through Friday from 9 am to 10: 30 am via the ZOOM app to conduct Control+Alt+Delete (CAD) and Personal Development (PD) via the internet. Participants and staff can access the app through their cellular phone, computer, and tablet. Zoom is an online app that will allow participants and staff the capability to conduct their morning classes through a virtual conference. Participants who use their cell phones for the week are eligible for $50 to pay for their cell phone bills to supplement for their data usage.

Participants will need to submit a cell phone bill in their names for this incentive. Stipends will be distributed at the end of the week on Friday at 3 pm.

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For questions about the READI program, contact Coretta Rivers at 773-584-4020 or coretta@nlen.org.

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Supportive Services

The Resource room is suspended effective Monday, March 16th until further notice based on the latest reports on the spread of the virus. Sign-up for Divvy For All will be available via email only to: outreach@divvybikes.com

In-person CEDA applications are suspended until further notice.  

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It is important for us to come together as a community in these critical times. We all need to do our part to help reduce the spread of incorrect information and harmful rumors that place our community at risk. The coronavirus and the illnesses associated with it such as COVID-19 do not target people based on race or ethnic background. Specifically, being of Asian descent does not increase susceptibility to the virus or increase the chance of spreading it to others. Fight stigma and fear by supporting people who may be coming back to school or work after traveling internationally or completing a quarantine or isolation period for COVID-19.

Let us work together to remain safe and healthy. For the most trusted, up-to-date information, we recommend visiting the specific coronavirus websites of the CDC (Center for Disease Control) or the WHO (World Health Organization).

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

City of Chicago

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home.html

World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

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