Financial Opportunity Center® Programs & Resources

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Our Financial Opportunity Center ® (FOC) program partners with local community members
from across North Lawndale and the metropolitan Chicago region to build family-sustaining careers and achieve financial success. We are part of a national
network of trusted community-based organizations, supported by LISC, who offer people
employment, financial health, and income support services to generate impact.

 

Our FOC coaches and support staff serve as a hub for financial planning and economic empowerment services at North Lawndale Employment Network, including outreach, coaching, and benefits application assistance. Our goal is to support people in achieving their economic goals and advance financial prosperity.

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FOC programs and supports include: 

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• Soft pull credit reports and credit score analysis

• Credit history and credit repair support

• Financial education workshops

• Budgeting coaching

• Public benefits application assistance

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All FOC programs and services are free!

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The FOC program integrates long-term financial coaching into NLEN’s existing services, showing you how to expand your financial education and access credit-building programming. Clients enrolled in two or more FOC services are:

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• 4 times more likely to improve their credit rating

• 11 times more likely to improve net worth

• 14 times more likely to improve net income

 

By adding income supports and financial coaching alongside employment services, the FOC connects residents to the economic mainstream and improves our communities.  

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For more information about Financial Literacy and Education, or to set up an appointment with a Financial Coach, please contact 773-638-7070.

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Most recently, we are excited to announce a partnership with Nourishing Hope (formerly Lakeview Pantry) to increase local access to fresh food. Through Nourishing Hope's innovative Online Marketplace, people can select fresh produce and dairy products, frozen meat, and other grocery and personal items online once a month and pick up at the NLEN campus. NLEN Online Marketplace Pickup is every 3rd Monday of the month, with cart finalization the Thursday and Friday prior. To learn more about the Nourishing Hope Online Marketplace, visit this link. 

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To receive assistance in signing up for the Nourishing Hope Online Marketplace, email FOC@nlen.org or call 773-638-7070.

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Sign up for individual financial coaching sessions at this link: 

bit.ly/foc_coaching

 

View upcoming FOC events at: 

www.NLENfoc.eventbrite.com

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Office Hours 

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LISC Chicago FOC Resource Room

Monday - Thursday:  9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday:  Closed to the Public

 

2024-2025 Energy Assistance Programs

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Energy Assistance applications are now open for the 2024-2025 Service Year. Priority Period 1 households can apply beginning October 1st, 2024. All other households can apply starting November 1st, 2024. You can find more information and document requirements on our Energy Assistance page. 

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If you have an application in process, you can contact our Community Resource Specialist Ana Encarnacion with any questions:

Email: Ana@nlen.org Phone: 773-265-7940 

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Nourishing Hope Online Marketplace:

NLEN's Nourishing Hope Online Market pickup date is the 3rd Monday of every month. Pickup will take place at North Lawndale Employment Network's campus at 1111 S. Homan Ave.

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Online Marketplace orders and cart finalization will take place the Thursday and Friday prior to pickup. 

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For assistance in joining the Online Market, contact the Financial Opportunity Center at info@nlen.org or call 773-638-7070.