LWA 7: The Chicago Lighthouse

The Chicago Lighthouse has been helping individuals from Chicago’s marginalized communities for 117 years, specifically helping people who are blind or visually impaired since the 1920s. The organization’s main focus, particularly for Employment Services Program, are individuals living in low-income, high-need communities. Most of Lighthouse’s clients reside within the City of Chicago and 46% of them live in neighborhoods considered by the Chicago Department of Health to be “high economic hardship areas.” 83% live in neighborhoods with below-median incomes and 14% live in neighborhoods with median household incomes below $34,000.

The organization’s unwavering commitment to assist job seekers in their career journey has resulted in exemplary achievements. The organization has served as a beacon of hope in Chicago, empowering job seekers to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable successes.

Key contributions that make The Chicago Lighthouse a deserving recipient of this award are:

• Dedication to Job Seeker Advancement: The Chicago Lighthouse has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to equipping job seekers with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to succeed in the workforce.
• Credential Attainment: Through personalized guidance and support, The Chicago Lighthouse has facilitated numerous individuals in obtaining valuable credentials/certificates, enhancing their employability and future prospects.
• Employment Success: The Chicago Lighthouse’s diligent efforts have resulted in countless job seekers securing meaningful employment opportunities aligned with their career aspirations, bridging the gap between skills and labor market demands.
• Collaborative Efforts: The Chicago Lighthouse has actively collaborated with Employment & Employer Services and other WIOA core partners for over a decade, fostering a holistic approach to workforce development. The Chicago Lighthouse can be relied on to attend community engagements such as hiring events, job fairs and virtual recruitments. In addition, The Chicago Lighthouse also holds yearly partner information sessions.

In the past 2 program years, The Chicago Lighthouse’s human resources department (in conjunction with their Employment Services Program) has identified 28 candidates who were eligible for the On-the-Job Training Program. This has provided The Chicago Lighthouse with over $40,000 in OJT reimbursements. According to Martha Younger-White, Senior Vice President of Employment and Rehabilitation programs with The Chicago Lighthouse

Thanks to the On-the-Job Training funding we receive, we can increase our outreach to and recruitment from underserved communities, where the need for job training and placement opportunities are most acute. As a result of our partnership, we have been able to identify additional trainees for our program, improve our overall contact center productivity, increase hiring of people with disabilities and Veterans, and foster a workplace that priorities access and inclusion for all.

The dedication, passion, and impact demonstrated by The Chicago Lighthouse embody the essence of the Business Leadership Award. By recognizing the organization’s remarkable achievements, we celebrate the collective efforts in transforming individual lives and contributing to the economic and social well-being of our community!