Lauren

My job title is Individual Development Specialist, a combination of a job coach and case manager. I have been in this position since September 2011.
My work involves providing career coaching and generalized case management services for individuals who have just become employed to ensure progress is made towards economic self-sufficiency. I also work to make sure that any newly employed issues and concerns are met with one-on-one assistance. I work with these individuals for 12 months, until they are celebrated in our organization for their one year retention on the job.

Organization

The Cara Program The Cara Program
The Cara Program prepares and inspires motivated individuals to break the cycles of homelessness and poverty, transform their lives, strengthen our communities, and forge paths to real and lasting success. Since 1991, The Cara Program has placed more than 3,000 individuals into full-time,… More

Needs validated

$610of $610

Need funded!

4 supporters
Funded on 9/24/2012

Mary from Chicago, IL

Working, parenting & about to attend college; need laptop for my schoolwork

Managing a schedule of work, school, and being a mom is going to be hard, but my study time could be taken with me if I have a laptop computer. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$505of $505

Need funded!

10 supporters
Funded on 6/19/2013

Kena from Chicago, IL

Furniture to make my first apartment since recovery feel like a home

I need a new bed set to help transition from a recovery home to my new apartment. This will help me save money as I make up for lost time. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$35of $35

Need funded!

1 supporter
Funded on 6/26/2013

Jackie from Chicago, IL

I'm working on job readiness and I need a driver's license to increase my opportunities

I have years of work experience and being able to drive will open up additional career opportunities for me. My expired license is holding me back. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$560of $560

Need funded!

2 supporters
Funded on 11/1/2013

Kris from Chicago, IL

I'm newly employed, out of the shelter, & in my own apartment! I need a bed for my son.

My teenage son and I just moved into a one-bedroom apartment and he needs a bed. He is on the honor roll and needs a comfortable place to sleep. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$530of $530

Need funded!

14 supporters
Funded on 12/7/2013

Amanda from Chicago, IL

I'm free from a violent relationship. Now my son and I need furniture as we rebuild our lives

My son's outgrown his crib, & I need a small couch. I left everything behind when I left domestic violence, so these items will help as I rebuild. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$60of $60

Need funded!

3 supporters
Funded on 10/1/2013

Pat from Chicago, IL

I'm a mother ready to take the GED and all I need is the registration fee!

My kids promised me that they would give me their high school diplomas, and they did. Now it's time for me to give that promise back! More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$560of $560

Need funded!

6 supporters
Funded on 12/29/2013

Leslie from Chicago, IL

In an entry-level job but want to become a manager. I need a laptop to improve my skills.

A laptop will improve my computer competency & increase my chances of getting a promotion. I could also use it to help my son with his homework. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$330of $330

Need funded!

5 supporters
Funded on 11/6/2013

Richard from Chicago, IL

I'm supporting my grandma on a minimum wage job. I need textbooks to further my career

I need two textbooks for a class towards my associates' degree in paralegal studies. I want to make a career change & improve my living situation. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$125of $115

Need funded!

4 supporters
Funded on 11/5/2013

Brittany from Chicago, IL

I finally hit my stride and got my own apartment; I need sheets & cooking utensils to keep moving

I need a bed and sheet set and pots and pans for my new SRO unit! Meeting this need will help me get my savings back up to what it was. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$255of $255

Need funded!

1 supporter
Funded on 12/3/2013

LaToya from Chicago, IL

I'm newly housed and I need basic necessities to round out my new home

I'm on my own for the 1st time in 6 yrs! Meeting this need will help me continue moving forward, save for my education, and start 2014 w/ less stress. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$325of $225

Need funded!

3 supporters
Funded on 3/5/2014

Keisha from Chicago, IL

My husband and I need a new bed for my daughter who has outgrown her crib!

We're moving into our first apartment, but we need a bed for our 4-year-old who's outgrown her crib. We can afford the move, just not the extra bed. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$425of $420

Need funded!

12 supporters
Funded on 4/4/2014

Darrel from Chicago, IL

I have a social work degree & I'm ready to work. I need a dental restoration to go on interviews

I need a partial to replace missing teeth that affect my smile. This will allow me to ace interviews and get a job in my field, which is counseling. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$270of $270

Need funded!

5 supporters
Funded on 3/19/2014

Denzel from Chicago, IL

Got a job! Now I need my own tools to be on a level playing field for promotion.

I am employed & working my way up, but need basic factory tools to stay safe & competitive for promotion in my job with a manufacturing company. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$385of $385

Need funded!

13 supporters
Funded on 3/2/2014

Frank from Chicago, IL

I am training for a career; I need a copy of my naturalization papers to start

I want to enroll in a WIA grant-supported certification program in IT Support, but I need a copy of my naturalization certificate in order to apply. More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

$560of $560

Need funded!

15 supporters
Funded on 5/17/2014

Nicole from Chicago, IL

I'm a mom with BIG dreams for my family - A computer will remove countless barriers!

I need a computer to excel at work, return to school, give my kids the tools they need to take advantage of their schooling and connect with the world More

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program

Lauren


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