The Cara Program

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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, quality jobs with leading Chicago-area companies, including several in the Fortune 500. These jobs currently pay an average wage of $10.68 per hour and at least 75% of employed Cara students (program participants) from our Job Training, Placement, and Retention Program remain at their first job placement for at least one year. To prepare students of our Job Training, Placement, and Retention Program to achieve personal and professional success, The Cara Program offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes innovative life- and career-skills training; internship and transitional employment opportunities; placement into a permanent, quality job; and a full year of individualized, post-employment support. To learn more, please visit www.thecaraprogram.org.

Validators

Julie

I'm the Manager of Supportive Services at The Cara Program. I started at Cara as an Individual Development Specialist, which is a lot like a job coach, and I now manage the retention team that makes sure our students don't just get the job, but they stay in it for a full year. I fell in love with… More

Da'Sean

I am a Individual Development Specialist for Cara Chicago I've been working there over six years. My job includes helping our students needs on a more personal level kind of like a life coach. I help them in many ways to become more self sufficient so they can succeed in life. What motivate me the… More

Needs validated

$430of $430

Need funded!

11 supporters
Funded on 11/30/2011

Anne from Chicago, IL

A bed as I save up for our own place

I need a bed for my son and me. My work requires hours on my feet and lots of lifting. We've got a place to stay but need someplace to sleep. More

Validated by Lynnette from The Cara Program

$705of $705

Need funded!

12 supporters
Funded on 12/16/2011

Doug from Chicago, IL

Computer to keep my kids on the right track

I want to help my kids stay on the right path and a computer will help me be the best father I can be and give my kids the resources they need. More

Validated by Kristie from The Cara Program

$705of $705

Need funded!

13 supporters
Funded on 12/12/2011

Tori from Chicago, IL

Computer for my kids to succeed in school

I left a domestic violence situation and I'm now a working single mother of seven children. A home computer will allow us more time as a family. More

Validated by Jamila from The Cara Program

$675of $675

Need funded!

11 supporters
Funded on 5/11/2012

Brenda from Chicago, IL

Computer to complete my radiology degree

I need a computer and printer to do my homework. I work full time and take college classes at night. My son also needs a computer for his schoolwork. More

Validated by Julie from The Cara Program

$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

$335of $335

Need funded!

10 supporters
Funded on 12/3/2013

Shirley from Chicago, IL

I'm a security guard but I don't have healthcare. I need new glasses so I can get a promotion!

I'm dead set on getting a promotion to full-time but I need glasses. Along with my hard work and attention to detail, It'll make me the top candidate. More

Validated by Julie 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

$505of $505

Need funded!

14 supporters
Funded on 12/15/2013

Marie from Chicago, IL

I'm a working mother and I need living room furniture so our home feels complete

I just got promoted and got a new apartment. But after I pay rent, utilities, food, & other expenses, I don't have money left for furniture. More

Validated by Julie 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!

9 supporters
Funded on 5/1/2014

Toni from Chicago, IL

I'm aiming for college & for a promotion at work. A computer will get me there!

Getting back on my feet after homelessness! I just moved into my own place & made 90 days on the job. A computer will help me improve my tech skills. More

Validated by Julie from The Cara Program

$336of $335

Need funded!

11 supporters
Funded on 7/15/2014

Mary from Chicago, IL

I'm stabilizing my life. I need a bed and kitchenware to continue moving forward.

I've taken big steps to build self-sufficiency. A bed and basic kitchenware will help me continue to pursue my goals! More

Validated by Julie from The Cara Program

$225of $225

Need funded!

1 supporter
Funded on 5/13/2014

Edward from Chicago, IL

Back on track! I'm an apprentice & finally in my own home. I need a stove to cook.

I need a stove because the one my apartment came with is too dangerous to use. My wages cover the basics but not a bigger cost like a stove. More

Validated by Julie from The Cara Program

$391of $390

Need funded!

8 supporters
Funded on 7/8/2014

Tonya from Chicago, IL

Moving into stable housing & towards permanent work! I need basic necessities.

My goal is to secure a permanent position with Chicago's transportation company! To build momentum and continue forward, I need to stabilize my home. More

Validated by Julie 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

$280of $280

Need funded!

1 supporter
Funded on 10/31/2014

Willie from Chicago, IL

Job & place to call home after 8 yrs of homelessness! Just need kitchenware.

Kitchenware would allow me to become more self-sufficient and to live comfortably in my new place. More

Validated by Da'Sean from The Cara Program

$360of $350

Need funded!

8 supporters
Funded on 12/8/2015

Desiree from Chicago, IL

I'm newly employed! I need a bed to be well-rested & ready for work.

A bed is critical to my ability to thrive at my new job! I need to be well-rested and ready to work. More

Validated by Da'Sean from The Cara Program

$400of $400

Need funded!

18 supporters
Funded on 1/5/2015

Sareeta from Chicago, IL

Newly housed & working towards college to be a parole officer. I need a bed to rest.

My goals are to go back to college to major in criminal justice. Due to financial constraints, I can't afford a bed right now. More

Validated by Da'Sean from The Cara Program

$65of $300

Need funded!

3 supporters
Funded on 7/30/2015

Phil from Chicago, IL

In a new apartment! I need household items like dishes, towels and cookware.

I've been clean for 2 years and have been at my job for 1. Now I'm in a new home too. Things are looking up and I just need household items. More

Validated by Da'Sean from The Cara Program

$500of $500

Need funded!

8 supporters
Funded on 1/25/2016

Tessa from Chicago, IL

Bedbugs forced me to throw away everything. I need furniture for my home & health!

My goal is to complete my training at The Cara Program and to be successful in the foodservice industry. Furniture will enable me to thrive! More

Validated by Da'Sean from The Cara Program

$500of $500

Need funded!

6 supporters
Funded on 5/2/2016

Teresa from Chicago, IL

Recently widowed. A new bed will give me a safe, clean environment to rest & rebuild.

I was recently widowed after losing my husband to cancer. I need a bed to get the proper rest so I can stay self -sufficient on my job. More

Validated by Da'Sean from The Cara Program

$500of $500

Need funded!

2 supporters
Funded on 9/19/2016

Nicole from Chicago, IL

I'm SO close to graduating and finding full employment, but I need a laptop to do it!

I need a laptop to help me finish school. I just need 18 more credit hours to graduate, and a laptop will help me get there! More

Validated by Da'Sean from The Cara Program

$300of $300

Need funded!

2 supporters
Funded on 8/26/2016

Tristin from Chicago, IL

My kids are sleeping on the floor. A bed will help our new apartment feel like home.

I need a bed for my children. I just moved into a new apartment and at this stage we don't have any furniture. More

Validated by Da'Sean from The Cara Program

$500of $500

Need funded!

4 supporters
Funded on 1/5/2017

Amel from Chicago, IL

Recently housed! Basic furniture will help me thrive at work & become self-sufficient

This is my first apartment since being homeless. A bed, kitchen table and chairs will help me get a good night's rest and succeed at my new job. More

Validated by Da'Sean from The Cara Program

$294of $500

Need funded!

5 supporters
Funded on 6/11/2018

Aries from Chicago, IL

After 2 years homeless, I have my own place! Need basic furniture to make it a home.

I'm proud to say I now have my own apartment. But after a security deposit & 1st month's rent, I need funds to furnish it and make it a livable space. More

Validated by Da'Sean from The Cara Program