How to Join Cara

At Cara, we say, “let’s get to work” all the time. But how can Cara actually help you get to work? It all starts with joining Cara, putting in the work and believing in yourself and your skills — that way, you can get that job offer and, by our measure of success, reach one year of employment.

Here’s what you need to know before you start your job search in Chicago with Cara

We’re here to work with you so you can become your best self, walk with your head held a little higher, and get the right job for you. 

Before you complete Cara and set yourself up for real and lasting success — take the first step and join us. 

Here’s what you need to know about joining Cara.

We want you to know that Cara is not your traditional job-readiness program. From the moment you join, you will be in a structured environment learning about becoming your best self and gaining new job skills. 

Cara is unpaid, but we hope potential participants look at this as an investment. While you’re in our trainings, we provide professional clothing, temporary job opportunities, community resources, and corporate connections through job initiatives (like BMORE, Aon Apprenticeship Program, ComEd Construct, etc). 

Remember, you’re not alone and will have a support system throughout your time at Cara. Cara is the Irish word for friend, and you will always have a friend to lean on at Cara.

I’m looking for job search support, how do I know if Cara is the right fit for me?

At Cara, we’re committed to working with everyone who wants to take the time to dedicate to bettering themselves, their families, and their communities through meaningful employment. Remember, we’re not looking at where you were, but where you’re going. If you fit the criteria below, you’re on the right track. 

• You are a motivated job seeker — This means you want to put in the work to get to work.
• You are 18 years or older — While we appreciate everyone looking for meaningful work, we cater to legal adults in their job search.
• You do not have a sexual assault conviction — Cara is committed to working with everyone looking for meaningful employment, but we currently do not accept those with sexual assault convictions.
• You have semi-stable housing — temporary housing and shelters apply.
• You must be drug free — Marijuana is the only exception. Even though marijuana is now legal in Illinois, we do encourage all participants to become totally drug free. You must also admit to having marijuana in your system upon acceptance to Cara.

Does this sound like you? Then it may be the right time to join. 

What are the steps to joining Cara?

1. Conversation with an Admission Specialist — Whether you were referred to Cara by one of our partners or you found us on your own or through your community, the first step is a call with a Admissions Specialist. During this call, our team will provide a program overview, as well as learn more about so we can best serve your needs.
2. Documents –  For this step, we will send you important documents to complete and sign. This step can also be done over the phone or when you come to our downtown office in West Loop. 
3. Welcome Week — Next, we invite you to join us for Welcome Week at our downtown office, which occurs every two weeks. Here you’ll meet our staff and fellow participants as you prepare for your Cara journey. 

Ready to get to work? Contact our team at Cara today and we’ll start the transformational journey with you.