Meet the Cara Collective Team
At Cara Collective, we believe in the idea of “one band, one sound,” meaning we are at our best and strongest when we work together as a community. Born out of the concepts we consistently saw when evaluating what we do and why we see results, these are the values that keep us grounded and guide us in our decision making as an organization.
MOTIVATION
Motivation propels. We identify, instill, and hold onto it. Where there is a desire to succeed, there is an opportunity to transform thought into action.
AFFIRMATION
Affirmation reinforces. We celebrate instances of progress, understanding that the journey in the right direction is just as, if not more, important than the final destination.
COMMUNITY
Community connects. We actively build networks that strengthen us all. If we can get each other, we can serve each other best.
INTENTIONALITY
Intentionality aims. We focus on the endgame during planning and design. In doing so, we build roadmaps to real, lasting success and avoid deriving validation from a quick win.
EQUITY
Equity informs. We commit to taking an antiracist approach in all we do. We leverage our individuality and differences as a way of deepening community and expanding opportunity.
Executive Team
Our Executive Team is a motley crew of entrepreneurs, educators, fundraisers, and career flippers who bring a combined 50 years of Cara experience, and fervently believe they are still just getting started.
Cara Connects
Our mission-driven staffing firm, Cara Connects places top talent in temp-to-perm positions with leading Chicago companies.
Cara Plus
Our expansion arm, Cara Plus works with employers and organizations to grow, build, and deploy strong workforce solutions.
Cleanslate
Our flagship social enterprise, Cleanslate transforms the landscape of our communities by providing transitional employment in exterior maintenance.
Coaching
Our Coaching team works with and supports our participants on every step of their journey to gainful employment and beyond.
Development & Marketing
Our Development & Marketing team amplifies the mission of Cara through engagement opportunities, special events, fundraising, and marketing initiatives.
Employment Services
Our Employment Services team manages the relationships with Cara’s employment partners while working with job seekers on finding the best job for them.
Engagement
Our Engagement team works with participants to assure their success at every step of their journey with us, including coordinating and setting up sessions with volunteers, training on our job search platforms, and referrals for supports and assistance, among others.
Finance/Contracts & Compliance
Our Finance and Contracts & Compliance Teams ensure the financial viability of our organization while overseeing public, government, and donor-directed funding.
HR & Operations
The HR & Operations Team supports the entire Cara Collective from managing the day-to-day of our campuses to payroll and benefits services to ensuring our staff continues to grow and thrive in their Cara careers.
Recruitment
Our Recruitment Team works tirelessly to find, interview, and onboard the newest jobseekers who join our Cara community.
Solutions
The Solutions Team evaluates, develops, and maintains Cara’s technological toolset and shared knowledge base in order to increase operational cohesion and provide teams with sustainable solutions to meet their goals.
Supportive Services
Our Supportive Services teams assist our participants by providing comprehensive wraparound services such as housing, financial and digital literacy, mental health, childcare, and more.
Training
Our Training Team works with Cara participants in developing the personal and professional skills that will ensure long-term success.
Meet Our Leadership
These are the hardworking individuals that help guide our team and our mission forward.
Get Involved
Donate
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More Ways to Give
Discover more ways to support our mission and help set our Cara participants up for success.
Contact Us
Have a question or want to learn more about Cara Collective? We’ll help point you in the right direction.