Meet Preston
He is staying on his pathway out of poverty, thanks to your support.
“When I came to Cara last August, I wanted more for myself. I had spent several years in and out of the prison system and I was working unsteady jobs that didn’t provide any real future. Through the trainings at Cara, I was able to take a step back and evaluate myself, and how the path I was on was not leading me toward a good place.
“That’s when I knew I was ready for my new beginning.
“With the help of the Cara team, I was soon able to find a job with one of their employment partners. I was so excited for this opportunity. I gave my all at my new job while also working with my Cara coach on how to save money and set goals for myself. Four months into my job, I got the keys to my very own apartment. This was a big accomplishment for me and I was so proud of this moment!
“But just weeks later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and I was one of the thousands in Chicago suddenly laid off. I was left sitting in an unfurnished apartment, with no income coming in and worrying about my future.
“Through Cara’s Emergency Fund, I was able to receive financial support to keep my apartment, but more than that, I was able to get the emotional and resource support of their staff. Cara was even able to refer me to the Chicago Furniture Bank so I could furnish my apartment and make it a home.
“If it wasn’t for the support of Cara and people like you, I would be alone, in an empty apartment, wondering when I will fall behind on rent. Thank you for giving me the stability to remain on my pathway out of poverty.”
Thank you for your support of Cara. We are facing an unprecedented emergency, and the motivated job seekers who come to Cara are among the most affected by the impact of COVID-19. That is why we need the support of our Cara community now more than ever. As the economy shifts in response to the global pandemic, we have augmented our services to provide emergency assistance to our participants and alumni. As Cara prepares to enter a new phase of crisis response and return to our campuses, we are asking for your help. Would you please consider a gift of any amount to help ensure the safety of our staff, participants, and interns?
Make your gift today. Every dollar makes a difference in these difficult times and helps keep our participants — those employed, recently laid off, or in the midst of their job search — on their pathway out of poverty. Thank you.
