Program Details

Cesar Velazques is a former active-duty who was discharged due to medical complications. Upon his return to Illinois, his wife, Rosa Trejo, also a participant in one of the programs offered at the Urban League, requested that he partake in the Job Training Economic & Development Program (JTED) to gain adequate professional skills. Cesar visited our office and inquired information about the programs that we were offering. He decided to enroll in JTED. The participant and I scheduled an in-person meeting to discuss his interest in the program.

When we met to discuss his interest in the program in detail, the client expressed his interest in other industries for professional development. I provided the client with a brief overview of JTED, the eligibility requirements, training services, employability/job readiness, and the placement progress. I relayed to the client the two pathways this program provides at the end of it. A participant can either become certified in Customer Service or Lift Truck. We completed the application with the client, and I asked the client to identify areas in which he could need assistance. The client told me he was on the verge of becoming homeless.

When the client was discharged from the military, they lost their apartment and had to move in with his wife’s family. The conditions under which they were living were not conducive to stability. They were not able to have adequate space or privacy as a couple. They were constantly misunderstanding each other, which always led to altercations. Unfortunately, they were asked to vacate the premises by the end of September. This was devastating for the participant to process. After discussing the client, I sympathized with him and expressed that I would assist him in the best way possible. I explained to the client that our program had allocated funds to assist participants facing this hardship. I requested that the client brings in all the required document to submit a request for rental assistance.

After several days, the client and his wife needed help looking for an apartment. They came into the office and requested that I aid them. We were looking for apartments and studios in the same city to make it easier for the participant to commodity as this was their preference. Luckily, we were able to find a one-bedroom apartment. The client contacted the landlord and set up a visit to the apartment. Moreover, the client visited the apartment and provided the landlord with all the documentation needed to complete the application process.

I met with the client, who submitted all the requested paperwork for approval. After presenting the paperwork, the client informed me that the landlord required the deposit to secure the apartment for them. I told the client once the paperwork he submitted is reviewed and approved, I will call him as soon as possible. The next day, the deposit check will be forwarded to the landlord.

The client was overjoyed to hear this news. He mentioned that he was concerned with not being able to go through the program and complete it. I assured the client the goal of this program is to aid him in continuous professional development and training. The goal is to work cohesively to determine areas that need attention. Once we identify those areas, we educate ourselves and prepare for the opportunities. We must be well-equipped for the career that we desire to enter. The client is attending Lift Truck and has completed all the training requirements.