he North Lawndale Employment Network is located on the west side of Chicago. The non-profit group was established in 1997 with the mission of improving the earning potential of the neighborhood's residents through employment initiatives that lead to an improved quality of life and economic advancement.
Because the neighborhood has a high number of residents who have served time in prison, a focus is helping former offenders find jobs, especially with wages that can support a family.
The network offers several programs in addition to Sweet Beginnings. Its Resource Center provides neighborhood residents with resources to support job searches - such as Internet access, phone lines and career counseling.
Those employed by Sweet Beginnings first go through a program called U-Turn Permitted, which offers them job readiness training, mentoring support and classes in such subjects as anger management.
Sweet Beginnings is receiving corporate help. The employee volunteer council at Boeing Co. is working on its business plan, and a top executive at Ben & Jerry's is also providing advice.
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