CHICAGO — To assist residents in their search for employment opportunities, State Senator Natalie Toro and State Representative Will Guzzardi are hosting a job fair Dec. 6 at Portage-Cragin Library.

“In today’s job market, it can be difficult for prospective employees to stand out, or get a sense of a company culture from fully remote communications,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This job fair will give residents the opportunity to make in-person connections with organizations who are hiring, and help them find work that is fulfilling.”

CHICAGO — The HANA Center has been awarded a $66,000 grant to enhance their adult volunteer literacy program thanks to support from State Senator Natalie Toro.  

“As a former kindergarten teacher who taught basic reading comprehension, I know firsthand how important this skill is for lifelong success, and how difficult it can be to learn, especially as we get older,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Organizations like the HANA Center who provide literacy courses are helping empower people to learn more at any age and will utilize this grant funding to continue to support people in our community on their journey of personal development.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has provided nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

CHICAGO — To make the process of applying for professional licenses more accessible to constituents, State Senator Natalie Toro and State Representative Jaime Andrade are working with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to offer mobile office hours at Rincon Family Services.

“From hairstylists to chiropractors to roofers, many of us need to renew our professional licenses to continue working under state law,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “IDFPR’s mobile office hours will make this necessary process more straightforward and efficient, saving residents time and stress so work can continue without any hiccups.” 

The mobile office hours will be held at Rincon Family Services, located at 3710 N. Kedzie Avenue in Chicago, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

CHICAGO — State Senator Natalie Toro joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing $15 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development program, including more than $280,000 for workforce training in the 20^th Senate District.

“The JTED program offers people education and training that develops lifelong skills, leading to employment opportunities now and in the future,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “I am hopeful this investment in my district will help boost our economy and assist people who have had a hard time finding employment.”

The Job Training and Economic Development program provides workforce training and wraparound services to help bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. Funds from this program aim to address the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented who have one or more barriers to employment that are identified as risk factors.