YWCA METROPOLITAN CHICAGO

Driving economic equityywca metropolitan chicago empowers people, especially women of color, with job skills training, financial sustainability, and asset acquisition to help close the racial wealth gap. We offer workforce development, housing access and sustainability, and small business development services, primarily targeting chicago's south and west sides. Our clients are predominantly people of color, most of whom live at or below the poverty level.since 2008, ywca metropolitan chicago has provided comprehensive economic empowerment services, including workforce development. Our workforce development services enhance access to employment in high-demand sectors like transportation, distribution and logistics, construction, energy utilities, and information technology. We incorporate financial education, digital skills, and career readiness training.leveraging our strong presence in chicago's south and west side communities, we target these underserved areas for employment services. Our trauma-informed, client-centered, and strengths-based approach ensures participants receive full support. We offer wrap-around services such as childcare, clothing, transportation, and financial inclusion education. Participants also have access to cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt) with licensed ywca therapists to address mental health and trauma.our housing access and sustainability services assist individuals and families with pre-purchase workshops, individual coaching, financial planning, credit review, debt reduction planning, mortgage qualification, and home ownership education.as the largest designated small business development center on chicago's southside, we help entrepreneurs to conceptualize, launch, sustain, and grow their businesses. Our services include workshops, one-on-one business advising, technical assistance, and support in obtaining essential business elements like a website, ein, business structure, business bank account, and business plan. We also assist with establishing business credit, preparing investor pitches, and accessing business financing.ywca metropolitan chicago's breedlove entrepreneurship center supports the growth and development of small businesses, especially black- and women-owned enterprises, from ideation to revenues of $1,000,000. Named after madam c.j. Walker (sarah breedlove), the center provides entrepreneurs with advising, technical assistance, incubator cohorts, and tailored support for mid- to late-stage enterprises.