Local Employment Resources

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois

Works with individuals and family to help develop skills to find and maintain employment. We work with individuals with barriers to employment. Our training classes include retail skills training and clerical skills training and we offer placement services and an open computer lab for individuals to use for job search purposes. there are no fee for services. Goodwill’s Dress for Success program gives individuals free clothing for interviews and employment. Goodwill also provides free tax preparation and e-filing at our VITA Sites, located at 1907 Kishwaukee Street and 8010 North Second Street. Also offers a free 12-hour financial literacy course to teach individuals about personal finance and how to make the most of the money they have.

• Main Office:
  315 N Main Street
  Rockford, IL 61103
• Store and VITA Site:
  8010 North Second Street
  Rockford, IL 61115
• Store:
  4618 East State Street
  Rockford, IL 61108
• Phone: 815-965-3795

http://www.goodwillni.org

La Voz Latina

La Voz Latina is a non-profit resource center serving Latino clients of all ages. Offers multiple services/programs including: a home visit program for pregnant Latina teens (call La Voz directly in Boone County, WCHD in Winnebago); prenatal and parenting classes; afterschool tutoring and mentor programs; family support services; bilingual parent/child literacy classes; English as a second language classes; adult education & job placement classes including consumer education workshops, small business classes, and employment workshops in partnership with area businesses and institution; scholarships; community development programs; orientation/advocacy/assistance for immigrants/refugees including applicable public benefits; citizenship classes; medical and legal translation; interpretation; information and referral assistance; and Spanish classes for professionals. Most services are provides at no charge.

• 730 N. Church Street
  Rockford, IL 61103
• Phone: 815-965-5784

http://www.lavozlatina-rkfd.org/

MELD

MELD provides programs for young mothers and fathers (through 21 years of age) and their children through our MELD Moms & MELD Dads parenting and support groups. The groups meet weekly at local churches and in local high schools. Volunteers provide childcare and healthy snacks to ensure that these families are able to take advantage of our services. Families come together to discuss parenting issues and to share ideas with each other. Life skills, job skills training, GED tutoring and assistance in completing education, career planning and guidance, pre-employment workshops, and employment opportunities and job placement services provided in addition to parenting information and support/resources services. Also provides Transitional Living Program and an emergency shelter known as Trinity House (see separate entries).

• 3703 N. Main St. #107
  Rockford, IL 61103
• Phone: 815-633-6353
• Fax: 815-633-8709

http:// www.rockfordmeld.org

Northwest Community Center

Offers a wide range of services for adults, youth and families, including job placement programs and free computer classes. Also listed under After-School Programs/Camps and Teen Resources.

• 1324 N. Johnston Avenue
  Rockford, IL 61101
• 815-964-6885

http://www.northwestrockford.org

Northwestern Illinois Agency on Aging (NIAAA)

The Senior Community Service Employment Program is a government subsidized training/employment program for economically disadvantaged people 55 years old and above who are unemployed. We try to place eligible individuals to work in non-profit organizations for 20 hours per week at minimum wage. The participant continues to look for employment with the goal of finding permanent unsubsidized employment. Additionally, we provide employment resources for people 55 years and above, i.e. help with resume writing, workshops, and employment support groups. NIAAA’s business hours are 8-4. Calling for an appointment is necessary.

• Janet Williams, Employment Specialist
  2567 Charles Street
  Rockford, IL 61108
• Phone: 815-226-4901
• Toll Free: 800-542-8402
• Fax: 815-226-8984
• E-mail: jwilliams@nwilaaa.org

http://www.nwilaaa.org

Rock River Training Corporation

Rock River Training Corporation provides opportunities for young people between ages 14-21 in Boone and Winnebago Counties to complete their education and train in areas that help build a foundation to enhance their future.
Youth Programs for in-school youth help youth stay in school by providing tutoring, counseling, mentoring, career exploration, work experiences, and overall support. The expectations of the workplace permeate the programs which, in cooperation with the youths’ schools, prepare youth to enter additional education/training after high school and/or full-time jobs. Youth may be in a program from several years. Programs for youth who have dropped out of school emphasize the youth’s return to school or obtaining a GED as a basic step on their road to self-sufficiency. Programs provide basic skills/GED instruction, tutoring, counseling, mentoring, career exploration, and work experience. The programs keep in contact with youth who leave the programs for at least a year.

• 303 N. Main Street
  Rockford, IL 61103
• Phone: 815-847-7574

http://www.rockrivertraining.org/youth.htm

Rock Valley College Dislocated Worker Program

Serves residents of Boone and Winnebago County who have been laid off or terminated from their positions, who have worked for a company that has recently moved out of state or the country. Some services include: career counseling, resume assistance, basic skills classes, certificate programs, on-the-job training and more.

• 3301 N. Mulford Road
  Rockford, IL 61114
• Phone: 815-921-7821
• Toll Free (800)973-7821

http://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/dwp

Rockford Housing Authority

Administers housing assistance programs funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Contact to determine eligibility, application process and availability of housing.

Also, provides job training, technical training, job search/placement, post employment follow-up, and job/opportunity fairs to residents of public housing, Concord, and Housing Choice Voucher holders.

• 223 South Winnebago Street
  Rockford IL 61102
• Phone: 815-489-8500
• Fax: 815-489-8555

http://www.rockfordha.org/

Workforce Connection

 

A partnership of state and federally funded employment and training programs, economic development agencies and educational entities committed to providing a workforce that meets the needs of our business community. Includes Rock River Training Corporation and the Rock Valley College Dislocated Worker Program, provides one contact for employers to find workers and for job-seekers to receive training, education, and employment services.

 

• Job Hotline: 815-395-6608
• 303 N Main Street
  Rockford, IL 61101
• Phone: 815-395-6600

 

• 998 Belvidere Road
  Belvidere, IL 61008
• Phone: 815-547-9616

 

http://www.theworkforceconnection.org

Also with Youth Programs.

View brochure.