Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Willis Donates Cakes to CCIL


Willis Group Holdings, the new namesake to Willis Tower, generously donated four cakes resembling the Tower to CCIL on Thursday, July 16, 2009. CCIL's SRO locations 618 S. Wabash and 1801 S. Wabash each received a cake while the main campus received two. Thanks to some steady driving and delivery by Patrick Taylor and Chris Wiens the cakes made it back safely just in time for dinner!

A special thanks to Chicago Cares, The Metropolitan Club, Alison Gross and Amy Gross for helping coordinate.

Recipe for Success - Foodservice Training Program Graduation

On Monday, June 29, 2009 trainees from CCIL's Foodservice Training Program were honored at a graduation ceremony in CCIL's chapel. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White took time out of his busy schedule to attend the ceremony offering words of encouragement to the graduates. After the ceremony, Mr. White stayed for lunch and mingled with the graduates, guests, CCIL residents and staff.

The graduates, Michael Allen, Tiesha Glaze, Michael Hatcher, Christine Johnson, Michael Newson, Jeffrey Patton, Priscilla Reilly, Robert Robinson, Jeff Salone, Sheila Salone, Craig Sanderson, Tishawn Williams and Delores Wright shared their compelling stories and future goals. Graduation ceremony speakers included Ron Archie, CCIL Interim Executive Director, Ginger Knowles, ARAMARK General Manager, Bob Joens, ARAMARK Instructor, and Lisa Dieterle, CCIL Center for Workforce Development.

About the Foodservice Training Program...
CCIL, Aramark and the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development (MOWD) have found the recipe for successfully helping individuals turn their lives around – a foodservice training program targeting non-violent ex-felons. In partnership with Aramark, CCIL created a nine week foodservice training class. Since its inception in February 2006, the foodservice training program has been stirring up excellent results by helping people secure jobs in the foodservice industry.

The Process:
Applicants express an interest in the foodservice industry and apply for the program;
Applicants are evaluated by CCIL case managers;
Professional interviews are conducted by CCIL and Aramark instructors;
Nine week training program begins;
Foodservice examination administered;
Graduation upon completing the program;
Job placement

Upon passing the exam, students become certified with the National Restaurant Association which also makes them eligible for certification with the State of Illinois and City of Chicago. These essential credentials make students more marketable for employment.

Call 773-435-8331 or send an email to info@ccilworks.org for more information.