Pillar Deep Dive: Fostering Economic Mobility in Northern Illinois
Thursday, March 14, 2024
ECONOMIC MOBILITY
At the beginning of the year, we introduced the first of the three key pillars that drive and underscore our work at Northern Illinois Community Initiatives (NICI): Economic Mobility. In our introduction, we covered what economic mobility is, what it looks like at the community level, and how it functions as one of our core pillars alongside small business support and commercial development.
This month, we are looking at how NICI’s programs and the great work of our grantee partners are fostering economic mobility in our communities.
Economic mobility is much more than having money in the bank — it can determine your health and well-being, too.
Economic status has been identified as a significant factor as public health experts and government officials analyze Social Determinants of Health, the environmental factors that cause variations in one’s physical and mental well-being. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) names some of the risk factors in having health-related social needs unmet, leading to “poor health outcomes,” including “financial strain; housing instability; food insecurity; neighborhood air, water, and soil pollution; limited English proficiency; and lack of transportation.”
The connection between economic mobility and health outcomes is at the heart of our grantee partner Proactive Community Services (PCS)’s mission. Through programs based in South Suburban Cook County that address community health, harm reduction, job readiness, housing, and more, “PCS’s aim is to empower individuals and encourage behaviors that promote long-term healthy lifestyles, economic self-sufficiency and independence through individual achievement.” PCS’ workforce development program supported by NICI provides the competencies and career planning that can establish the security and independence foundational to economic mobility and empower individuals to break the cycles of unmet social needs.
Job readiness is half the battle — but systemic barriers prevent communities from accessing these skills.
If you read our spotlight on grantee partner YWCA Northwestern Illinois, you may already know the importance of workforce training and how challenging it can be to access that training if you don’t already have financial flexibility. “There might be barriers to childcare, there may be income challenges, they might not have the appropriate ID, they may not be able to get to class every day, or they might not be able to afford internet to be able to do a job search or to be able to do the homework,” shared CEO Kris L. Machajewski.
Like PCS, YWCA Northwestern Illinois directly addresses the barriers that limit the ability to transform one’s economic status. Through the YW TechLab program, the organization provides pathways to jobs in the IT sector to groups traditionally underrepresented in the industry, such as women and BIPOC communities. NICI’s 2023 programmatic grant has also promoted program expansion, further eliminating obstacles through stipends provided to students. The YW TechLab stipends are flexible for students to use as needed to access the program, whether paying for internet, childcare costs, transportation, or providing additional financial security while devoting time to classes.
Having the skills and pathways to employment that open up opportunities for the future doesn’t have to start in adulthood. The Harvey Brooks Foundation in Joliet focuses on youth programs that address life and work skills that lead to job readiness and healthy financial management. By preparing youth for employment, they can enter adult life with more career options and opportunities with experience that positions them to take on leadership roles and even entrepreneurship.
With skills that last a lifetime, Northern Illinois residents can take charge of their future, start transformative careers and businesses, and create positive economic and social outcomes that strengthen their communities for generations.
For women and minority business owners, “It’s not enough to grind,” in the words of NICI grantee partner Think Big!. Think Big! recognizes that to foster sustainable economic futures, the barriers to entry must be broken down. The Thing Big! School of Business provides support for women and minority business owners to be successful as entrepreneurs — not just to improve outcomes for the short term, but to improve outcomes well into the future for business owners, their families, and their neighborhoods. Small businesses are an important part of a thriving local economy and Think Big! has used its NICI grant to help ensure entrepreneurs have all the tools for success, whether in marketing skills, financial management, or creating a sustainable business plan.
NICI’s grantmaking support is making a difference. Our grantee partners in our three priority areas (Rockford, Joliet, and South Suburban Cook County) provide the means for economic mobility in the region. Through these positive impacts, Northern Illinois communities can achieve more positive outcomes — for healthier, stronger, sustainable communities that benefit us all.