More than 1,300 Lake Forest & Lake Bluff Residents Have Taken Advantage of Career Resource Center's Employment Resources

100 Local Residents Volunteer their Expertise and Talents

With mergers and acquisition leading to layoffs at area corporate giants like Heinz (Kraft), Hospira (Pfizer) and Walgreens (Boot), unemployment continues to impact area residents. According to BMO Harris Bank’s biannual state report, Illinois labor participation rate is now at a 36-year low despite signs of stabilization in other states.

“Unemployed and underemployed workers aren’t just statistics,” said Jan Leahy, executive director of nonprofit Career Resource Center (CRC) in Lake Forest. “These are real people experiencing the devastating effects of job loss.”

Started as a religious outreach mission by the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest in the late 80s, CRC has grown to assist more than 12,000 job candidates—1,300 of them residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and Knollwood.

Unique to CRC is its 25-year commitment to serve individuals struggling to secure employment through the engagement of highly-qualified volunteers from the local communities. Volunteers offer their expertise pro-bono to serve on the Board of Directors, deliver educational

programs, coach candidates, greet visitors and candidates, and perform many of CRC’s operational functions.

This year marks the Center’s 25th Year of Transforming Careers and a celebration is planned on September 25 at Viper Alley in Lincolnshire.

Since 90 percent of CRC job candidates do not receive employer-sponsored outplacement assistance, they are at a significant disadvantage competing against those who are prepared and prepped.

“There is nothing more essential to job seekers than immediate, comprehensive and affordable employment services,” says Leahy. “Job seekers who take advantage of

CRC services will be gaining a competitive edge and become better equipped to market themselves and remain positive.”

Services offered by CRC include creating a compelling resume, improving interviewing skills, increasing confidence and motivation and expanding connections.

Join the celebration and help support this vital local nonprofit in continuing to assist job candidates secure employment. To learn more about CRC or its 25th anniversary celebration, visit www.careerresourcecenter. org or call 847.295.5626.

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