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Olive Dwan
In Chicago, Success Stories

Kendall – Success Story 

Kendall

When Kendall lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, his future felt uncertain. He was on probation, working through a temp agency, and trying to figure out his next move. That’s when his probation officer introduced him to JARC. “When COVID hit, they laid me off from my job. So, I’m like, okay, I might as well go to school.” Kendall enrolled in JARC’s Welding Program in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. Welding had always been something he was curious about. “It was something that I always wanted to try to pick up anyway,” he said. With no work and the chance to pursue a new path, Kendall gave it a shot.

”“JARC is the place to help you move your life forward.”

KendallJARC Chicago, Welding Graduate

Training wasn’t easy. Kendall faced real challenges learning the hands-on techniques that welding requires. “You have to weld something, then pour water and make sure you have no holes…I had to do that a few times before I got it,” he said. But with support from the JARC team, including staff like Liz, who stayed in touch and checked in regularly, Kendall was able to persevere thanks to the direct financial assistance JARC provided to help cover his bills while he was in training. During his time in the program, Kendall received 8 employment coaching sessions, 3 financial coaching sessions, and 6 income support services. He also attended 40 workshops covering topics such as financial literacy, digital literacy, budgeting, saving, networking, online professionalism, work ethic, and resume writing. “They even helped me with my bills that I had at the time because I wasn’t working. Liz helped me a lot,” he explained.

As a result of this support, Kendall made significant strides in his financial health. His career is steady, his family has grown, and he has a strong sense of purpose.

As a result of this support, Kendall made significant strides in his financial health. When he first came to JARC in 2020, his credit score was 685. Just six months later, it had increased by 41 points, reaching 726. By October 31, 2022, his score had risen to 760, and most recently, as of March 29, 2024, it climbed to 768, reflecting a total improvement of 83 points since beginning his career with JARC.

After earning his certification in 2021, Kendall began his career as a forklift operator earning $17.35 per hour. His journey then took him from Illinois to Texas, where he earned his commercial driver’s license (CDL) and transitioned into truck driving, making $26 per hour. Today, Kendall calls Ohio home and has been with the same company for nearly three years. His career is steady, his family has grown, and he has a strong sense of purpose. “I work for Welch Packaging, currently making $28/hr. I’ve been working with them as a driver. Next month makes three years,” he shared proudly.

When asked what advice he’d give others thinking about JARC, Kendall doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the perfect opportunity for you, and I’m gonna tell them just how much JARC helped me. I would suggest anybody to it, for real.” If he had to sum up what JARC means to him in one sentence? “Opportunity. If you want to move your life forward, JARC is the place to help you move your life forward.”

Andrea Tovar
In Chicago, Events

Veterans Career Fair Chicago

JARC, in partnership with Total Spark, invites veterans, service members, and military families to join us for a Veterans Career Fair on November 6th from 3–5 PM at the Total Wireless Store (5601 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634).

This event is all about helping veterans launch rewarding new careers. Hear from a JARC Veteran trainee sharing their career journey, explore hands-on manufacturing training opportunities at JARC, and connect with veteran support organizations ready to help you take the next step.
Representatives from National Able Network’s Veterans Forward Program will be on-site to share resources on employment assistance, career coaching, and veteran-focused job connections.
Attendees who apply to JARC’s program and complete the interview process will receive a $25 gift card (while supplies last). Don’t miss this opportunity to network, gain career guidance, and access support for your next career move.
Register now!
Andrea Tovar
In Chicago, Success Stories

Christopher D. – Success Story

Before Christopher joined Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC), his life was a mix of creativity and frustration. With a BFA in Illustration, art was always at the heart of his identity. He worked as an apparel designer and later as a product development designer, cleaning up digital art files for overseas production.

He also poured his passion into freelance projects, painting basketball courts and collaborating with friends, but something vital was missing. “I never felt fulfilled,” Christopher reflects. “Since the day I started that job, I was applying for other roles, chasing that feeling I had back in art school. I felt stuck. I was comfortable, and once you’re comfortable, you stop growing.”

”Adrian, my instructor, gives constructive feedback that helps me keep growing. He reminds me I can do this

ChristopherJARC Chicago, Welding Trainee

Determined to find new purpose, Christopher searched for free welding programs near him and found JARC. What began as a simple Google search turned into a pivotal life decision. “Welding felt like a whole different animal, but at the same time, it has similarities to art,” he says. Since enrolling in JARC’s Welding Program at the Austin location in February, Christopher has embraced the structure, intensity, and community that comes with it. He’s working toward his certification and admits that it hasn’t all been easy.

Christopher also highlights the support JARC provides beyond technical training. He receives transportation assistance and participates in weekly financial coaching with Britt. “She teaches us about financial literacy and the options we didn’t even know we had,” he explains. So far, Christopher has completed 5 employment coaching sessions and 6 financial coaching sessions and has also received income support. He’s attended two additional workshops on investing and digital literacy, resources that are helping him build a stronger foundation for his future.

While still training, Christopher recently found joy in winning JARC’s T-shirt design Contest. “I have some experience with graphic design because I went to school for it… I always liked the JARC website, so I was excited to get the opportunity to work on my design”, he shares.

As for what’s next, Christopher dreams of homeownership and financial independence. “[My goals] are very simple,” he admits, “but they feel impossible to achieve at the moment.” Still, he remains focused: “I’m hoping to become a homeowner, have things for myself, live comfortably, gain a little financial freedom, just build something for myself.” At JARC, Christopher has found not just a new skill, but a path forward. And as he continues to weld, design, and grow, one thing is clear: his story is just getting started.

Want to support our mission and get a great T-shirt? Click here to purchase a Chris T-shirt!

Every shirt sold helps us provide free training and wraparound support services for people like Grace, ensuring that hardworking individuals don’t have to live in poverty.

This initiative is proudly organized by JARC’s Associate Board.

Andrea Tovar
In Chicago, Success Stories

Pearl – Success Story

When Pearl first heard about Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC), it wasn’t through a flyer or a website, it was a personal visit. “Somebody came from over there to my job,” she recalls. At the time, Pearl was working at Boye Needle Company near Montrose and Ravenswood. Back in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, Pearl and a few coworkers attended a computer introduction class at JARC.

“We had Microsoft Word Core 2000, Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, JARC showed us how to do a lot of stuff.” When her job later moved operations to Massachusetts, Pearl relocated temporarily. But when she returned to Chicago in 2003, she found JARC still standing and still teaching. She didn’t hesitate to dive back in.

”JARC is the best place to go, and it’s free. You can learn for free.

PearlJARC Chicago, CNC Graduate

In 2003, Pearl enrolled in JARC’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) program. Her passion for learning didn’t stop there, she went on to take additional classes in Access, Internet and Outlook, as well as intermediate Word and Excel by 2007. “They had a good graduation for us,” she recalled. “They gave us those little papers and everything. It was nice. I loved it.”

Though she’s now retired, the skills Pearl gained at JARC opened doors for her throughout her career. She held roles in warehouses, assembly lines, and CNC jobs, and even landed a position at Walgreens. “I wasn’t qualified with the computer before,” she said, “but it helped me with the machines they had”. Before long, Pearl found herself training others. “I was like, wow, I’m training people!”

In 2025, she entered the organization’s T-shirt design contest and won. Her entry captured the full scope of JARC’s impact.

“I tried to put everything that I knew that JARC did. My niece helped me put the design on the shirt. I was looking at pictures of people working on computers and machines, it was so helpful.”

When asked to sum up what JARC has meant to her, Pearl doesn’t hesitate: “JARC is the best place to go, and it’s free. You can learn for free.” She continues to advocate for young people to take advantage of the opportunity: “I tell them to go, especially young people. If they’re looking for a job, it helps.”

Pearl’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of accessible education. From mastering CNC machines to designing winning T-shirts, she exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning that JARC fosters in every trainee who walks through its doors.

Want to support our mission and get a great T-shirt? Click here to purchase a Pearl T-shirt!

Every shirt sold helps us provide free training and wraparound support services for people like Grace, ensuring that hardworking individuals don’t have to live in poverty.

This initiative is proudly organized by JARC’s Associate Board.

Andrea Tovar
In Chicago, Success Stories

Grace – Success Story

Before Grace discovered Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC), she had spent years working in warehouses in Portland, Oregon. She didn’t mind the work, but she felt stuck. “There just wasn’t a lot of mobility,” she said. When she relocated to Chicago, she made herself a promise: no more jobs without a pathway forward. She was ready to level up.

That promise led her to JARC’s CNC machining program, something she hadn’t even heard of before. “Once I learned what CNC machining was, I thought, this seems great. There are so many directions you can take it in.”

Walking into JARC, Grace found more than just a new career path. She found a community of encouragement and practical tools that helped her thrive. “Everyone is just so welcoming right away. Start to finish, it’s a lot of great people and so much support. It’s really unlike anything I’ve been a part of before.”

”“They [JARC] really think outside the box and meet people where they’re at”

GraceJARC Chicago, CNC Graduate

The road wasn’t without challenges. But JARC met them head-on, providing critical support services like transportation assistance, new work boots, and prescription safety glasses. “They really think outside the box and meet people where they’re at,” Grace shared. That kind of support made it possible for her to focus on building real skills. While in training, Grace received personalized support to help her succeed beyond the classroom. She had 9 one-on-one employment coaching sessions and attended 16 workshops on budgeting, digital literacy, and financial management. She also took part in 3 sessions focused on income support and financial coaching, giving her the tools to plan for a more stable future.

Grace earned three industry-recognized certifications, gained hands-on experience with machining equipment, and even won JARC’s T-shirt fundraising contest with a custom design she created using 3D software. “It was a cool opportunity to learn something new.”

Today, Grace is proudly stepping into a full-time role as an Associate Machinist at Woodward, MPC, earning $21 an hour, and walking confidently into a future she once couldn’t imagine.

JARC staff were right there with her, even accompanying her on a tour of the company where she now works. That support gave her the confidence and connection she needed to make a strong impression. “I definitely couldn’t have done that without JARC,” she said. “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Her message to others? “Just try it. You’ll probably end up surprising yourself with what you’re capable of.”

Want to support our mission and get a great T-shirt? Click here to purchase a Grace T-shirt!

Every shirt sold helps us provide free training and wraparound support services for people like Grace, ensuring that hardworking individuals don’t have to live in poverty.

This initiative is proudly organized by JARC’s Associate Board.

Emily
In Chicago, Success Stories

Jovani’s Success Story

Jovani, a welder at Freedman Seating Company and a student at Triton College, is a perfect example of how JARC can help transform careers. Since connecting with JARC in 2018, Jovany has been on a steady path of growth, turning his job in welding into a true passion and setting his sights on even bigger goals for the future. 

Before JARC, Jovani worked as a welder at a manufacturing company that had clients like Tesla. It was here that he started working with advanced manufacturing robots. “When I saw a robot do the work, I thought, ‘Hey, I could do that too!’” he said, and that sparked his desire to learn more. His curiosity led him to JARC, where he discovered the training and support he needed to take his skills to the next level. 

”"JARC helped me dive deeper into my passion for welding."

At JARC, Jovani quickly realized there was a lot more to welding than just laying down a bead. “I thought welding was simple, but there’s actually a lot of math involved,” he said. “JARC offered tutoring in math, which helped me understand the dimensions and precision I needed in my work.” Learning how to read blueprints at JARC also gave him a solid foundation that has helped him in his college courses at Triton. During his time at JARC, Jovani received 17 employment coaching sessions, along with 2 income support sessions and 2 financial coaching sessions. He also participated in 20 workshops focused on job readiness, interview skills, digital literacy, and financial literacy. 

The impact on Jovani’s career has been huge.

When he first started, he was earning $17 an hour; today, he makes $21.40 an hour and is learning how to program robotic welders. His time at JARC taught him valuable lessons about work ethics, too. “I give 110% every day on the job,” he shared, crediting JARC’s emphasis on punctuality and commitment for helping him develop a strong work ethic. 

Jovani’s story doesn’t end there. Thanks to JARC’s support, he’s now dreaming bigger than ever—he plans to start his own welding business.

“JARC helped me dive deeper into my passion for welding,” he said. He’s even taking entrepreneurship classes with the City of Chicago to prepare for his future as a business owner. 

Looking back on his journey, Jovany says, “Welding is like my signature—I want to feel proud of my work.” With the skills he’s gaining through JARC’s hands-on Saturday classes, Jovani is staying connected to his craft while preparing for a bright future in welding and business. His story is a great example of how JARC can help individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their dreams.