1985
JARC Begins in Chicago
JARC grew out of the Jane Addams Center’s economic development work to help preserve manufacturing jobs on Chicago’s North Side.
Where It All Began
JARC takes its name from Jane Addams, the pioneering social reformer, community leader, and Nobel Peace Prize winner who founded Hull House in Chicago in 1889. Jane Addams believed that strong communities are built when people have access to opportunity, education, and meaningful work.
Inspired by that vision, JARC was established to address industrial job retention and economic opportunity on Chicago’s North Side. Emerging from the Economic Development Unit of the Jane Addams Center, JARC began its work by creating pathways to employment and growth through industry-focused initiatives.
More than a century later, Jane Addams’ vision continues to guide everything we do.
Healthy Communities Start With Economic Opportunity
Across the country, employers face workforce shortages while thousands of talented individuals struggle to access stable, family-sustaining careers. At JARC, we believe these challenges are connected.
By providing hands-on training, career coaching, supportive services, and employer partnerships, we help individuals gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed while helping businesses build the workforce they depend on.
“JARC is a life-changing decision, and they can help point you in the right direction, wherever you want to go, as long as it’s up.” — Quincey, CNC Graduate
Our history
Building careers. Strengthening communities.
From a neighborhood effort in Chicago to a growing network of training centers, JARC has evolved alongside the people and industries it serves.
1986
Manufacturers Join Forces
JARC formed a 24-member metalworking consortium, bringing local employers together to strengthen the industry and its workforce.
1991
A Home for Industry and Training
JARC purchased the Raven Building to house manufacturers and expanded training for people already working in the industry.
1996–1997
Career Training Takes Shape
JARC established a metalworking training center, gained independence from Hull House, earned recognition from the Aspen Institute, and launched Opportunities in Metalworking for job seekers.
2006–2010
More Paths into Manufacturing
Welding, CNC, bridge training, and support services broadened the ways participants could prepare for skilled careers.
2015–2018
Growing Beyond Ravenswood
JARC expanded its work to Chicago’s Austin neighborhood and established a separate affiliate in Baltimore, extending its training model to more communities.
2022
A Permanent Future on the West Side
Freedman Seating offered JARC a permanent home, while the Aspire initiative secured funding to begin renovations.
2023
Training Opens in Providence
JARC opened a training center in Providence, Rhode Island, bringing its workforce development approach to another community.
2025
The Next Chapter: Aspire
JARC outlined plans to grow welding at Freedman Seating, increase capacity at the Aspire Center, and move CNC training and core operations to Chicago’s West Side.
2026
Planning for Philadelphia and Detroit
JARC begins planning potential expansion into Philadelphia and Detroit, exploring how its workforce development model could serve more communities.
JARC Chicago
JARC Rhode Island
JARC PhiladelphiaOur Mission
We ensure that people who work do not live in poverty.
WE BELIEVE…
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Everyone who works has the right to a living wage; that training leads to better paying jobs; and that the key to long term, substantive change for people is a focus on careers.
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Business and employee success are inextricably tied; we work to bridge economic activity and people.
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In supporting the regional manufacturing base because it is a source of careers and living wages.
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Best practices should inform public policy and that JARC has a role to play in shaping that policy.
WE VALUE…
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Our clients’ efforts to be better prepared for work and life; and we present them with opportunities and support them in pursuit of their goals.
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A warm, welcoming and inclusive environment.
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Quality services.
WE MAINTAIN…
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High standards and high expectations for ourselves, our clients and our partners.
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Unquestionable ethics demonstrated through transparency, honesty and fairness.
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A nimble organization that responds quickly to changes in our environment and to the needs of our customers.
Building The Next Generation Of Opportunity
As workforce needs continue to evolve, JARC remains focused on expanding access to training, strengthening employer partnerships, and creating new pathways to economic mobility.
Helping people build careers. Supporting communities. Creating opportunity.
1985: Foundation
- JARC was founded as an economic development agency in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor (Chicago) with a focus on preserving manufacturing jobs in the neighborhood.
1990s: Expansion to Career Training
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JARC expanded its focus to include direct career training for local job seekers and community residents.
- The organization began implementing the Sectoral Model of workforce development to train individuals for in-demand positions.
2000s: Leadership in Workforce Development
- JARC became a recognized leader in job training and employer engagement.
- The Manufacturing Bridge Program was launched to help lower-skilled adults improve math and reading skills, enabling them to pursue advanced training.
- Training focus shifted to emerging areas like CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining and Welding in response to changes in the manufacturing sector.
- Financial support services, including financial coaching and public benefits screening, were scaled up to help participants meet their basic needs and build wealth.
2015: National Expansion
- JARC launched a separate 501(c)(3) affiliate in Baltimore, MD, marking its first major expansion outside Chicago.
Recent Years: Further Growth
- JARC expanded its programs to the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s west side, addressing both challenges and opportunities in that area.
- May 2023: JARC successfully opened a training center in Providence, RI, further extending its reach to new communities and scaling its impact.
