Welcome to AACF

AACF was established as a not-for-profit agency in 1985, and has helped to create employment opportunity for community residents regardless of race, color or religious affiliation.

Programs & Services

AACF offers a broad range of programs designed to empower and meet the growing needs of the underemployed in Illinois.

 

How You Can Help

We rely on your support to continue our programs. There are many ways you can help.

 

 

Upcoming Events

Become a sponsor of our events!

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Sustainable Self-Sufficiency

Resilience Over Adversity

Job Developer James Spiller joined AACF at the beginning of this year, but he had already met Executive Director Evelyn Mensah, sitting next to her at a networking event with the Department of Family and Support Services in 2019. When he saw the company name for the Job Developer role online in December 2022, he thought “Wow,” and was inspired to submit his application for the role. Mr. Spiller brings his expertise from his background as a Certified Life Coach and his BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences from National Lewis University and as well as a lifelong career serving...

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Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Sustainable Self-Sufficiency

Resilience Over Adversity

Featured News

We are a WIOA Service provider

As a WIOA Service provider, we offer employment and vocational training services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. read more

Success Stories

Geneva Courageously at the Guard Post

When Geneva enrolled in the AACF/CYEP youth program in February, 2017, she faced serious adversities and barriers to success that are common among the youth population. read more

Youth Program Waitlist

The Community Technology Center offers Basic Microsoft Word and Excel courses monthly. To register for a course, call 708-848-1700. Through the KAM Institute of Healthcare and Technology, AACF offers vocational training in a wide array of computer applications and business technical skills. For more information, contact us.

Join Our Mailing List

Be sure to tell us your name in the body of your email so we can add that when we add you to our mailing list. Click here to add your name to our mailing list

Work for AACF

We look for dedicated people who are committed to changing lives.

Digital Manufacturing Technology Internship Program

This program is designed to provide classroom instruction with hands-on training in the digital design and digital manufacturing. The program focus on the skills and training needed in manufacturing careers such as laser cutting, 3D printing and CNC milling, or machining. Career and Employment Assistance services, a component of the program provides job readiness skills training, vocational training, guidance and support throughout all phases of the employment process for program participants and job seekers.

Preparing Youths And Young Adults Today For The Challenges Of Tomorrow

Fact:
The current minimum wage of the State of Illinois at $8.25 is higher than the federal minimum wage but still not a living wage.
Fact:
Compared to high school graduates, high school dropout are less likely find a job earning a living wage, more likely to be poor and rely on public assistance, engage in crime and generate other social costs. (Rumberger).

Join our movement to create economic equity for low income members of our community and end the cycle of poverty.

Upcoming Events

CNA Program Open House Tuesday February 4, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM. Meet us at our Oak Park Office to discuss our Certified Nursing Assistant program and career training options in the nursing field. Visit our website for future CNA program office House date announcement. The next open house will be held on February 6, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM.

Computer Classes starts January 6, 2020 from 10 AM until 2 PM every Monday and Tuesday. Are you interested in a Microsoft certification path to get your MCSE or MCSD, MOS certification is the way to start. MOS certification validate Microsoft Office skills that are valuable in a wide range of jobs and other life pursuit. Call to register 6 weeks computer class to start your path to certification. AACF is a Microsoft partner.

Next CNA Class to start on February 11, 2020. The class will meet Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am until 3:30 PM for 9 weeks.

Community Job Fair will be held on April 16, 2020. See our event page for further details of the event and to register or sponsor the event. Click here to register.

Volunteer Information Session 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM January 7, 2020. If you are interested in volunteering for AACF, join us and explore your options at our next orientation session.

Black Star Gala & Awards, the annual benefit of the African American Christian Foundation, celebrates our work and achievements on October 22, 2020.

Collaboration Nugget

Strategic partnerships is key to our comprehensive program offering. Find out how your organization can partner with us.

Fast Track for IT Careers

Fast Track for IT Careers

Stepping into the world of IT work is a good choice at any level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) growth in IT-related occupations is projected to grow 15 percent throughout the next decade, resulting in around 700,000 new jobs during the next decade with about 420,000 job openings per year from growth and replacement needs. With an average annual wage of around $100,000 per year, it is perhaps the fastest growing field with the highest entry level wages. It is a great field to consider if you enjoy solving problems, designing things that serve a purpose, and helping people.

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Congratulations Michelle for obtaining your CNA license.          Kudos and best wishes Jarice on your new job and bright future.          Congratulations Brandon for getting your CDL.          AACF is a Microsoft training partner.          Attend our mentoring session every third Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM.          Our Semi Annual Job Fairs April and July from 10 am until 1 pm. Be on the look out for the exact day.          Thank you Dr. Scholl Foundation for your generous support of our life changing programs.         Thank you Bemis Foundation for your support of our live changing job training programs.          Literacy Volunteers to assist AACF youths on GED and basic adult education test with tutoring and other literacy support.          Welcome Walgreens as our newest work-site.          Did you know that you can get up to $600 for your working used car if you are unable to donate it for a tax deduction. Inquire about our Cars4Work program.          Personalized case management can go a long way to help our interns achieve their goals.          Mr. Floyd donated to support our general operational fund. Thank you for your support.          Youths, interested in college or advance education? Call to find out how you can qualify for up to $5000 for school, college, trade or university of your choice today.          Find out how you can donate your used car for a deserving youth to go to work.         Your partnership is much appreciated Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps.          Read our Success Stories here.

 

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