About AACF

The African American Christian Foundation is a community-based organization that specializes in innovative workforce development program models which provide career pathways, opportunities for work-based learning, and higher and alternative education options. Established in 1985, the African American Christian Foundation (AACF) has helped create employment opportunities for community residents regardless of race, color, or religious affiliation. AACF provides job training programs and job placement services to young adults in Chicago and neighboring communities. Our job training programs combine vocational technical skills training with job readiness skills and job placement. We address the socioeconomic needs of our program participants through the use of technology, vocational training, career counseling and family supportive services. Over 200 adolescents and young adults come to the center each year. This year, another 100 families will move towards self-sufficiency thanks to the support of AACF.

Our Values

Education: We believe that education is power- a matter of economics and freedom for our program participants.

Dignity of Work: We celebrate the endless possibilities that result from hard work. Hard work shapes futures and changes lives. We believe in the value of work, investing in human capital and the mutual benefit of both employees and employers..

Collaboration: We create and support partnerships and strategically engage a variety of local and regional partners in workforce and economic development to ensure our programs’ continued effectiveness and success.

Innovation: We design and implement initiatives that result in positive outcomes for employers and job seekers. We continually seek creative solutions to existing workforce challenges.

Who We Serve

AACF serves adolescent youths and young adults ages 16 to 24 who are experiencing joblessness and extreme poverty (200% below the poverty line). Most are parenting youth living in unstable or transient living situations, while others are homeless. 82% are Latino or African-American with no marketable skills. Over 70% come from families who are unable to support their hope against hope to succeed. Approximately 50% have dropped out of school and on average read at a 4th grade level. Despite these challenges, our participants persevere with their desire to improve their lives and move toward economic independence and financial stability.

Our Mission

Our mission is to train and assist low-income residents of Cook County, enable them to acquire skills, while actively fostering economic opportunity and communal stability.

Our Motto

Inspired service. Unlimited possibilities.

AACF - Oak Park, IL

Locations

AACF Oak Park Location 6707 North Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302
AACF Chicago Location 333 S. Wabash Ave., Ste. 2700, Chicago, IL 60604

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