Laura Constans, Author at AACF

Aiming High in Healthcare

Laura Constans — Fri, 16 May 2025 14:29:38 +0000

Vanyce joined the African American Christian Foundation (AACF) Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP) last summer after her mother encountered information about the program on social media. Vanyce had just returned home from the hospital after the premature birth of her son, where he would spend six months in the NICU. With two daughters at home she was now a mother of three young children and she felt uncertain about how to support her family and how to begin a career, which was what she wanted to do. Vanyce described life as feeling “very unstable” and that she felt “very lost” during this time. She felt that she knew what she wanted to do, which was to have a career and support her family, but that she “didn’t know what steps to take” with her baby son in the hospital NICU.

Seeing free job training and certification opportunities in healthcare provided by the AACF Youth Employment Program, Vanyce followed the link in the social media post that her mother had encountered and attended the AACF virtual information session. She was directed from the information session to submit documentation to join the program and then she began the youth employment workshop where she received job readiness training, resume building, interviewing skills, and financial literacy training.

Vanyce attended the AACF Youth Employment Workshop in person. Vanyce was grateful for the workshop leader who “did a really good job at creating a safe space for her generation.” She felt empowered to “speak about her experiences and obtain what she needed to learn about herself,” being previously “a little too hard on herself,” and to learn “not to rush things and stay on the right track.”

During the Youth Employment Workshop Vanyce was matched with a case manager at AACF. Working with her case manager she applied to the Northwestern Memorial (NM) Hospital Basic Nursing Assistant (BNA) program. She was accepted to the program which was funded by AACF. According to Vanyce “the Northwestern Memorial Hospital BNA training program was amazing!” giving her a lot of experience working in a hospital. It was “hard work, but easy to follow.”

A New Career

The NWM BNA training program instructors did an amazing job, teaching content, test-taking skills and organization, easing anxiety and helping Vanyce to focus more, graduating with a 4.0 in her class. Taking the advice of her instructor, she immediately registered and took the CNA licensing exam and passed, earning her CNA Certificate. With the help of her AACF case manager Vanyce began submitting job applications. One of which was for a Patient Care Technician (PCT) role at the NM Hospital, where she was invited for an interview and was offered the position. The role of PCT has more responsibilities than CNA, requires additional certification - Vanyce will receive Phlebotomy training and certification through NM - and garners higher pay. Vanyce is very excited to begin her new role as PCT at NM Hospital this week, on the very floor where she did her clinicals in the training program. Fully aware of the NM tuition reimbursement program of up to $10,000 towards tuition per year, Vanyce already has plans to pursue her BSN Bachelor’s of Science of Nursing while she works as PCT, diving right into the field.

Vanyce is very grateful for the opportunities provided to pursue her career in healthcare, receiving BNA training, earning her CNA certification, receiving transportation assistance in the form of gas cards to commute to training at NM Hospital, and for the support, encouragement, and resources provided by her case manager at AACF. We are incredibly proud of Vanyce for her hard work and determination in completing her training, acing the CNA certification exam with flying colors, and landing a great job within a month of earning her license. Incredible job Vanyce, and good luck in your new healthcare career!

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With A Little Push

Laura Constans — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 19:43:14 +0000

Chicago youths Loysteen and her boyfriend wanted a fresh start in life. So last year they moved to Arizona - a new location and a fresh start in life. But when Loysteen discovered that she was pregnant, they decided to move back to Chicago.

Upon their return, they stayed with friends and family members on Chicago’s South Side. But one day as Loysteen was leaving her aunt’s house she was nearly hit by a stray bullet from a drive-by shooting. Feeling responsible for more than just her own life, the small family made the decision to relocate again, and this time found themselves living in a friend’s car, and later outside in a tent.

Prior to expecting a baby, Loysteen donated blood to raise money to pay for her phone bills. Now she sought employment while pregnant and experiencing homelessness. It was an incredibly challenging situation for the young family. Loysteen was grateful when she learned about the Youth Employment Program from a friend who had gained employment from skills learned in program, and she joined the program as soon as she could. Her boyfriend also joined the Employment Program for adults and received job-seeking assistance for ages 25 and up.

Loysteen attended the 8-day in person youth employment workshop and received job readiness skills training, mental health awareness, and most importantly got to be a part of a close-knit cohort of youths. Meals and transportation were covered, and she used the $230 training stipend from the workshop to keep her phone running so that she could apply for jobs with the resume she created in the workshop. “The little bit of money from the workshop helped out a lot!”

Loysteen did not give up. She and her boyfriend got jobs: Loysteen used her interviewing and job readiness skills practiced in the workshop to seek employment and landed a good job in security. “Precious [workshop leader] instructed the workshop really well. She made me feel welcome and get through the challenges I was experiencing.”

And her boyfriend landed a position as a supervisor in a bakery. The couple saved up their pay stubs and kept reaching out to landlords until they finally found a landlord who would give them a chance, and they moved into their own apartment. “Now we’re in an apartment with a roof over our heads, with jobs, and ready for our baby. We could do it - we just needed a little help.”

Loysteen and her boyfriend are grateful for the AACF Employment Program, what they learned from it, and the assistance they received. “What I took away from it was with a little push I could get it together - it made me want to get up and fight to get it together before my child comes.” - Loysteen

AACF is proud of you Loysteen for what you have been able to accomplish and we wish you all the best as you welcome your new baby into the world!

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Youth Workshop Is A Success!

Laura Constans — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 21:30:43 +0000

The Youth Employment Workshop is going strong. Prospective Youth clients attend the workshop for eight days at the office. A new hybrid Zoom option for attending is now offered increasing the availability of the workshop for youth who may live far from the office located in Oak Park.

Attendees receive intensive workforce development training with a focus on mental health, professionalism, and job training. Guest speakers present on financial literacy, job development, and mental wellness. The youth take field trips to AACF partners Dress for Success and I Am A Gentleman and receive professional attire to suit up for interviews and for landing office administrative jobs. Breakfast, lunch, and transportation are provided.

Many AACF clients have barriers to employment such as being low-income, returning citizens, not having a high school diploma or GED - to name a few. The goal of AACF is to provide support for clients to achieve success through paid internships - to gain valuable and marketable work experience, job training - free to the client, and job seeking assistance. Throughout this process clients are matched with a case manager to guide them through their journey. They also receive supportive services: transportation assistance, uniforms for work, rent assistance, reimbursement for licensing exam fees. Clients are also eligible for free therapy.

Clients receive workforce development training, resume assistance, interview preparation, and job development. Attend the virtual information orientation to learn more about our programs and join.

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Black Women’s History Month

Laura Constans — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 21:50:46 +0000

In celebration of Black Women’s History Month we asked our staff at AACF some key questions: Who inspires you? How did you come to do what you do here? Do you have a favorite Black Woman leader, entertainer, athlete, etc. - In what ways does she inspire you? How do you recharge yourself? Here are their answers:

Precious Manney, Case Manager

Who inspires you?

I have a ton of people who inspire me, but I would have to say my educators over the years. I came across a lot of teachers that poured into me regularly. Those teachers saw me heading down a questionable path and took me under their wing.

One teacher was my high school English teacher named Mrs. Sullivan. We initially bumped heads due to me being a class clown, and often disrespectful. But despite that behavior, she saw it pass and still embraced me, and never gave up on me. When I told Mrs. Sullivan I got into Cleveland University in Ohio (Her hometown). She suggested we take a road trip to visit the university. She literally coordinated the entire trip and made it happen. Even though I didn’t end up going to that university, the experience and effort left a major impact on me.

Mrs. Sullivan opened my eyes to new opportunities and showed me that I didn’t have to stay a product of my environment. Because Mrs. Sullivan believed in me, I applied to other colleges, got accepted and earned three degrees. She is the reason I’m passionate about helping “challenging kids.”

I believe a lot of challenging kids can be helped, they just need to have someone in their lives that won’t give up on them .

C.S., Senior Case Manager

Who inspires you?

My mom - she is a great business woman, has great work ethics, and has taught me everything I know. Women that I work with at AACF. Being the youngest person on the staff, I learn a lot from everyone here.

How do you recharge yourself?

Piano lessons - I began playing in junior high school for my mom and grandparents. I learned to to play the piano to help my grandfather, who had dementia. I also take pottery classes, and cooking classes with friends and family members.

Monique Knight, Job Developer

Who inspires you?

Honestly, I inspire myself. I am driven by my personal desires. I set goals, I create a plan that works, and I go after it. By the end of the year, I always have a list of accomplishments regardless of how big or how small. You have no idea how many times someone told me I can’t do something. Or how many times someone tries to convince me that I am not ready for something. Or how many times someone tried to stir me in the wrong direction. If I believed what people said, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Anything I want in life, I get. Anything that’s for me, no one can stop that. I walk by faith and not by sight. Hebrews 11:1 state Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Do you have a favorite Black Woman leader, entertainer, athlete, etc. - In what ways does she inspire you?

Honesty, I come from a line of successful people regardless of gender. But one of the women who inspires me is my cousin Dr. Sheila Ford. She inspires me because she goes after anything she wants. She is literally the definition of the sky’s the limit. Recently, she received her paperwork for her non-profit organization, and she named it after her mother, my auntie. Later in life, she plans to start a foundation and a real estate company in her mother’s name. She is always educating herself and she never limits herself. But that’s my entire family.

Monica Baafi, Housing Program Manager

How did you come to do what you do - in terms of work?

That is passion - if you love what you do, you keep doing it.

What do you do as Housing Program Manager?

I look for housing. I help the people living in shelters, who are experiencing homelessness to find permanent housing.

I want to inspire people with the things that I do. To help people to get what they need/want, that will create the idea - that will make me feel like I have done what I need to do - to invest in people - to help people come out from neediness. Gain apartments, become stable, do something for their life, for them to also feel that they are stable.

What recharges you?

I like baking, listening to music, and reading. I like helping people.

Do you have a favorite Black Woman leader, entertainer, athlete, etc. - In what ways does she inspire you?

Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama: they didn’t come out from a silver platter, they pushed themselves to be what they are now. Perseverance - if they wanted something they persevered, so that inspires me.

Evelyn Mensah, Executive Director

Do you have a favorite Black Woman leader, entertainer, athlete, etc. - In what ways does she inspire you?

Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to congress. She had to break down barriers. She was tough and took no nonsense from any of the men there.

How did you come to do what you do - in terms of work?

I worked with my father [Dr. Kwadwo Anti-Mensah, who founded AACF]. He was a man of service, education, I just wanted to continue his legacy. It kind of fell into my lap but I absolutely love it.

What is one of your big Life Goals?

Make this place a success beyond myself.

What recharges you?

I like to cook - travel - I like cooking the most, it’s adventurous, I like to play with ingredients, I like to be able to substitute ingredients and see what comes out of it. Yogurt instead of oil makes cakes nice and sweet!

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Keeping Up the Faith

Laura Constans — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 23:17:27 +0000

Charlie is a hardworking man. He grew up on Chicago’s West Side known for high rates of gun-related crime and gang violence. In humble tones he describes it as “kind of rough growing up in a dangerous environment and losing friends to gun violence.” He made it through high school and later moved to Hyde Park on the Southeast Side, home to the Obamas and University of Chicago. But he found himself struggling to make ends meet working a job in security, living paycheck to paycheck, and experiencing homelessness, couch surfing and relying on friends who would take him in and give him a place to stay for the night.

One day, making the decision to make a better life and be able to be there for his 8-year-old son and one-year-old daughter Charlie went online and searched for the CTA Second Chance program, a program for people with backgrounds, giving them a leg up in a society which can often place permanent negative judgment on individuals with backgrounds who have paid their time but struggle to get ahead in life. Charlie searched for providers which can connect people with the program, which sponsors participants in earning the CDL, Class C enabling them to become city bus drivers and work as any form of city driver. AACF was the first provider that came up on the list, so Charlie made the phone call and learned about the AACF JTED Employment Program from Martiz Curtis, Career Coach Intern.

Working with Martiz, Charlie learned that the CTA Second Chance program will sponsor its participants in only earning the CDL, Class C. Charlie wanted to have a broader scope of opportunities by earning a Class A, CDL, which would enable him to do over the road trucking and have a higher earning potential. With the help of AACF Charlie attended training at Progressive Trucking School and gained necessary training and experience hours to pass his CDL, Class A. Having just completed his CDL, Class A license last week Charlie describes the feeling as:

“It was a very nice experience. Something good that I got under my belt that I’m proud of.”

Currently Charlie is working through a house arrest sentence. After he puts in his time he will be able to work over the road for a trucking company. He continues working with Martiz with whom he now has a special bond, trusting that he will be there for him through permanent employment as a trucker. Charlie is filled with hope and eager to get out there and apply to trucking companies. Great job on earning your CDL, Class A Charlie! Keep up the faith and your hard work and you will be on the road to success in no time!

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You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Laura Constans — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 23:10:51 +0000

Kerianna grew up in the near west suburbs of Chicago. As a cool, smart, shy girl she always knew that she wanted to help people. She had been a counselor / mentor to kids when she herself was a kid. Her mom worked as a CNA, and because of her stories Kerianna knew that she wanted to do the same profession. Life was good as a child with mom and her two brothers.

Unfortunately life got hard fast when Kerianna was 16 and her mom developed a drug problem and left their apartment, leaving Kerianna to fend for herself and her younger brother. Later she returned and Kerianna and her brother had to move out, bouncing around between family members.

During all of this Kerianna was able to finish high school at an alternative high school, a school she chose because it was a “family” for her. She also worked as an activity aide at a nursing home and a hospital, working 16-18 hour shifts. When she got in a car accident she had to quit her job and at this point she was also couch surfing. A coworker had told her earlier that month about the AACF Employment Program.

I feel like that world needs to know that even though you’re going through something you don’t have to do it alone. - Kerianna

Kerianna had hit a point of desperation, unemployed, couch surfing, and at one point sleeping in a car. She made the phone call to the AACF office and was directed to the orientation where learned about the Employment Program offerings and signed up for the CNA training program which she had previously wanted but had not been able to afford. AACF helped Kerianna with her housing needs and now assists her with apartment-living. And in addition to CNA training, she also received her textbooks, scrubs, and was placed in a paid internship during her training. She graduated from the CNA training course in January and was hired as a full-time CNA shortly after.

Kerianna is hugely grateful for the assistance that she received from AACF and has told her friends about the Employment Program. She is very grateful for her case manager, Chuckita Smith, saying about her that “we need that push, that guidance - they can be there for you.” We are incredibly proud of you Kerianna for all that you’ve been able to accomplish. Keep shining your light and rising up to meet any challenge that comes your way - you are doing amazing!

“We all go through things. We need people to tell us: ‘We can help you, we can really help you.’” - Kerianna

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Working Hard to Achieve the Dream

Laura Constans — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 21:36:57 +0000

Christianna, a young mother of two girls, has very clear dreams of owning her own catering company or restaurant. She had these very goals in mind when she joined the AACF Employment Program in early June this year. Christianna learned about the program from a friend who is currently enrolled in the program, when at the time she was employed in what she felt was a dead-end job as a public safety officer at a local hospital where the pay was, “not so great.”

Upon enrolling in the AACF Employment Program Christianna attended job readiness workshops where she learned a lot of helpful pointers about professional roles and job ethics. She received assistance from instructors in polishing her resume and learning about other workforce skills. During the job readiness workshops she was matched with a career coach who helped her to stay motivated as she searched for a job that was a better fit for her.

Working with her career coach was very helpful for Christianna. “She was always here to support me whenever I needed her,” said Christianna of her career coach. “She really encouraged me to stay patient and motivated during the job search process. She really kept me encouraged, praising me and encouraging me to never give up.”

With her career coach’s support and encouragement Christianna applied to several jobs online. For a position that she really wanted she called to follow up and discovered that they had not received her online application, and she was invited to come in person to submit her application. When she arrived at the company, she received an interview on the spot and was hired on the spot, landing a role in a commercial kitchen which puts her in a position to start pursuing her dreams. She currently has plans to continue working towards her culinary certification at Impact Culinary Training.

Christianna is grateful for the support that received from AACF. We are proud of you Christianna - keep up the pursuit of your dreams!

“AACF helped me to find better jobs that fit me.” - Christianna

“We can’t always do what we want to do, but we always do what we have to do.” - Christianna, on being a working parent

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Fast Track for IT Careers

Laura Constans — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 21:48:37 +0000

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.

Job seekers can join the IT world without a four year college degree in entry level jobs and by earning certifications and can rise quickly with hard work and tenacity. Some entry level IT related jobs that do not require a college degree include: computer help desk, technical support specialist, junior level data analyst, junior web designer, social media associate, and service technician. Some free/low cost certifications are: Codeacedemy, Harvard Online Learning, LinkedIn Learning, and Google Career Certificates.

Working in the field of IT requires both hard technical skills and soft skills. Hard technical skills include coding, social media management, operating system knowledge, and database management among others and require the ability to write, strong attention to detail. Soft skills that you will need working in an IT-related field include the following: communication, organization, analytical abilities, creativity, problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness, and initiative. IT jobs require both teamwork and working independently and exist as an important part of nearly all businesses.

Gaining an entry level IT job has a high probability of leading to new opportunities and the potential for strong earnings in the near future. Consider gaining a free or low cost IT training or certification. Let AACF help you gain training and secure your first IT job. Reach out to us for more information on free IT training opportunities. The sky’s the limit!

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Spotlight on AACF Career Coach Felicia

Laura Constans — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:23:11 +0000

As one of the multitude of people who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic Felicia was grateful to learn of AACF’s workforce development programs from her cousin. Felicia joined the program in 2020 and was directed to the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Second Chance Program by her case manager at AACF. AACF partners with CTA to provide access to living wage jobs for program participants with barriers to employment. Workforce development opportunities provided through the partnership include training, education, mentoring, and networking.

In an interesting twist, prior to joining the CTA Second Chance Program, Felicia was offered the opportunity to work at the front desk at AACF by her case manager, greeting clients, answering calls and questions, and connecting new participants with case managers and programs. With a background in working on cars and big rigs Felicia initially felt unsure of her ability to speak to new clients and assist them with finding job placements and with making the right connections that would help to lift them up in their careers. She worked hard to learn how to best assist incoming clients to AACF’s workforce development programs, learning on the job and helping to bring in record numbers of new program participants.

And after two years of working at the front desk at AACF Felicia found herself excelling in the role and was promoted to case manager. She has been working as a case manager, or career coach, for adults for the past six months, connecting clients with job training, job placements, and paid internships. Much of her training as AACF career coach has been on the job, guided by her own case manager as they work in the office together. Felicia describes working as a case manager as providing her with “a lot of growth and a lot of patience.”

Describing her work Felicia states: “I help clients find job placements, get them off the streets, do anything I can to uplift them. It makes me feel good when I leave here that I tried to help some people today.”

Felicia has referred many people, family, and friends to the workforce development programs at AACF through her own social media and flyers.

“I get to meet new people and we grow to be a family. AACF is like a second home to me. I am always comfortable in it.” - Felicia, AACF Career Coach

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Executive Director Evelyn Mensah is a Willie’s Warrior

Laura Constans — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 15:58:07 +0000

Last year our fearless Executive Director, Evelyn Mensah, was selected by The Chicago Foundation for Women to participate in a leadership initiative in last year. This intense, self-actualization and empowering cohort is founded upon Reverend Willie T. Barrow’s legacy as a leader and activist in the Chicago community and civil rights movement, co-founder of Operation PUSH, and generational mentor bringing outstanding women leaders together to support, learn from one another and birth new services to continue the fight for economic and health empowerment of women and girls in our communities. Willie’s Warriors is a continuation of her mission and legacy to mentor others.

The 4th Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative took place between February through September, bookended by a spa retreat. The opening retreat in February took place virtually in the continued fight against COVID 19. However, the 17-member cohort created topics to cover in-person for the remaining monthly workshops including Economic Empowerment, Financial and Fiscal Responsibility, Change Management, Call to Courage: Standing out and being heard, and Who’s in Your Corner; who are your cheerleaders? Do you see them? Our closing retreat took place at the Eaglewood Resort and Spa in Itasca, Illinois which allowed us to fellowship and begin a group initiative to provide a modern versus of the infamous Greenbook.

Ms. Mensah describes her experiences with the Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative cohort: How did you become a Willie’s Warrior?

I was nominated by staff who then submitted answers to questions regarding my role and work here at the African American Christian Foundation. 

Who were the other Willie’s Warriors?

There were 17 spirited and powerful women leaders from both the nonprofit and corporate worlds, different levels professionally, but mostly in leadership roles.

What did you learn from your experiences with Willie’s Warriors?

It was a really amazing experience! Some of the key things that we covered in the cohort was how to rely on each other, best practices in our organizations, and what works for different individuals: sometimes our words are not heard and we have to fight the system to be heard and understood. We learned how to navigate all of that as women leaders. 

What did you learn about leadership?

I learned how to use my vulnerability to navigate the pressures of leadership, to lean into my vulnerability as a way of connecting with my team, others and a source of strength. 

How do you feel you benefited from your time with Willie’s Warriors? 

The leadership experience gave me a lot of courage and helped to strengthen my leadership skills. I learned from these amazing and seasoned women to live in the moment and not stress by working all the time. They are just a great group to be around as they inspire me to be better. I still have some learning to do, so I stay in contact with this powerhouse cohort and alumni cohorts.

What were some highlights from the program?

Bonding with the cohort as a whole, meeting and supporting each other with different projects. The capstone project of the program was to create an online magazine and a T-shirt design. It was really a wonderful experience.

How were you encouraged to carry the message forward?

As an alum, we have the opportunity to host future cohort sessions and also act as mentors to new Willie’s Warriors.

Since the program ended do you maintain contact with the other members of the Willie’s Warriors Cohort 4?

Yes, we meet on a quarterly basis to catch up and see how each other is doing. We continue to support each other in ongoing projects.

Would you nominate anyone to be a Willie’s Warrior?

Absolutely, yes! I plan on nominating staff members to join the leadership program. 

We are excited for what Ms. Mensah has gained from her experiences with Willie’s Warrior

Leadership Initiative. It was an incredibly powerful experience for learning and growth for our executive director carrying the work of Rev. Barrow’s life mission and legacy forward to empower black women. Rev. Barrow’s advice to young African Americans: “Read, talk to folks, ask questions, be curious, be noisy, and learn from your ancestors.”

Learn more about the Chicago Foundation for Women Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative 

Learn more about Reverend Willie T. Barrows

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