el barrio/WSEM workforce development center of excellence

Gary, an unemployed single parent with two children, needed to find employment quickly to support his family.

Raquel recently arrived from Puerto Rico with experience and background in Customer Service work, but doesn't know where to begin looking for a job in town.

Sykeisha and Keosha, two young sisters who lost their home in a fire, almost lost their hopes about school and the future, needed help getting back on their feet.

The stories are different, but the need is the same. West Side Ecumenical Ministry knows that for any individual or family, gainful employment is important to achieving personal and financial stability. That's why El Barrio/WSEM Workforce Development Center of Excellence helps 1,300 adults and youth each year achieve self-sustaining jobs. Through effective programs supported by community partners, those we serve succeed in the labor market, build earnings and assets, and participate more fully in the larger economy.

The Center focuses on employee recruitment and preparation by providing training and/or educational programs that will result in steady jobs and career-building positions. El Barrio offers career pathways through pre-vocational training in areas, such as Pre-Construction and Customer Service for youth and adults.

Referrals into the Center come from a variety of sources. Clients can be referred to El Barrio as part of a welfare-to-work program, while others may seek our services directly. Additionally, all WSEM Centers of Excellence channel interested or eligible clients to our programs and provide an important pipeline into the Workforce Development Program.

Regardless of how individuals in need find us, El Barrio welcomes anyone who would like to change their life through hard work and employment.