We’re here for you

At CCL our work and community are built on the foundational belief that everyone is naturally creative, resourceful, capable, and whole. We utilize Co-active & Family Centered Coaching to engage the community members who receive CCL’s free services.

What makes it distinct from traditional social services is that CCL does not offer case management. Instead, the member who receives CCL services is the expert in their own life and the “driver’s seat” in reaching their own goals. CCL’s Coaches start with a coaching agreement and listen first to the vision you have for your own life. Then, CCL’s Coaches are your accountability partners in naming and reaching your financial, housing, employment, and small business goals!


 

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling and Financial Coaching

HUD-Certified Housing Counselors & Financial Coaches partner with members to uncover possibilities, overcome barriers, and achieve their financial goals. With a coach, members are able to:

  • Save for emergencies, bills, and goals

  • Apply for income supports, i.e. SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

  • Learn more about opening up a Child or College Savings Account

  • Build, grow, and protect assets

  • Increase income

  • Receive HUD-Approved Housing Counseling

  • And, much more!


Employment Coaching & Digital Literacy

Employment coaches partner with members to uncover possibilities, overcome barriers, and achieve their employment goals. With a coach, members are able to access and receive:

  • Build/review resumes & cover letters

  • Interview Preparation

  • Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

  • Career Planning and Preparation

  • Job Leads and Resources

  • And, so much more!


Resource Development Coaching

Resource Development Coaching connects participants to a network of people, resources, and opportunities relevant to each member, and mobilizes non-financial resources like social and relational capital to improve participants’ circumstances and move them towards their vision for their life.

Resource Development Coaching includes access to:

  • Discovery and joint exploration of participants’ strengths and competencies

  • Rental Assistance/ Emergency Fund

  • Public Benefits assistance

  • Along with support accessing other long and short term benefits


Small Business Coaching

At Center For Changing Lives we believe that we need to support small businesses to achieve economic vitality.

Currently, we are working with some small businesses in the area, namely those owned by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and near our South Chicago Colocation Office.

Also we encourage you to support local businesses and shop small!

Additionally, we offer Small Business Support & Coaching to connect you to the resources you need, whether you are launching your entrepreneurial dream, or if you are a long-standing business owner.

We are officially an NBDC (Neighborhood Business Development Center) with the City of Chicago. We also offer outreach and education about the benefits of forming worker cooperatives and the positive impact that can have on our economy.

Reach out to us today at frontdesk@cclconnect.org or call 773-342-6210 to get started with Center for Changing Lives!


Here to Stay Community Land Trust

Center for Changing Lives is a founding member of the Here to Stay Community Land Trust in Hermosa and West Logan Square. We buy properties and sell the buildings on those properties to moderate-income buyers from the community at a discounted rate, ensuring long-term affordability and extending the benefits of homeownership to a community to which they would otherwise be inaccessible.