<p> YWCA Metropolitan Chicago T: 312-372-6600 Executive Offices F: 312-372-4673 360 N. Michigan Avenue www.ywcachicago.org Suite 800 Chicago, Illinois 60601 Contact Information: Elizabeth Mansfield Communications Officer YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Direct: 312-762-2723 Mobile: 773-515-0955 [email protected]</p><p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2010</p><p>YWCA hosts employment boot camp, job fair to put Chicago residents back to work</p><p>Chicago, (February 10, 2010) – In response to the current economic climate, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's Economic Empowerment Institute will host an employment boot camp and job fair on Friday, Feb. 12 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 13 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., respectively. Both events will take place at the YWCA Laura Parks and Mildred Francis Center, 6600 S. Cottage Grove Ave.</p><p>Boot camp participants will participate in four interactive clinics: "Resume Revival," "Mock Interviews," "Online Search and Presence," and "Tips on How to Work a Job Fair." Boot camp participants will also have exclusive access to the first hour of the job fair. The remaining three hours of the job fair are open to the general public. Organizations participating in the job fair include the Chicago Police Department, Staples, T-Mobile and CDW Corp. Individuals do not need to register to attend the job fair.</p><p>The boot camp and job fair come at an ideal time for many Chicago residents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job loss and unemployment rates for the Chicagoland area are climbing. In Dec. 2009, the Illinois Department of Labor Security reported Cook County’s unemployment rate as 10.8 percent. Reflecting Chicago residents’ need for jobs, community members have shown a great deal of interest in the events and registration has been strong.</p><p>“We are thrilled by how quickly the community responded to our postings for the boot camp and job fair,” said Pamela Evans, COO of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. “This enthusiasm is a sign of the community’s trust in the YWCA and our ability to help them find new employment to better provide for themselves and their families.”</p><p>The YWCA Economic Empowerment program offers women a chance to achieve sustainable career growth and build financial security. In addition to various workshops and events, women have the opportunity to work one-on-one with an empowerment coach to set personalized career goals and develop a long-term plan to achieve them. Clients also receive technical training, learn job advancement skills and expand their financial literacy.</p><p>###</p><p>About the YWCA: Our mission to eliminate racism and empower women is actualized through a large breadth of programs and services. Regardless of race or economic status, the YWCA provides women with the support and tools they need to transform their lives, be confident in their choices and raise healthy families. Our four core programmatic areas include: economic empowerment services, sexual violence and support services, early childhood services, and the center for racial justice and activism. With more than 150 employees working at 10 locations throughout metropolitan Chicago, we serve over 138,000 women, children and families annually through these programs. And while our services are broad and varied, they are linked by a common thread—our dedication to promoting racial justice and personal empowerment across everything we do.</p>