Transform Your Life Through Opportunities in Our Workforce Department
Empowered through Economic and Workforce Development, this division assists in the eradication of poverty and helps families overcome financial hurdles and obtain financial stability, gain employment and build sustainable careers and provide other services that support success.
Community Development Corporation Properties
Community Development Corporation (CDC) properties are now officially under the ownership of the Springfield Urban League Inc. The intentions for these properties is to revitalize Springfield neighborhoods. Over the years, many of the properties have been sold to members of the community. One of the properties was purchased and developed into a community garden and several other properties were purchased due to the close proximity to the purchaser’s home which increased the value of their homes and square footage of their property.
If you are an interested buyer, please contact Rob Garee at 217-789-0830, ext. 1118 or by email at rgaree@springfieldul.org
Community Technology Training Center
Located at 512 S. 11th Street | Springfield, IL
Since 2001, the CTTC has focused on workforce and educational development for underprivileged students and adults in order for them to work toward and ultimately achieve their educational and employment goals in today’s high-tech world. The CTTC serves as an Illinois WorkNet portal that provides a link for community residents to free online training, resources and workshops that promote workforce training and community empowerment.
Local residents are able to participate in instructor lead or one-on-one courses including the following: Basic Computer, Internet & Email Skills, Basic Word and Excel, resume development, and interview etiquette. Free access for printing and research is also available for the public.
The CTTC Lab is further utilized by many Urban League programs including: the DCFS WASSUP Program, GAP, 21st Century, Youth Build Program, and Freedom School. The League remains dedicated to being part of a larger network of workforce professionals committed to raising the economic standards, health and technology education level of the Springfield community.
Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization’s membership exceeds 364,000 in more than 16,200 clubs in 145 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders.
Access the League of Our Own Toastmasters Club information for more information.
Workforce Empowerment Center
Our Workforce & Economic Development department assists in the eradication of poverty by helping families achieve financial stability through gainful employment, sustainable careers, educational programming, mentorship, and financial literacy. We maximize community resources—and our impact—by integrating programs and services through a holistic approach that provides multilevel interventions to meet the unique needs of each participant. We believe that people’s lives will be transformed when they are motivated and held accountable, have access to the correct tools, and are supported with encouragement and passion.
Programs
- Violence Prevention Program
- Restore, Renew, Reinvest. (R3)
- Juvenile Redeploy Illinois
- Urban Youth Employment Program (UYEP)
- Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC)
- Regaining Esteem Success through Active Restructuring Time (R.E.S.T.A.R.T)
- Empowerment Program
Contact Information
(217) 528-0895
info@springfieldul.org
www.springfieldul.org
Location: 512 S. 11th Street | Springfield, IL
EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM – FINANCIAL STABILITY
The purpose of the Empowerment program is to address the employment barriers of at-risk adults. By empowering at-risk adults, we not only help them transform their own lives, but we also help transform their family and communities where they live.
EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM – VIOLENCE PREVENTION
The Violence Prevention program serves youth and young adults who are unemployed, underemployed, or at-risk youth and young adults. We aim to reduce the violent incidents in the community, reduce the risk of violent offenses committed by the opportunity population, and reduce the reist of the youth and young adults becoming a victim of violence while at the same time increasing employment opportunities for these youth and young adults.
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (CEP)
The Community Empowerment Program seeks to improve academic performance, increased employment and income levels among individuals who reside in the 62702 and 62703 neighborhoods and support entrepreneurs in launching and growing business to build capacity, sustain operations, and stimulate the local economy.
JUVENILE REDEPLOY ILLINOIS (JRI)
in 2024, the Juvenile Redeploy program served 15 youths on probation with Sangamon County Court Services, who are most at risk of becoming further entrenched in the juvenile justice system due to the nature of their offenses, We provide wraparound services to the youth and their immediate family, including case management, job readiness training, cognitive behavior training, financial literacy, mental health assessments and referrals, and recreational activities. Through these services, we aim to reduce the risk of their commitment to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.
Urban Tech and Construction Jobs Program
The Urban Tech and Construction Jobs Program (UTCJP) empowers individuals with the skills and certifications needed to succeed in technology and construction industries. Designed to go beyond traditional job training, UTCJP provides hands-on experience, business development support, and industry recognized certifications – all at no cost to participants.
In partnership with Springfield Aeroshots, LLC, this program allows participants to receive comprehensive drone and technology training, including FAA drone registration assistance to ensure compliance with industry standards. Personalized mentorship and skill building activities further enhance career readiness, while LLC registration and coaching equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to establish their own businesses.
As part of its commitment to safety and environmental responsibility, UTCJP also offers the EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Renovator Course, preparing participants to handle renovation projects in compliance with environmental regulations.
Upcoming Events
Additional Programs
RESTART TANF
TANF Employment and Training program – TANF Job placement program provides individualized services and support to eligible participants who are interested in improving their skills to obtain employment or advance along their career path. All participants receive case management services and engage in one or more other employment and training services
RESTART SNAP
SNAP Job placement – SNAP to success program provides individualized services and support to eligible participants who are interested in improving their skills to obtain employment or advance along their career path. All participants receive case management services and engage in one or more other employment and training services.
CLIMATE AND EQUITABLE JOBS ACT WORKFORCE HUB
In 2024, the Springfield Urban League partnered with Richland COmmunity College and the Decatur Workforce Network Hub to implement a continuous evaluation process for its workforce development programming. This collaborative effort focuses on tracking participant outcomes and collecting feedback from both participants and employers to assess the program’s effectiveness. Regular review and assessments allow the team to make informed recommendations for improvements, ensuring that the program remains responsive to the evolving needs of job seekers and the labor market. Throughout the last year, 29 participants took advantage of the program, accessing a range of supportive services to enhance their employability and long-term success.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (E3)
In partnership with Ameren Illinois’ Market Development Initiatives (MDI), the Springfield Urban League launched the Energy Efficiency Empowerment Initiative (E3) to expand access to energy efficiency education and support services for underserved communities. This initiative is designed to integrate energy-saving strategies into the League’s existing outreach, particularly in emergency utility assistance efforts. Ameren Illinois customer seeking support are encouraged to engage with E3, where they receive personalised financial coaching, budgeting tools, and practical guidance on reducing household energy usage, Participants are also provided with energy-efficiency kits and equipment along with information on available MDI resources – helping families lower their utility costs and improve their overall quality of life. In 2024, outreach efforts were concentrated in Springfield and Jacksonville, Illinois, with a focus on communities most affected by high energy burdens.
FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER (FOC)
The Springfield Urban League Financial Opportunity Center provides employment counseling – including job readiness training and placement; one-on-one financial coaching and education; and connect participants with benefits that can offset their income, including public benefits. The FOC also offers financial products to help build credit savings, and personal assets. The cornerstone of the FOC model is providing these services in an integrated way – rather than as stand-alone services – and with a long-term commitment to helping clients reach their goals.
Our Impact
90
recipients of education, training, and supportive services
2,728
participants equipped with energy efficiency education and materials
304
participants received one-on-one financial coaching and education
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Learn in more depth about the impacts of our programs across the Springfield community in our latest Annual Report.
Join us in creating positive change in the community.
