Introducing the CAPs Workforce Campus
Community Assistance Programs (CAPs) is proud to introduce the next phase of our mission: the development of the CAPs Workforce Campus at 6130 S. State Street in the Washington Park community.
This transformative project is designed to redefine workforce development by creating a centralized, campus-style environment that provides training, housing, supportive services, and direct pathways to employment—all in one location.
A New Model for Workforce Development
The CAPs Workforce Campus is designed to bring together all essential workforce services into one unified system.
This campus will expand our ability to provide:
- Workforce training and certification programs
- Career readiness and job placement services
- Employer-driven training and partnerships
- Supportive services including childcare, healthcare, and legal assistance
- Residential support for job seekers
- Trade-based and technical training pathways
- Community-based programming and resources
This model creates a seamless pathway from entry to employment and long-term stability.
The Campus Vision
The CAPs Workforce Campus will be developed across approximately 1.5 to 2 acres and will include three major buildings:
Building 1: Residential & Support Services
Temporary dormitory-style housing for at least 60 job seekers, including:
- On-site dining hall operated through a culinary arts training program
- Structured living environment to support workforce participation
Building 2: Workforce & Community Hub
A centralized facility for:
- Job training and placement services
- Pre-apprenticeship and workforce classrooms
- Employer services and recruitment connections
- Community conference center
- On-site supportive services such as:
- Childcare
- Health clinic
- Legal services
Building 3: Trade & Technical Training Center
A workforce training facility focused on:
- Construction trades and union pathways
- Heavy equipment and forklift training
- Transportation training programs
- Direct pipelines into City Colleges of Chicago and other workforce systems
Why This Matters
There is a significant gap in workforce systems serving marginalized communities. The CAPs Workforce Campus directly addresses this need by delivering holistic, intensive, and community-based workforce solutions.
This project will:
- Support 2,500 job seekers annually
- Serve hundreds of employers each year
- Create 50+ construction jobs
- Generate 50+ permanent jobs on-site
- Reduce unemployment, poverty, and crime through economic opportunity
This is not just a facility—it is a system designed to change outcomes at scale.
A Campus Built for Long-Term Impact
The CAPs Workforce Campus is structured for long-term sustainability through:
- Partnerships with on-site agencies
- Workforce training funding streams
- Housing support funding
- Employer partnerships and service agreements
CAPs will also relocate its headquarters to the campus, centralizing operations and strengthening service delivery across the South Side of Chicago.
Strong Public & Community Support
This project has received strong support from local, state, and federal leadership, including:
- Congressman Bobby L. Rush (former)
- Congressman Jonathan Jackson
- Senator Mattie Hunter
- Senator Elgie Sims
- Representative Justin Slaughter
- Representative Marcus Evans
- Representative (now Alderman) Lamont J. Robinson
- Representative Kimberly du Buclet
This level of support reflects the recognition that the CAPs Workforce Campus is a game-changing investment in workforce development.
Strategic Partnerships
CAPs is actively working with key partners to bring this vision to life, including:
- Housing agencies for residential services
- City Colleges of Chicago for culinary and GED programming
- Childcare and healthcare providers
- Workforce and social service organizations
Together, these partnerships will create a fully integrated service delivery system.