Empowering the Economically Disadvantaged and At-Risk
Phalanx Family Services has been helping economically disadvantaged youth and families for 20 years. Collectively, the organization’s management staff has over 120 cumulative years of experience in strengthening the community through workforce development solutions and social services.
Wanting to bridge the financial gaps people face, Phalanx offers many programs and services. These services are available to any individual, family, or youth who may be in need.
Training and Certificates
Ensuring stable housing, employment, and health services is a priority. As such, Phalanx offers services in training and certifications. This includes:
- Foodservice and sanitation license training.
- Obtaining state/city credentials,
- Getting CPR credentials.
- Basic Nursing Assistant training and ensuring the state credentials obtained for it.
- Security Training, along with getting the Industry Credentials for it.
Emergency Assistance
Phalanx Family Services can also assist those who are economically disadvantaged with Human Services Assistance. This includes:
- Emergency funding.
- Rent and Utility Assistance.
- Crisis Prevention.
Youth Programs
Adults are not the only ones who feel the stigma of being economically disadvantaged. This is why Phalanx Family Services offers them programs. These services are catered to helping the youth succeed in life. The youth have the opportunity to utilize programs such as:
- Re-engagement SOAR Center.
- On-the-Job Training and Work Experience.
- Financial Literacy Workshops.
- Youth Mentoring.
- Social Emotional Learning for Youth.
- Substance Abuse and Lifestyle Workshops.
- Anti-Violence Workshops for Youth.
- Internships.
Additional Services for At-Risk and Economically Disadvantaged Youth
At-risk and economically disadvantaged youth can also find services through Phalanx’s Reconnection Hub. This program helps:
- Opportunity Youth disconnected from school, work, or both.
- Referrals for school or post-secondary education.
- Referral for employment placement — which can help with basic essentials and homeless youth.
Helping Hand for Adults
Getting ahead in life is difficult for everyone. However, those who are economically disadvantaged or at risk are more probable to fall through the cracks. This causes distress to families, individual adults, and youth. Phalanx Family Services understands these difficulties and thrives on finding ways to uplift the situation.
Adults can seek additional training they may need to assist them in finding a better future. For example, Phalanx offers:
- Basic Computer Training. Times are changing and with that, technology is improving. Phalanx Family Services understands this can be frustrating for adults who haven’t had the opportunity to work with technology much.
- Job Placement Assistance.
- Job Readiness Training.
- Life Skills Training.
Additional Services Offered
Phalanx Family Services has partnerships with many organizations throughout the city. This allows them to assist people with additional items they may need. Things like government-issued identification, a Chicago Public Library card, or help with getting around the city with a Ventra card.
They may even be able to link ID cards to additional benefits and passes for:
- Recreation and entertainment.
- Sports games.
- Cultural institutions.
- Goods and services at partnering businesses.
Celebrating the Community
In addition to programs and services offered through the organization, Phalanx enjoys hosting events for the community. These events usually happen at least once a month and are family-friendly. It offers Phalanx Family Services and the community to connect on a more fun and personal level. These events include:
- Wellness Day.
- Clothing Give Away’s.
- Juneteenth Celebration.
- Back-to-School.
- May Day.
- Spring Break Jam.
- Fall Fest.
- Thanksgiving Food Basket Giveaway.
- Holiday Coat Giveaway.
- Winter Wonderland.
Ways to Connect
Anyone wanting to reach out to Phalanx Family Services can do so by calling (773)291-1086, visiting their website www.phalanxgrpservices.org, or stopping by their office located at 837 West 119th Street, Chicago, IL 60643.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Phalanx Family Services: WrapAround Services
Interviews: Various Phalanx Staff Members
Images Courtesy of TNS Staff
