In the City of Chicago, new residents arrive from Spanish-speaking countries in search of a better life.  Successful integration however, for those unable to speak English or unfamiliar with the job market or U.S. history, culture, and customs, is elusive.  The result is often underemployment despite marketable work experience or significant country of origin education. The economic implications, beyond the mental health strain and human-capital loss felt by the individual and their family, extend to local employers and our city as a whole when available positions remain open.

As an immigrant integration center, PODER prepares Spanish-speaking adults to seize opportunities through comprehensive and tuition-free English (ESL), civic education and industry-specific, job training and placement programs. Since 1997, we’ve empowered over 14,500 adult immigrants to establish successful and fulfilling new lives in the United States by placing 83% of graduates with job placement partners including eleven banks (First American, Bank of America, Chase, Centier of Indiana, Marquette, US Bank, TCF, Citibank, BMO Harris, PNC, Byline, Wintrust) and three insurance providers (Allstate, State Farm, Farmers) represented by fifteen independently owned agencies where PODER trainees benefit from a 34% increase in wages upon placement.

These numbers not only have an immediate economic impact on individuals and families but on communities and future generations as they accelerate upward mobility.

Building on a Solid Foundation

In 2015, after eighteen years in Pilsen, PODER closed our original location due to gentrification and moved administrative offices to West Lawn on Chicago’s southwest side. Six years later, after opening five direct service, satellite sites (from Brighton Park to Ashburn) and a pivot to remote instruction during the pandemic resulting in a 194% increase in enrollment, we identified a Gage Park building to serve as our regional headquarters: PODER HQ.

PODER’s vision for HQ is where economic equity, upward mobility and societal inclusion are attainable for all. The city’s first immigrant integration + job center, to be located on the corner of 55th and Homan Ave, is where windows of opportunity will open as an abandoned building for over twenty-five years will be reinvented for a reimagined PODER.

More than bricks and mortar, PODER views construction as a unique, catalytic opportunity to engage neighbors and local businesses to build long-term relationships. Our community engagement strategy has successfully garnered input on programming priorities that have informed site design. For example, limited, onsite parking will encourage public transportation usage to maximize open, free WiFi public spaces for farmers’ markets, health fairs and community celebrations.

Indoor, natural light-filled spaces, in addition to job training, will provide support services from mental health to immigration to opportunities for local entrepreneurial popups. All leading to the successful societal and workforce integration of our participants and their families with a ripple effect to be felt by neighbors, employers, and our city.

PODER HQ will be a beacon of light, inspiration, and possibility, a catalyst to widen and deepen our collective community impact. The site, as part of the area Quality of Life Plan, will revitalize 55^th St while providing connective tissue between two city investment corridors of Invest South/West.  But the greatest economic impact, of greater societal and workforce integration, will be felt by our clients and their families for generations to come.