{"id":1207959,"date":"2026-11-10T12:25:02","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T18:25:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.poderworks.org\/?page_id=1207959"},"modified":"2026-11-10T12:33:31","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T18:33:31","slug":"winter-newsletter-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.poderworks.org\/es\/winter-newsletter-2026","title":{"rendered":"Winter Newsletter 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Please be sure to check the box that says “Share my name and email with this charity.”<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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A New Chapter in Opportunity: PODER Joins the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership Network as a Delegate American Job Center<\/b><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Building pathways to economic mobility, expanding access to opportunity, and bringing workforce resources closer to the immigrant communities that need them most.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Today, we are proud to announce an important milestone in PODER’s evolution: <\/span>PODER has been designated a Delegate American Job Center within the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership network.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This designation represents more than an expansion of services. It is an opportunity to strengthen our role in Chicago’s workforce development ecosystem, connect more residents to meaningful employment and career advancement opportunities, and help families build greater financial stability. Most importantly, it brings workforce resources closer to the communities that need them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Bringing Opportunity Closer to Home<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The American Job Center network serves as an important gateway to workforce development resources, connecting individuals with employment services, career guidance, skills training, education, and opportunities for professional advancement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Through this new designation, PODER will be better positioned to connect community members with this broader network of resources while building upon the trusted relationships, accessible programming, and community-centered approach that have defined our work.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

For a parent seeking a better-paying job, this can mean a clearer pathway toward career advancement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

For a young adult preparing to enter the workforce, it can mean access to training, credentials, and opportunities to build a meaningful career.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

For a working professional looking to transition into a new industry, it can mean having the guidance and resources to take that next step.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

And for families navigating the rising costs of housing, childcare, transportation, and everyday necessities, greater access to employment and career advancement can represent something much bigger: the possibility of a more secure future.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Workforce development is about more than finding a job. It is about helping people build careers, strengthening families, and creating the conditions for communities to thrive.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

That is the opportunity this designation represents.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Building on a Foundation of Community Impact<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

PODER’s evolution into a Delegate American Job Center builds upon years of work helping individuals and families access the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to participate fully in today’s economy. We understand that economic mobility does not happen through a single program or intervention. It requires a connected set of opportunities that support individuals at different stages of their educational and professional journeys.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Through Integrated English, adults develop communication skills that open doors in the workplace and throughout their communities. Through Digital Literacy, participants build the technological competencies increasingly essential to employment and everyday life. Through Unidos in Finance and our bilingual insurance licensing pathways, individuals gain access to professional credentials and career opportunities in growing industries. Our Customer Service Certification program helps participants strengthen their professional skills and prepare for new employment opportunities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

These programs are not isolated services. They are interconnected pathways toward economic advancement. The new designation strengthens our ability to connect education, professional development, credentialing, and workforce resources into a more comprehensive approach to economic mobility.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

PODER has served thousands of adults across Chicago’s Southwest Side. We see firsthand what happens when people have access to the right resources, the right support, and the opportunity to put their talents to work. Now, we have an opportunity to build on that impact.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Strengthening Chicago’s Workforce, One Family at a Time<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Chicago’s greatest economic asset is its people. Across our neighborhoods are individuals with extraordinary talent, determination, experience, and potential. They are parents, caregivers, workers, entrepreneurs, and future leaders. They keep our businesses running, support our local economy, raise the next generation, and contribute to the strength of our neighborhoods.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Yet too many people face barriers to accessing the opportunities that could help them move forward. Sometimes those barriers involve limited access to training or professional credentials. Other times, they involve language, technology, transportation, childcare, or a lack of connections to employers and career pathways. We believe a strong workforce system must recognize these realities and meet people where they are.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

PODER’s participation in the American Jobs Center network creates an opportunity to help bridge the gap between the talent that exists in our neighborhoods and the opportunities available throughout the regional economy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

It also reinforces an important belief: when individuals have access to the skills, training, and employment opportunities they need, the benefits extend far beyond one person.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Parents gain greater financial stability. Children benefit from more secure households. Employers gain access to a stronger and more diverse talent pool. Neighborhoods become more resilient. And communities are better positioned to participate in and benefit from economic growth.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

When we invest in people, we invest in families. When we invest in families, we strengthen entire communities.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The Next Chapter of PODER<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Organizations must evolve as the needs of their communities evolve. PODER’s work has always been grounded in a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. Over time, that commitment has grown into a comprehensive approach to adult education, digital inclusion, professional credentialing, workforce development, and economic mobility. Becoming a Delegate American Job Center is a natural and meaningful next step in that journey.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

It positions PODER to deepen partnerships, strengthen connections with employers and training providers, expand access to workforce resources, and create more intentional pathways for individuals and families to advance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Our vision extends beyond helping someone secure their next job. We want to help individuals build sustainable careers, increase their earning potential, achieve greater financial independence, and create opportunities that benefit future generations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

We want a parent who walks through our doors to see possibilities they may not have imagined before. We want someone who begins with a digital literacy class to discover a pathway toward professional certification. We want a working adult who has spent years in one industry to recognize that new skills can open doors to an entirely different career.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

And we want every person who engages with PODER to know that their aspirations matter, their potential is valued, and their future is worth investing in.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

From Access to Opportunity. From Opportunity to Economic Mobility.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This milestone is also a reflection of the power of partnership. We are grateful to the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership for recognizing PODER’s role and creating opportunities to strengthen the workforce development ecosystem through organizations deeply connected to the communities they serve.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

We look forward to working alongside employers, workforce partners, educators, public institutions, and community organizations to ensure that more Chicago residents can access the resources and opportunities they deserve.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

At PODER, we know that economic mobility does not happen overnight. It begins with a conversation, a classroom, a new skill, a professional credential, a connection, or someone willing to believe in what is possible. Sometimes, it begins with a parent walking through our doors simply looking for a better opportunity for their family. Our responsibility is to help them find it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Because where someone starts should never determine how far they can go.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This is more than a new designation. It is a new chapter in PODER’s commitment to building a stronger Chicago, where individuals have the tools to succeed, families have the opportunity to thrive, and every community can participate in a more prosperous future.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This is PODER. And we are just getting started!<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Creating Belonging, Inspiring Becoming<\/b><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Since joining PODER in 2019, Marc Smierciak has been more than an educator. He has been a source of encouragement, guidance, and opportunity for student members working toward their goals.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Drawn to PODER’s mission and its approach to integrating English language learning with essential life skills, Marc has taken on various roles throughout his time with the organization. Today, he teaches Integrated English Level 5 Pre-Bridge, helping student members strengthen their language skills and prepare for the next steps in their educational and professional journeys.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

For Marc, teaching is about more than mastering a language. It’s about creating a space where every learner feels welcomed, valued, and capable of succeeding.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

From the first day of class, he reminds his students that there is no judgment, no competition, and no such thing as “I can’t.” Mistakes are simply part of the learning process.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

As the son of immigrants who survived World War II, Marc recognizes and deeply admires the resilience of the student members he serves. Their determination and enthusiasm continue to inspire him.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

To Marc, <\/span>becoming means recognizing one’s full potential<\/span><\/b>, whether that means confidently speaking with a child’s teacher, pursuing higher education, or advancing toward a new career.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Through educators like Marc, PODER continues to create spaces where belonging builds confidence, learning opens doors, and every student member has the opportunity to become.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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From New Beginnings to Building Dreams<\/b><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Ernesto’s journey began in his home country of Venezuela and continued in the U.S., where he had\u00a0lived\u00a0for one year before\u00a0hearing\u00a0about PODER.\u00a0Because English was his second language, he was working in a restaurant and\u00a0struggling to find a job that was a\u00a0better\u00a0fit for\u00a0his professional skills. PODER reminded\u00a0him of something important:\u00a0that language was not a limitation. It was part of who he was, and he could build on it.\u00a0 He enrolled in Integrated English courses where he sharpened his language skills, learning to navigate everyday conversations with greater ease.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

At this point,\u00a0Ernesto entered a new, transitional phase\u00a0and would need to\u00a0make\u00a0decisions about his career. He started with a basic customer service training and enrolled in PODER’s Bilingual Insurance Licensing Program\u00a0to\u00a0later\u00a0become licensed and find a job with\u00a0Allstate,\u00a0one of PODER\u2019s many corporate partners.\u00a0Further ahead in his journey, Ernesto decided to follow\u00a0his dream to open\u00a0his own insurance agency, focused on serving older adults from the Latino community.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Today,\u00a0he is proud to be an independent insurance agent. He has\u00a0the freedom to run\u00a0his own business, but what gives\u00a0his\u00a0work\u00a0the most meaning is the opportunity to help people.\u00a0His story is one of perseverance; and of taking one step, then another, even when the path wasn’t always clear. Today, he shares joy in knowing he is building towards his dreams.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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A Night to Remember: Celebrating 10 Years of \nConversation, Cocktails y El Grito <\/b><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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This September, our PODER community came together for an unforgettable evening as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of <\/span>Conversation, Cocktails y El Grito<\/span><\/i> under the theme <\/span>\u201cDe Ra\u00edces a PODER | From Roots to Power.\u201d<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, partners, and supporters, we raised an incredible <\/span>$94,060<\/span><\/b> in support of PODER’s mission to create pathways to opportunity and economic mobility for Chicago’s immigrant communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

More than a celebration, the evening was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared commitment to empowering our communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

To everyone who helped make this milestone possible, thank you for being part of our story and our impact!<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Photo credit to Zuno Photographic<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Celebrating Culture, Creativity & Community \n\nHonoring Our Roots <\/b><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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This fall, PODER brought our community together through a series of Arts & Culture workshops made possible by the generous support of the <\/span>Paul Angell Foundation<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Inspired by the rich traditions of <\/span>D\u00eda de los Muertos<\/span><\/i>, student members, families, and community members had opportunities to express their creativity, celebrate their cultural heritage, and honor the memories of loved ones.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

From colorful papel picado and personalized photo frames to the collective creation of our community altar, each gathering offered a meaningful space for storytelling, artistic expression, and connection. The festivities also included traditional treats and a spirited game of Spooky Loter\u00eda, bringing joy and togetherness to our community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

More than creative activities, these experiences helped preserve traditions, foster a sense of belonging, and celebrate the cultural richness that strengthens our communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Paul Angell Foundation for helping us create spaces where culture, creativity, and community come together.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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As we welcome a new year, we reflect on the moments, milestones, and meaningful connections that continue to shape our community. From celebrating our roots and honoring cultural traditions to creating new opportunities for learning, growth, and empowerment, each experience reminds us of the power of coming together.<\/p>

At PODER, our work goes beyond providing programs and services. It’s about creating spaces where individuals and families feel supported, discover their potential, and have the opportunity to shape their own futures.<\/p>

As we look ahead to PODER’s 30th anniversary, we are reminded that every milestone has been made possible by the generosity, dedication, and belief of our student members, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters.<\/p>

Your continued involvement helps us open doors, strengthen connections, and build a community where belonging inspires becoming and becoming creates lasting change.<\/p>

Let’s continue honoring our roots.<\/strong>
Let’s continue creating opportunities.<\/strong>
Let’s continue empowering futures.<\/strong><\/p>

Together, we are building a legacy of possibility.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Explore current openings from <\/b>
PODER community partners. <\/b><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Nonprofit & Community<\/h5>