Skills Training/Education
Job Skills/Resume Development
Assistance is provided in developing resumes, applying for jobs on-line, and utilizing Job Search through the Illinois Worknet website.
Empowerment Opportunity Center is a partner with the Workforce Investment Solutions for Macon and Dewitt County.
Job Training/High Demand Fields
CDL certification has been identified as a short-term training area with high employment opportunities at a good living wage. The program is coordinated through Richland Community College, where the training is provided. Our program covers the cost of tuition and permit testing. Persons must be CSBG low-income eligible, have a good driving record, and live in Macon County. They are required to provide a minimum of 2 pre-hire letters from potential employers before they are approved.
Several other funding sources are available for the CDL certification. Income requirements and amount of tuition paid by Empowerment Opportunity Center varies for these programs. Please call 217-428-0155 for a prescreening and to obtain information about all of our CDL certification options.
Scholarships
Once annually, the Agency provides scholarships to assist CSBG eligible low-income undergraduate students with tuition costs. Students must be undergraduates, residents of Macon County, and attend an accredited school in Illinois. Applications are usually taken in June for the Fall semester. If possible, scholarships are distributed early, so the funds can be used to cover the initial cost of tuition that must be paid by the student before school starts.
Employment/Training
Transportation to Employment or Training
Transportation assistance is provided for up to 90 days, for low-income persons needing help to get to and from work, work training or school. Potential participants must provide proof of employment or enrollment, address of employer or training location, contact info, and copies of work/training schedules. Transportation is provided via bus cards or gas cards.
We provide Uber rides for individuals that rely on public transportation and work shifts outside of public transportation hours of operation. Empowerment Opportunity Center will pay for 100% of the ride cost for the first month, 75% of the ride cost for the second month and 50% of the ride cost for the third month. This is a 90-day program.
Licensing or Certification
This service is available. Provide for the cost to obtain a certification or license in order to qualify for employment or training. Included will be the cost of obtaining a CDL permit or license, Food Sanitation test and license, and GED test and diploma.