Resources for unemployed now centralized at ECC

Individuals who are currently unemployed can contact Elgin Community College to begin searching for area services such as employment training for low-income residents in Community College District 509; resume review, skills assessment and job-search preparation; legal and credit counseling services; shelter and food assistance; and other resources.

"We're trying as a college to be responsive to the growing unemployment in our district," says Peggy Heinrich, dean of adult basic education. "We want to ensure all of our unemployed district residents receive streamlined services."

Heinrich says the ECC contact, Judy Burman, serves as a starting point for unemployed residents seeking services in the community. ECC also has a number of programs and services to which Burman can refer individuals, to help improve their job skills and guide them toward obtaining new employment or discovering new career opportunities.

Burman can be found at ECC's Fountain Square Campus, 51 S. Spring St., Elgin.

In addition, ECC provides short-term training that allows individuals to earn a basic vocational specialist certificate and college credit in just 16 weeks. Some noncredit classes lead to certification.

For information, contact Judy Burman, program coordinator, at (847) 214-6931 or visit elgin.edu/servicesfortheunemployed.