How We Make A Difference
Our Mission
In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food.
Our Approach
At Inspiration Corporation, we live our commitments every day: to connect over food; to treat everyone with respect; and to be there for our neighbors. These are our values — and they drive us to create programs and spaces that are safe, welcoming, and supportive.
Our Programs
Addressing FOOD INSECURITY
For nearly four decades, Inspiration Corporation has been a leader in Chicago’s efforts to support our most vulnerable neighbors by offering a continuum of impactful, interconnected services.
Homeless Services
Homeless Engagement
Our drop-in support center engages approximately 1,000 participants annually and is staffed by a full-time resource specialist. For participants who request more intensive services, we provide a case manager to help secure social security benefits, apply for housing, find a job, and whatever else they might need.
Housing
We’re committed to addressing the affordable housing gap. We provide 119 units of supportive housing to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, working directly with participants and their landlords to administer rent subsidies and provide wraparound services to ensure participant stability and housing retention.
Aftercare
Our aftercare program is an essential lifeline for participants who often don’t have a strong support network of their own. Available to alumni up to a year after they exit our programs, the program supports a variety of participant needs — from mediating conflicts, to help finding a job, to assistance paying unexpected bills.
Employment Training
Job Training
Through hands-on training and employment placement, our Food Service Training and Employment Program helps 75 Chicagoans annually develop essential job readiness skills and launches them on a path to secure employment and stability. 75% of participants complete the program — and 90% of those who complete are successfully placed in a permanent job.
Jericho Scholars
We proudly administer a privately funded scholarship program with the Lori and Ron Jericho Memorial Scholarship Fund, which helps low-income Chicagoans access vocational training or an associate’s degree that will lead to living-wage employment. Scholars receive $3,000 a year on average to cover education-related expenses such as tuition, fees, or textbooks.