Breaking Ground fulfills its mission thanks to the support of volunteers who are willing to share their time and talents. There are many ways that you can get involved to help us transform lives and effect lasting change in Lawndale and Garfield Park.

Teaching Factory Instructors/Mentors
Do you have experience with vocational training or adult education? If so, the Teaching Factory would like your help! Interested volunteers should have a passion for math, reading, writing, learning and mentoring people. Classes are held over the six week session. A minimum commitment of at least one day a week over the six week session to work one-on-one with an assigned participant is requested.

Computer Trainers
Volunteers should be proficient in using and teaching the Microsoft Business Suite and the use of the Internet for completing job searches and research. Interested individuals should be able to conduct help sessions and structured training classes on a committed basis from noon to 2:00 p.m. during the week.

Mock Interviewers
Volunteers for mock interviews are preferably business professionals and/or persons with HR experience to role-play with Teaching Factory participants in interview situations. Volunteers should be available for at least a 1-hour block of time during morning sessions (8:30 am-11:30am) and be willing to be called upon weekly, bi-monthly or monthly depending on the volunteers' schedules and the needs of the program.

Guest Speakers
Breaking Ground benefits from the participation of additional trainers and teachers in areas relevant to our Teaching Factory program such as financial management, business communications, writing and specific business skills. If you have expertise in a particular area as mentioned, we would welcome your participation as a guest lecturer or a monthly speaker. The time commitment can vary and can be discussed based on the volunteer. However the ability to train or teach during working hours is preferred (8:30am-11:30am weekdays). Also, effective speakers and facilitators with management/HR experience are needed to discuss workplace issues.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Yolanda Harris yharris@breakingground.net or call 773.265.1370 ext.111.

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