RANCH TRIANGLE — An organization dedicated to LGBTQ issues is expanding a career-counseling program in the face of threatened attacks on gay rights by President Trump's administration.
Chicago House, located at 1925 N. Clybourn Ave., has expanded its Employment Services Program to any adult 18 and older identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. Launched in 2007, it originally catered only to those infected with HIV or those with a documented disability.
The organization said in a news release that it was making the shift "amidst reports of potential threats to LGBTQ rights." Just Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a ruling allowing transgender bathroom access and returned the case to the appeals court after President Donald Trump rescinded rules allowing anyone to use the bathroom of his, her or their choice last month.
Chicago House serves those "disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ marginalization, poverty, homelessness and/or gender nonconformity by providing housing, employment services, medical linkage and retention services, HIV prevention services, legal services and other supportive programs."
According to the organization, its Employment Services Program provides weekly one-on-one meetings with a career counselor and a job-readiness workshop, as well as help with resumes, interview preparation, job re-entry and maintaining a job. Its TransWorks program now "provides similar services geared specifically toward individuals who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming."
Chicago House has two weekly drop-in sessions for those interested but who haven't yet enrolled in either program. Employment Services has an open session from noon-4 p.m. Thursdays in Suite 402 of the main office at 1925 N. Clybourn. TransWorks' weekly open session is from noon-4 p.m. Mondays at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.
