Unique Characteristics (City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services)

  • DFSS is a broad human services organization with multiple divisions, such as Youth Services, Senior Services, and Homeless Services, which all intersect with workforce development. This integration allows DFSS to address workforce needs alongside other social challenges​.
  • The organization prioritizes serving vulnerable populations, such as homeless residents, returning citizens, and immigrants. Workforce services are tailored to meet the unique challenges of these groups.
  • DFSS tailors its youth employment programs to address high-risk populations, including justice-involved youth, youth in foster care, and those disconnected from traditional education.

This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Lisa Hampton, Chadra Lang, and Mark Sanders in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.