Of Color, Inc.

09/10/2026

As a Black woman-owned organization, Of Color, Inc. is proud to celebrate the innovation, determination, and impact of Black entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses throughout our communities.

This month, we’re kicking off a series spotlighting the businesses and entrepreneurs who are making a difference — including Black-owned businesses that partner with Of Color, Inc. as workforce partners, opening their doors to provide meaningful work experiences, career exposure, mentorship, and employment opportunities for the individuals we serve.

We’ll also celebrate entrepreneurs whose vision and commitment are creating jobs, building stronger neighborhoods, and inspiring the next generation of business owners.

Black businesses don’t just build businesses they build opportunity, legacy, and community.

Follow along as we spotlight the businesses helping our communities thrive.

Know a Black-owned business doing great work? Tag them in the comments so we can celebrate them, too!

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, help someone take their next step into the workforce — at any age, any stage of life.

Of Color, Inc. connects job seekers who are ready for a real opportunity — rebuilding a career, re-entering the workforce, or exploring a new path — with local businesses willing to give them one. Your business provides the work experience, mentorship, and opportunity. Every participant comes in ready, with a Business Services Representative already backing them.

September is also National Workforce Development Month — a good time to remember what a worksite partnership like this one actually builds.

Know a business owner who might say yes? Tag them below, or reach out directly: https://ofcolorinc.org/about/get-involved

09/03/2026

We have a fresh new look! We're excited to unveil the refreshed Of Color, Inc. website!

Our updated site makes it easier than ever to learn about our programs, explore resources, discover partnership opportunities, stay up to date with our impact, and find ways to get involved in our mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

Click the link and explore everything our new website has to offer: https://ofcolorinc.org/

08/27/2026

Introducing the Veteran Employment Program (VEP)!

We're proud to launch Of Color, Inc.'s Veteran Employment Program (VEP), a workforce development initiative with broader eligibility criteria, ensuring more veterans have access to the support they need to build stronger economic futures. Through VEP, veterans can receive personalized career support, job readiness training, direct job placement assistance, and connections to supportive services.

Made possible through the generous support of the Richard L. Duchossois Foundation and the Fischer Charitable Trust, VEP is committed to helping veterans overcome barriers to employment, secure meaningful careers, and achieve long-term economic stability.

Interested in learning more? Check out the program details on our new website: https://ofcolorinc.org/programs/vep

08/21/2026

Now Enrolling: Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP)!

Ready to gain paid work experience, build your skills, and take the next step toward your career? Of Color, Inc. is now enrolling Chicago young adults ages 18–24 in the Illinois Youth Investment Program.

Program Benefits:
• Ages 18–24
• Earn $17.05/hour
• 4-week paid work experience beginning August 24, 2026
• Build professional skills
• Explore career pathways

What You’ll Need:
• Valid State ID
• Social Security Card

Applicants must live in one of the following eligible Chicago ZIP codes: 60617, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60624, 60628, 60637, 60643, 60649, or 60655.

Intake sessions are available by appointment:
Contact Ladon Brumfield at 708-695-4445

Limited slots available! Be sure to bring your required documentation to your appointment.

08/13/2026

We are recruiting 18–24 youth for our work placement program from zip codes: 60617, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60624, 60637, 60649 and 60655. Must live in listed ZIPs or be experiencing homelessness. Need valid ID/SSN for enrollment. We’re holding intake times on Tuesdays. Schedule your appt. Visit https://ofcolorinc.org/programs/iyip or call Brittanie at 773-673-3651

Comprehensive workforce + wraparound case management for Chicago youth ages 18–24 — built around positive thinking, certification, and long-term self-sufficiency.

08/06/2026

Bring Your Lived Experience to Our Board of Directors!

Of Color, Inc. is seeking a young professional director with lived experience in one of our service areas to join our Board of Directors.

Founded by an African American woman in 2016 and incorporated in 2019, Of Color, Inc. is a women-led nonprofit serving individuals and families across Chicago. We're looking for a board member whose lived experience, professional expertise, and community connections can help strengthen our mission and expand our impact.

Board Commitment:
• Four board meetings per year
• Four additional officer or committee meetings annually
• Meetings are held after 5:00 PM
• Three virtual meetings and one in-person meeting each July
• Two consecutive three-year terms
• Membership fees are waived for board members with lived experience

If you're passionate about creating opportunities, advancing equity, and helping shape the future of our organization, we'd love to hear from you.

To learn more, contact Renita White, Founding Executive Director, at [email protected], or visit www.ofcolorinc.org.

08/04/2026

Do you meet the requirements below? If so, call Ms. Van Zant today: 773-673-3651

08/03/2026

A safe place to call home can change everything.

At Of Color, Inc., we partner with landlords who are committed to helping individuals and families access safe, stable, and affordable housing across Chicagoland. A secure place to live can be the turning point that allows people to focus on employment, education, healing, family stability, and long-term independence.

Services:
-Guaranteed rent for 12 months
-Ongoing intensive case management and support services
-An opportunity to make a lasting impact in a person's life and future

To learn more or become a housing partner, contact Keisha Norris, Health & Housing Services Manager, at [email protected].

07/25/2026

National Hire a Veteran Day is a reminder that our veterans bring more than experience to the workplace. They bring dedication, resilience, and leadership.

Hiring a veteran means investing in someone who is:

⭐ Dependable and reliable
⭐ Adaptable in fast-paced environments
⭐ A strong leader and team player
⭐ Committed to achieving goals
⭐ Skilled at problem-solving under pressure

At Of Color, Inc., we're proud to support veterans as they transition into meaningful careers through our Veteran Employment Program. By opening doors to employment, employers can help veterans build successful civilian careers while strengthening their workforce.

Interested in hiring a veteran or learning more about our Veteran Employment Program? Visit https://ofcolorinc.org/programs/vep