Outreach Community Center of Carol Stream
Villagebrook Apartments
278 St. Charles Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188
Who We Are
The Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream (OCC) is partnering with the Villagebrook Apartments to provide educational and social service support for its residents. The Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream is responsible for the coordination of education, case management and community development services at this site. The Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream (OCC) is a multi-purpose, neighborhood resource center serving a low-income, ethnically diverse neighborhood in southeast Carol Stream.
Outreach Community Ministries is an interdenominational community service organization, striving to put Christian faith into responsible action. The organization has been called into existence by local churches to respond supportively to the needs of young people and their families. The organization is committed to providing excellence in human services and demonstrating compassion for the whole person. Outreach Community Ministries also offers services through Warrenville Youth and Family Services (WYFS) and Wheaton Youth Outreach (WYO).
Villagebrook Program
The Outreach Community Center at Villagebrook functions on-site at Villagebrook Apartments, a partially government-subsidized housing complex in Carol Stream. The Outreach Community Center at Villagebrook is currently in the process of expanding its existing on-site services that focus on the high under or unemployment rate among residents, transportation limitations, and the need for more educational and community-building opportunities. The current goal is to implement new services on-site at Villagebrook that help to further employment goals of residents, connect residents to community services, and provide access to educational opportunities. This work includes, but is not limited to;
- Conducting assessments with residents to identify needs
- Providing information to residents about community resources
- Making referrals to local agencies
- Conducting or guiding residents through job searches
- Helping residents write or edit their resumes
- Collaborating with other community agencies to provide opportunities for residents
- Researching and planning events, workshops or seminars on-site for residents (which may include parenting support, Adult Education and/or ESL classes)
Intern Responsibilities and Opportunities
The intern will have the opportunity to be part of the developing stages of new programming offered at Villagebrook. The intern will work closely with the Villagebrook Education and Outreach Coordinator to innovate and develop programs, to brainstorm ideas and promote those ideas within the community, and to conduct research that will inform program development and growth at this site.
Responsibilities may include:
· Conducting research to inform the development of programs
· Assisting in the creation and implementation of new services
· Conducting needs assessment with residents
· Assisting residents with job searches, resume writing
· Making referrals to local agencies
· Transporting clients to near by locations for job interviews, to access benefits, grocery trips or doctors appointments.
The intern will assist the Coordinator in launching a Parent Council which will be designed to unite parents, implement events and provide support to help the entire apartment community.
Additional opportunities are available for interns who have an interest in working with older adults or elementary age students through other programs on site at Villagebrook.
Training and Supervision
The intern will receive valuable community development experience and learn basic principles of community assessment and development. The intern will gain knowledge of the issues confronting the communities’ families and how families fit into the broader networks of institutions and services in the area. The intern will work first hand to develop intentional opportunities tailored to the needs of Villagebrook residents. The intern will work directly with the Villagebrook Outreach and Education Coordinator and staff at Outreach Community Center. Individual supervision will be provided by Bachelor’s and Master’s level staff.
Hours
The internship will require 12-20 hours per week and can be negotiated based on school requirements and internship needs. The intern would need to be available 2-3 days per week between 10am-2pm Monday – Friday. The remaining hours can be flexible.
Requirements
The candidate for this internship must enjoy talking with people, analyzing social issues and attempting to find solutions for them through collaboration with others. The intern should have an understanding that this particular program is in the developmental stages and must be flexible as changes occur, energized by new ideas and able to work in an environment that is developing. This is a creative role best fit by someone who is highly motivated. Basic computer skills are required. Interns must be supportive of the agency’s statement of Mission and Faith. A valid driver’s license, auto insurance, reliable vehicle and good driving record are required to transport clients. Preference will be given to interns who are able and willing to transport clients as a part of their internship.
To inquire about all internship opportunities at OCM, Inc. or to apply, please contact:
278 E. St. Charles Rd.
