Newsroom | Community Health

Nicole Acers took a deep breath before addressing the lively crowd seated around her for the morning Motivations session held by the workforce development nonprofit Cara Collective.

 “I’m rearranging my mindset to make a big impact not only on myself, but my family,” Acers said. “I finally believe I’m doing something great.”

More than two dozen Cara Collective employees and clients attended the event at Cara Collective’s social enterprise Cleanslate, where Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and NASCAR Chicago Street Race leaders presented a $20,000 contribution to advance the organization’s efforts. 

Jobseekers and event participants gathered to offer affirmation and encouragement by singing, clapping and sharing experiences. The day’s topic for reflection and inspiration: Who or what brings you great joy and why?

A mother of eight and grandmother of 18, Acers declared that newfound confidence and self-love are bringing her joy because they are unleashing her strengths and interests. Three years ago, she left her family in St. Louis and came to Chicago with what little she had to build a better life for herself.

Before returning to her seat, Acers, a gifted singer, led the group in song — “Wake Up and Pay Attention” from the movie “Sister Act 2” — before another participant shared a story.

“I feel like I’m talented and I have a lot to bring to the planet,” said Acers, who wants to start a house cleaning business. “I had to find out what I was capable of being.” 

For nearly 35 years, Cara Collective has provided coaching, skill development, support services and transitional and permanent employment to thousands of people struggling to find or keep a job and escape homelessness and poverty. Cara Collective has placed people into more than 16,000 jobs.

“The foundation of Cara Collective’s work — and our approach to tackling poverty — has always been rooted in the power of partnerships,” said Kathleen St. Louis Caliento, Cara Collective’s president and CEO. “We are grateful for BCBSIL and NASCAR for their help to accelerate our mission. With their partnership and belief in our job seekers, we are able to deepen our impact and expand the pathways to opportunity that Cara Collective exists to create.”

BCBSIL is a founding partner of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend. The third annual event takes place July 5- 6 in Chicago, and the mutual commitment to increase health care access in the city’s communities extends beyond the race.  

“The partnerships we have with Cara — and with other community organizations — help to define our mission in the community — and that is to build communities that are healthy and economically vibrant,” said BCBSIL President Brian Snell, adding that professional workforce development is key.

“The work done every day by Cara Collective helps our neighbors develop the skills they need to participate in the workforce and equip them with the knowledge and training they need to succeed,” Snell said.

Julie Giese, president of NASCAR Chicago Street Race, said NASCAR is committed to Chicago and nonprofits like Cara Collective that are trying to improve the lives of residents.

“When NASCAR came to Chicago, it made a commitment to be in this community 365 days a year,” said Giese, crediting its partnership with BCBSIL to identify and support organizations in all 77 neighborhoods. “Today is such a great example of that partnership. These days bring me pure joy.”