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			 Jennifer is the first to receive $444.00 from HCC 
			for her completion of CAPCIL’s Hand Up Project/ Strengthening 
			Working Families Initiative program. Jennifer was a dedicated 
			participant in the Hand-Up Project and achieved many outcomes during 
			her involvement with CAPCIL. She is the mother of three children 
			with a full time job and is continuing her education to accomplish 
			her ultimate goal of becoming a nurse. Jennifer shared this when 
			asked what this scholarship meant to her: "Nursing school costs so 
			much especially when you add in gas to get to class, childcare, and 
			still feeding my family. This scholarship means so much more than 
			tuition to me." Additionally, Jennifer has come back and spoke to 
			the current Jobs for Life participants to share her story and her 
			journey of determination to not be a victim of generational poverty. 
			 
			Participants of CAPCIL’s Hand Up Project/Strengthening Working 
			Families Initiative program receive first class job training and 
			mentoring to keep, maintain, and grow in a job. They learn how to 
			manage money in order to get out of debt and fix their credit. 
			Participants have access to employers, HR Directors, and hiring 
			managers who are actively looking to fill employment gaps in their 
			organizations. They are connected with local colleges and technical 
			training centers to receive the education needed to advance in their 
			career choice. All through this process is a support network that 
			encourages and guides participants along the path to 
			self-sufficiency. 
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The collaboration between CAPCIL and HCC continues to grow. Soon 
graduates of CAPCIL’s Hand Up Project/ Strengthening Working Families Initiative 
will receive college credit through HCC. 
 
The Hand Up Project is funded through the Community Services Block Grant via the 
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Strengthening Working Families 
Initiative’s pilot program is funded through the Logan County Board and the City 
of Lincoln. 
  
For additional information please visit CAPCIL’s website at www.capcil.info, or 
by calling CAPCIL’s Corporate Office at 217-732-2159.  
				 
			[Katie Alexander 
			Director of Agency Development 
			Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois]  |