After more than a year of unemployment and constant frustration with employers who never followed up, Denise was beginning to doubt she’d find the right opportunity. As she puts it, “Before I got introduced to the Skills for Chicago, I truly did not believe I was gonna find this job. I’d been unemployed for a year”.

Thankfully, her luck was about to change. First, she connected with Skills for Chicago. Within two weeks, she was interviewing with RUSH, where she was placed as a Patient Food Service Assistant in their hospital. What started as a job in foodservice became something much more meaningful: a chance to connect with patients, make them feel seen, and play a part in their care. Now, Denise is looking toward her next chapter, with plans to return to school and pursue a career inspiring others.

Denise knows firsthand that small acts of care can make a big difference. At RUSH, something as simple as remembering a patient’s birthday or how they like their eggs can help someone feel seen during a difficult time. Your support can do the same. This August, thanks to our partner Jewel-Osco, you can help create more opportunities like Denise’s simply by remembering Skills for Chicago the next time you’re at the grocery store and rounding up your purchase. A dollar may seem small, but the impact is immense.