As we wind up our time with our friends at Upwardly Global in Chicago, we wanted to do something really special for them. A surprise that will help lift their spirits - and buoy their efforts to better the lives of the people they serve. We noticed that they could use a couple of things – especially in their kitchen area – that might help make their environment a little bit of a better place to spend so much time. So for day 116, we’re treating them for a change! Coffee fuels this hardworking team as they work long days to support refugees in their sometimes arduous job search. So what better surprise than a brand new Nespresso machine to make them feel fancy? They were so excited when we surprised them with the new addition to their kitchen. “This is so unexpected,” said Favin from the team. “I’m so appreciative. The idea that you’re gonna take our little kitchen and make it better….we’re so appreciative.” This group pours their heart and soul into their work, … [Read more...] about Fueling the Fire

Upwardly Global is powered by their incredible team – but also by their network of supporters, friends, and volunteers. They amplify the work that UpGlo does, reaching so many more than would be possible without them. But, says Favin from the UpGlo team, they rarely ever get a chance to simply say thanks. There simply aren’t a lot of extra resources to go around. So for Day 115, we’re changing all that – a fun, relaxing night in honor of volunteers and alumni, filled with gratitude and good food. “Being able to say thank you – hard stop - never happens,” said Favin from Upwardly Global. “This was the very first thing I wanted to do.” Along with the volunteers, we invited alumni of the program too. Many of them have continued to support and be a part of the UpGlo family – many of them become volunteers, helping others to find the success they’ve achieved. As the night went on, the conversation got richer, stomachs got fuller, new friendships were struck up. It … [Read more...] about A Simple Thanks

Refugee and immigrant job seekers in Chicago know that the team at Upwardly Global has their backs. But what’s even more amazing is the thriving community that the organization has built – they have their backs, too. A big part of that community is United Airlines. Employees from the company regularly give their time to Upwardly Global’s volunteer events, where they do interview practice, resume reviews, and networking practice. Both Upwardly Global and United employees emphasize the importance of networking for anyone on the job hunt. So we decided to support one of these events with a little surprise - something that will make it a little easier for job seekers to follow that advice. What better place to continue the conversation than at Starbucks? We surprised every job seeker at a United volunteer interview event with Starbucks gift cards. And, we gave them a task – take someone out to coffee! And not just anyone…someone who works in their dream field. A … [Read more...] about Making Connections

One of the hidden expenses of any education is textbooks. You probably remember standing in line at the campus book store, and cringing when the total was rung up – books can be pricey. But for refugees who are trying to strengthen their professional skills, they can also be necessary. “There’s all these tests and exams you have to pass,” says Favin from the Upwardly Global team, referring to the certification process some of their job seekers go through in their fields. “These individuals don’t have a job. They’re can’t afford $300 a book.” So for Day 113, we’re doing a little something to lift the burden of purchasing books the refugees UpGlo serves – by starting a library. We purchased a bookshelf and some books specific for the kinds of needs people typically have, and got to work setting it all up. Having a library in Upwardly Global’s office will be so convenient for job seekers – when they come to chat with their job coach or take a training, they can pick up … [Read more...] about A Little Library

“The small details are the ones that make the difference.” Adejobi is originally from Nigeria. He now works at Upwardly Global as their computer tech, but it wasn’t so long ago that he was new to the U.S. and enrolled in their job seekers program. He learned then that successfully navigating even small cultural differences between Nigeria and the U.S. can go a long way in the job search. “I took my time taking Upwardly Global’s online courses,” says Adejobi of the online job search training that the organization requires. “I didn’t want to rush. I really wanted to be able to understand.” As Upwardly Global’s tech support, Adejobi knows both the value those online courses provide, but also the stumbling blocks to accessing them. “Some job seekers don’t have computers,” he said. “Sometimes they come into the office to borrow one, but we only have one extra. Staff will let them borrow their own.” For Day 112, we’re helping ease the problem with a simple fix – extra … [Read more...] about An Extra Resource

One of the most incredible things about our friends at Upwardly Global is that they think about and serve the whole person. Not only do they help refugees and immigrants become assets in their new communities, they become trusted friends. But while they care deeply about their clients professional and personal live, they often just don’t have the resources to support them in the ways they’d like. The team had an idea. Something to show the job seekers – and their families – that they’re seen, they’re valued, that they’re in this journey together. The Upwardly Global team put their heads together and came up with a whole goodie bag of small gifts for kids, things that would not only be fun but parent-approved too. We gathered together a collection of kids books, fun socks, colored pencils, and some small toys, wrapped them up, and tied some ribbon at the top. These goodie bags were ready to go! “With all the books that we bought, we tried to really think about … [Read more...] about Like Family

A business card is a simple thing. It has your name, contact information, job title or field. It fits in a wallet, a pocket, or a purse. But its simplicity is what makes the classic business card so effective. It can be a powerful tool – a way to leave your mark. Our friends at Upwardly Global teach their job seekers all about the importance of networking. Of getting out there and meeting people. But many of the refugees they support have a tough time allocating the resources it takes to do just that. On Day 106, we addressed one major hurdle to expanding your network – transportation. And today, you guessed it, we’re thinking about business cards. We got some lucky job seekers business cards with their names, contact information, and field or specialty. And we gave them not only to the Chicago job seekers, but to refugees living in places like Texas and Michigan too. The Upwardly Global team wrote notes of encouragement to the folks from a little further afield, … [Read more...] about Good Business

Meet Fahad. Originally from Iraq, he’s a graduate from Upwardly Global’s job seeker program. And now, he works with the team, reaching out to the next generation of professionals looking to land that perfect job. “I really like it, the team is amazing,” said Fahad. “Their passion is not only passion for finding the job, it’s personal. They check in with you and care even after you find a job.” He’s a job coach, but he also participates in community outreach with his colleague Daryna – a fellow program graduate from Ukraine - whenever he can. They both know how important it is for refugees and immigrants to know about what Upwardly Global does. But sometimes, they just don’t have the right materials to do it. Every week, Daryna and teammates like Fahad go out to community colleges, corporations, churches, and schools, telling people about Upwardly Global and the kind of support they can get there. We wanted to support their work, helping get the word out in a more … [Read more...] about Reaching Out

Every once in a while, even the best teams need to stop and reconnect. Especially when there’s change, or shifting roles, or tough things people are processing separately. It can do so much good to remind your teammate – I have your back. “We’re a really close team,” said Favin from Upwardly Global, who we’ve been making change with over the past few days. “But we’re all so mission driven, that sometimes we forget to check in with each other.” For Day 107, we’re helping the team find time to stop, reflect, and remember what brought them to the same table in the first place. We wanted to do something different for the team, but also something that would help build both their working and personal relationships with each other. So we pulled in some experts – our friends at Coacharya – to lead the group in a teambuilding workshop. Whenever possible, Upwardly Global brings the job seekers they serve on to fill positions that suit their professional experience and goals. “We … [Read more...] about Building Each Other Up

One of the challenges refugee job seekers in Chicago face is transportation. When refugees and migrants seek support from Upwardly Global, they often don't have a job. And if they do, they're what the team calls “survival jobs” – jobs they need to take to get by. But they can be highly demanding on time and energy, and don’t leave a lot behind to support the search for something different that might suit their skills a bit better. So for our second day with Upwardly Global, we’re solving one problem for a group of job seekers – an easier way to get around. We got 10 cards good for $50 each, that job seekers can use toward Chicago’s public transportation system. “Public transportation, while it’s accessible and everywhere, it adds up,” says Favin from the Upwardly Global team. “It’s the idea of alleviating that and removing that barrier for them for a little while.” These professionals don’t have the odds on their side when it comes to landing a job that they’re … [Read more...] about Getting Around