Resource Fair To Steer Veterans To Jobs, Services

Are you a veteran in need of support? 

Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is hosting a veterans resource fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 29. The fair will be held at the auditorium in the lower level of the Juvenile Detention Center, 1100 S. Hamilton (at the corner of Ogden Avenue and Taylor Street) in Chicago. 

Nearly 30 agencies, organizations and government offices will provide a wide variety of aid and support to veterans. Veterans can learn about job opportunities, housing, rental and utility assistance, educational opportunities, legal assistance and food stamps.

Employment organizations include America Works, National Able Network, Chicagoland Regional College Program, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Other participants include a suicide prevention coordinator from Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and an OEF/OIF representative to help vets who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Secretary of State’s office will provide state IDs for homeless veterans with a completed Homeless Status Certification Form; the County Clerk’s office will assist with the expungement process, while the SAFER Foundation will help ex-offenders.

The Illinois Treasurer’s Office will have an I-Cash table available to help veterans determine if the state is holding any money or unclaimed property entitled to them.

 —Submitted by the office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle