Dear Neighbors and Friends,

We are excited to invite you to a special community event to get your REAL ID right here at our office, avoiding long lines and a trip to a Secretary of State facility.

Event Details:

- Date: October 9, 2026

- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

- Location: Aspire Center, 5500 W. Madison, Chicago, IL 60644

Beginning soon, a REAL ID will be required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings. This is a convenient opportunity to obtain yours close to home.

Please remember to bring the required documents:

- Proof of Identity: Certified birth certificate or valid U.S. passport

- Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card or W-2

- Two Proofs of Residency: Utility bill, bank statement, or lease

- Proof of Signature: Credit/debit card or current driver's license

- Current Identification: Your existing driver's license or state ID, if applicable

Space may be limited, so please reply to this email to reserve your spot or if you have any questions.

Please feel free to share this information with family, friends, and neighbors. We look forward to seeing you!

Best regards,

La Shawn K. Ford

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REAL ID Requirements

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

REAL ID requirements vary by state, but applicants generally need to provide documents proving their identity, Social Security number, and state residency. Before visiting the DMV, make sure you have the required original documents or certified copies, such as a valid passport or birth certificate, Social Security card or tax document, and two proofs of residency. Checking your state’s specific requirements in advance can help make the application process easier and avoid delays.

Click the image below to view the full list of acceptable REAL ID documents.

Click below to view Rep. Ford's special edition on Understanding Maternal Mental Health: Postpartum Psychosis, Warning Signs and the Question of Equal Justice

Illinois DCEO Announces Three New Clean Energy Workforce Funding Opportunities

Apply by October 30

The Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program

The Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program funds 14 regional Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs (Workforce Hubs) throughout Illinois to provide clean energy and related workforce and training opportunities to participants. The program serves people living in equity eligible communities, with robust barrier reduction funding available for participants who experience barriers to employment.

Community-based organizations that provide employment, skill development, or related services to members of the community are invited to apply. Eligible applicants include community colleges, nonprofits, and local governments that have an operating office in the community or region they serve and demonstrate relationships with residents and other organizations serving the community.

Click Here to Apply

Energy Transition Navigator Program

The Energy Transition Navigators Program provides outreach, recruitment, and entry services for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, the Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program, and other CEJA workforce and contractor programs. DCEO will provide grants to not-for-profit community-based providers (“Navigator Teams”) to conduct outreach and recruitment among eligible populations and help ensure they are aware of and engaged in statewide and local workforce and contractor development opportunities.

Click Here to Apply

Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

The Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program provides grants to organizations to operate three regional Pre-apprenticeship Centers throughout Illinois. The Pre-apprenticeship Centers will recruit and prescreen participants and provide free pre-apprenticeship skills training for careers in construction, the building trades, and clean energy. Upon completion, participants will be connected to and prepared to succeed in an apprenticeship program. The program aims to create a qualified and diverse pipeline of workers for clean energy careers.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations that provide employment, skill development, or related services in the proposed regions; have established relationships with local residents and community organizations; have experience serving low-wage or low-skilled workers from economically disadvantaged communities; and have relationships with registered construction and building trade apprenticeship programs, industry contractors, or contractor associations.

Click Here to Apply

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LIHEAP applications are opening soon. Beginning October 1, eligible families can apply by visiting the DCEO website or their local agency.

Eligible applicants include adults 60 and older, individuals with a disability, families with children five years old or younger, and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. Applications for all other eligible households will open on November 1.

Click Here to Read More

NACA: Hiring Housing Counselors, Real Estate Agents and other positions for offices nationwide. Do well financially by making homeownership dreams come true.

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Click image below to view Rep. Ford's Employment Report for July 2026

Job Search Week

Don’t Miss Out on Exclusive Jobs and Resources. Apply Now!

This week, take advantage of exclusive job opportunities and valuable resources available for a limited time. Whether you’re looking for your next career step, additional training, or essential tools to advance your professional journey, now is the perfect moment to explore what’s on offer. These opportunities won’t be around for long, so act quickly to ensure you don’t miss out. With resources tailored to help you succeed, now is the time to apply and secure your spot before this week’s window closes. Make the most of this unique chance to enhance your career and skills today!

Rep. Ford is a champion for

the people

Click video below to learn more information about Rep. Ford's extensive track record

Chicago Youth Works

Chicago Youth Works is your gateway to youth employment opportunities across the city.

Work for the summer or year-round. Gain real-world experience, connect with your peers, and support your community through four unique program options.

We proudly bring together government institutions, companies, and community-based organizations to offer employment and internship opportunities to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24.

Click Here to Read More

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Click below for careers with MWRD to learn more

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Click Image Below to Learn More About Federal Safety and Security Grants available to

Non-profit Organizations Statewide

Click Image Below to Learn 10 Things You Should Know About Filing Unemployment Insurance

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Rep. Ford's Daily Job Leads

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Outreach Specialist

Job Requisition ID: 59423

Closing Date: 11/07/2026

Agency: Illinois Power Agency

Class Title: DIVERSITY PROGRAM COORDINATOR - 69623

Salary: 75,000 - $85,000

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Work Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am-5pm

Headquarter Location: 180 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60601

Work County: Cook

Agency Contact: ipa.hr@illinois.gov

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Case Assignment and Placement Unit

Job Requisition ID: 59403

Opening Date: 10/06/2026

Closing Date: 10/21/2026

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Class Title: OFFICE ASSOCIATE - 30015

Skill Option: Keyboarding

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,144 monthly;

Full Range $4,144-$5,429 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

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ICN Operations Manager

Job Requisition ID: 59100

Opening Date: 09/24/2026

Closing Date: 10/08/2026

Agency: Department of Innovation and Technology

Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)

Skill Option: Management Information System/Data Processing/Telecommunications

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated starting salary: $12,500-$13,333 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee

Job Requisition ID: 59087

Opening Date: 10/07/2026

Closing Date: 10/21/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

Class Title: REHABILITATION COUNSELOR TRAINEE - 38159

Skill Option: Vocational Rehab- Credential /

Rehab. Counselor Trainee

Bilingual Option: Spanish

Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,328-$7,480/month ($63,936-$89,760/year) + bilingual pay

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Today's Job Highlights

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Job Highlights 10/5/2026

Job Highlights 10/6/2026

Job Highlights 10/7/2026

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Based on Industry

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Federal, State and City Jobs

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from Popular Stores

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Eighth District Community

Explore Local Small Businesses Through the Eighth District Chamber of Commerce

Despite losing 9.1 million jobs in the first two quarters of 2020, small businesses job growth rebounded swiftly following the COVID-19 recession. In the four quarters following, small businesses have gained 5.5 million jobs, making up for 60 percent of the decline during the early pandemic.

Small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the economy. For more, read Advocacy’s latest fact sheet, “Small Business Job Creation”.