Overview
What is The Cara Program?
The Cara Program, also known as Cara Chicago, is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization with a workforce of 636 employees. Their mission is to construct a more inclusive economy by providing employment pathways that foster transformative personal and community success. They offer a Traditional Training & Placement Program, which encompasses comprehensive life-skills and job-skills training, as well as personalized career placement services, for motivated individuals dealing with poverty and homelessness. Their South Side Campus (SSC) supplements traditional services with financial and digital literacy workshops and access to wraparound supportive services. Cara ensures long-term self-sufficiency by offering employment retention support, including personal and professional coaching, and a Career Advancement Program for participants looking to advance in their careers.
Official website here: www.caracollective.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Rating from Charity Navigator: 99%, Four-Star out of Four Star rating.
The Cara Program has been recognized for its exceptional performance, achieving a remarkable 99% score on Charity Navigator, which reflects strong accountability and financial practices. The organization boasts a fully independent board of 21 members and scores 100% in leadership and adaptability, indicating a robust governance structure that prioritizes ethical oversight and strategic decision-making.
Financially, The Cara Program demonstrates impressive metrics, including a program expense ratio of 77.44%, which signifies that a significant portion of its resources is directed towards its mission-related activities. The organization also maintains a low fundraising efficiency ratio of $0.14, suggesting that it effectively manages its fundraising expenses relative to the funds raised. Furthermore, its adaptability to labor market changes highlights a proactive approach to meeting community needs.
While the organization's strengths are evident, continuous monitoring of its financial health and program impact will be important as it pursues strategic goals aimed at fostering an inclusive economy and ensuring long-term sustainability. Overall, The Cara Program showcases a commitment to transparency, effective governance, and impactful community service.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is The Cara Program legitimate?
The Cara Program is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. The Cara Program submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $602,309
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $8,154,998
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.caracollective.org
What is the mission statement of The Cara Program?
The Cara Program strives to create an inclusive economy by establishing employment pathways that lead to transformative individual and community success. Through its offerings, Cara helps motivated individuals overcome poverty and homelessness by providing life-skills training, specialized job-skills instruction, and personalized career placement services. In addition, the program offers financial and digital literacy training and referrals to wraparound supportive services. The Employment Retention initiative ensures participants' long-term self-sufficiency by offering personal and professional coaching and goal setting. Career Advancement services are available for those who have achieved stability, allowing them to further grow in their careers.
Official website here: www.caracollective.org
Who is the CEO of The Cara Program?
Kathleen St Louis Calien is the Principal Officer of The Cara Program. The CEO's salary of The Cara Program is $261,287 and their total compensation is $282,608.
Official website here: www.caracollective.org
What is the revenue of The Cara Program?
The Cara Program's revenue in 2023 was $12,735,070.
Official website here: www.caracollective.org
Who are the executives of The Cara Program and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at The Cara Program during 2023 was $13,769. There are 636 employees and 200 volunteers at The Cara Program.
Here are 28 key members and their salaries (The Cara Program's CEO's salary is $261,287 and their total compensation is $282,608):
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- Compensation: $261,287
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- Compensation: $111,317
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- Compensation: $105,314
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- Other: $8,669
Official website here: www.caracollective.org
Where can I find the form 990 for The Cara Program?
The Cara Program's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.caracollective.org
Learn more at the official website: www.caracollective.org
Mission Statement of The Cara Program
The Cara Program, an inclusive economy builder, strives to create employment pathways that foster individual and community transformation. With a mission centered around inclusivity, The Cara Program develops innovative services to uplift individuals confronting poverty and homelessness.
Through comprehensive training and support, The Cara Program equips motivated individuals with essential life skills and specialized job skills. Personalized career placement services further bolster their chances of long-term self-sufficiency. At The Cara Program, each participant receives individualized attention, ensuring they have the tools needed to thrive in their professional journeys. By offering one-on-one meetings, goal setting, and ongoing support, over 70% of participants maintain their first employment for at least a year.
Moreover, The Cara Program goes beyond basic employment retention by offering career advancement opportunities. Once individuals have achieved stability in their personal and professional lives, they can opt-in to career advancement services designed to fuel their career growth. The Cara Program's commitment to fostering transformative success stories is the heart of its mission.
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Impact
October, 2024
The Cara Program significantly impacts individuals and communities by building an inclusive economy through targeted employment pathways. Its Traditional Training & Placement Program provides a comprehensive range of services tailored for those affected by poverty and homelessness. This includes life-skills training, specialized job-skills training, and personalized career placement, empowering participants to pursue stable employment.
At the South Side Campus, additional resources such as drop-in financial and digital literacy trainings complement these offerings, ensuring participants are well-equipped to thrive in today's workforce.
Moreover, Cara's Employment Retention services play a critical role in fostering long-term self-sufficiency. With personal and professional coaching throughout the first year of employment, participants receive the support they need to navigate workplace challenges and set ambitious long-term goals related to housing, education, and debt repayment. Consequently, over 70% of employed participants remain in their first job placement for at least one year, a testament to the effectiveness of this supportive structure.
For those who achieve stability and show a drive for career growth, Cara's Career Advancement Program offers further opportunities to climb the professional ladder. By nurturing both individual ambition and community resilience, The Cara Program not only transforms lives but also contributes to the overall economic vitality of Chicago.
This information is meant to be a general summary of The Cara Program. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.
- Investment Income: $86,914
- Program Service Revenue: $4,756,841
- Gross Receipts: $13,088,292
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $15,398,039
- Total Liabilities: $5,039,094
- Net Assets: $10,358,945
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
Job contracts
Revenue
$4,756,841
Organization Details
Founding Year
1999
Phone
(312) 798-3334Principal Officer
Kathleen St Louis Calien
Main Address
237 S DesPlaines, Chicago, IL, 60661
Website
www.caracollective.orgNTEE Category
Code: J200 - Employment
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