WorkLIFE Program Expansion: Empowering Young Adults for Long-Term Success

During Summer 2025, Sunshine continued its partnership with the City of Chicago’s One Summer Chicago Program and hired nine teens/young adults as Summer staff for Summer Day camp. Moreover, out of our concern for the unemployment rate of over 90% for teens and young adults ages 16 to 24 on the Southside of Chicago (University of Chicago study in 2024), Sunshine secured a grant and, in July, Sunshine Gospel Ministries expanded its WorkLIFE Program with its first cohort of 12 participants, ages 17 to 28.

Through structured soft skills and career training, participants built the confidence and capabilities needed for job readiness and employment, and gaining economic stability. Upon completing three months of training and preparation some of our WorkLife participants are continuing on through licensing programs and others our were placed in internship opportunities with local businesses and community organizations that Sunshine has formed collaborative partnerships with for  job placement. Collectively, we are committed to n equipping young adults with essential career skills, mentorship, and job placement opportunities to sustain employment and long-term economic stability.

Each participant is also  paired with a mentor/ coach who provides support throughout the participant's year participation in the program and beyond.

Looking ahead, our expanded  WorkLIFE  will operate three cohorts per year, providing ongoing year-round workforce development programming. Sunshine remains committed to preparing and positioning young adults for meaningful, long-term employment. With strengthened partnerships, new opportunities, and innovative programming on the horizon, we’re excited about what’s next for WorkLIFE and the bright futures it continues to shape.

See participant reflections and highlights from this summer’s program here.