About SOUL
Sustainable Options for Urban Living, Inc (S.O.U.L.) stands ready to lend our support to your work. We are subject matter experts promoting construction and clean energy. We provide business technical assistance and craft training within our underserved communities.
S.O.U.L. is supporting the equitable development of traditionally underserved communities in the Chicago area while minimizing the displacement associated with gentrification. We are intentional about maximizing the benefits and minimizing the burdens to communities impacted by racial, climate, or health inequity. Our theory of change intentionally focuses on elevating the economic opportunities and benefits that occur when the community residents and businesses are active participants in the planning, developing, and construction of the buildings and infrastructure in their communities. Our developments are designed to promote universal accessibility and explicitly and intentionally advance racial, wealth, climate, and health equity.
At S.O.U.L., we strive to be a holistic urban, community, and cooperative economic developer. Our mission is to explore and share options for local businesses and residents to create healthy, happy, prosperous, and sustainable lives.
S.O.U.L. is a City of Chicago Assist Agency. We are a Technical Support Agency that provides professional development training, industry-specific courses, skilled-based construction, clean energy workforce certifications, pre-apprenticeship, and USDOL Registered Apprenticeships. Our programs are designed to recognize the unique challenges and barriers typically encountered by our target business. With that in mind, we include transformational coaching to facilitate a successful business mindset.
About the Program
Participating in one of our US DOL Registered Apprenticeships or gaining an Industry Certification is a perfect way to start a rewarding career. For our underserved communities of color, craft skill training can be an important tool that can help increase the quality of life, reduce gun violence, and improve public safety in several ways.
Firstly, by providing individuals with the necessary skills and training to obtain employment in the craft sector, craft skill training can help to reduce unemployment and poverty, which are often linked to higher rates of crime and violence. When individuals are able to secure stable and well-paying jobs, they are less likely to engage in criminal activities and more likely to contribute positively to their communities.
Secondly, craft skill training programs can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and a positive outlet for their energy and creativity. By engaging in craft activities and learning new skills, individuals can develop a sense of pride and accomplishment, which can help to boost their self-esteem and improve their mental health. This, in turn, can lead to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that can contribute to violent behavior.
Thirdly, craft skill training programs can help to promote social connections and a sense of community. By bringing individuals together around a shared interest in crafting, these programs can help to build social capital and create a sense of belonging. This can help to reduce social isolation and strengthen social networks, which are important factors in preventing violence and promoting public safety.
Overall, craft skill training can be an important tool for improving quality of life, reducing gun violence, and improving public safety by providing individuals with employment opportunities, positive outlets for their energy and creativity, and a sense of community and belonging.