The economy has been hit hard by COVID-19 and the subsequent closures. The Library has compiled a list of resources to help you learn about applying for unemployment, insurance, and more. If you have questions, please reach out to Library staff at askus@fppl.org.
Resources
Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Announces Help for Consumers Struggling to Make Payments on their Debts Due to the COVID-19 Crisis and Guidance for its Regulated Financial Sectors
A press release outlining the assistance the State of Illinois is providing to help residents with loans, rent, mortgages, VA loans, student loans, vehicle repossession, and debt collections.
Illinois Department of Employment Security
The Department of Employment Security is the premier provider of workforce services in Illinois. IDES supports economic growth and stability in Illinois by providing Employment Services to Illinois residents and employers, analyzing and disseminating essential Labor Market Information, and administering Unemployment Insurance programs.
COVID-19 & Unemployment Benefit FAQ
Answers to your basic questions about applying for unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Illinois Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance is a state-operated insurance program designed to partially replace lost wages when you are out of work. Like fire, accident, health and other types of insurance, it is for an emergency: when you are temporarily or permanently out of a job, or if you work less than full time because of lack of work.
Use the Unemployment Benefits Finder to search in Illinois or other entities
Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Goodwill offers online job resources and classes.
Federal Stimulus & Unemployment FAQ from IDES
How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits- Chicago Sun-Times
Library Resources for Job Seekers
Lynda.com
The Library offers FPPL library card holders free access to Lynda.com. This resources offers hundreds of classes including job seeking, resume writing, tech skills, and many more. Sign up for a virtual library card here.
Getting Help Writing a Resume with a Resume Assistant on Word
Universal Classes
The Library offers a variety of online courses from Universal Classes. All you need is a library card and internet access. Sign up for a virtual library card here.
Resources that Can Help During Unemployment
Forest Park Food Pantry
7640 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park, IL
The Food Pantry at the Howard Mohr Community Center is open Monday to Friday this week (March 16-20) from 7:30 am-3:30 pm for curbside delivery of foods to FP residents in need. Please call ahead, so they can prepare for you: 708-771-7737.
They will receive donations in the same way: call ahead, then connect curbside: 708-771-7737 They are accepting donations in food and monetary donations.
Beyond Hunger
Beyond Hunger is open and giving away food.
Service hours: Saturdays: 9 am – 12 pm, 1st Wednesday of the month, 6- 7:30 pm, and al other Wednesdays: 3:30- 5:00 pm.
They require a photo ID and proof of residence in their service area, which does include Forest Park.
Schools Bagged Lunches
District 91 Grab & Go Lunch
Free lunch is still available to all students Monday-Friday. Families living north of I-290 pick up in front of Garfield School (543 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL ). Families living south of I-290 pick up in the vestibule behind Field-Stevenson/Forest Park Middle School (424 Des Plaines Ave, Forest Park, IL).
District 209 Grab & Go Breakfast and Lunch
D209 will assist families during this time with free Grab & Go Breakfast and Lunch. Families can pick up meals for school age children age 18 and under at the nearest PTHS D209 school. Breakfast will be served from 9 am to 10 am, and lunch will be served between 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Meals will be distributed at the Tower Entrance at Proviso East, the Visitor Entrance at Proviso West, and the North Entrance at PMSA.