Guest Spotlight: Meet Marlo

Marlo moved into LPCS’ Interim Housing Community in February of 2011. He had been living with a friend in NW Indiana with few work opportunities when the relationship became strained and he realized that being in Chicago would give him greater opportunity for finding work. After staying at an emergency shelter downtown, he heard about LPCS and moved in after nearly three months on the waiting list. When asked about his experience staying at LPCS, Marlo grins and states: “If you have to be in this situation, it’s where you want to be.”

Over the past year, Marlo has worked with his case manager to get linked to job readiness resources, including resume review and mock interviews with LPCS volunteers, as well as enrolling in The Cara Program’s intensive 3-month employment program. Through The Cara Program, Marlo began an internship at a local bank. During his internship, Marlo learned that he is a “people person,” and began seeking out opportunities with more interaction. Through continued work with career specialists at The Cara Program, as well as additional mock interview and cover letter practice with LPCS staff and volunteers, Marlo was able to find “not just any job, but one that could lead to a career.” At the beginning of December, he began working as a steward at Rivers Casino, a large employer in Chicago’s suburbs with opportunities for advancement in several directions.

In addition to looking for work, Marlo has been an active participant in the LPCS community. Many volunteers have seen his photographs displayed on our “Guests Speak Out” board, a skill that he picked up over the years and has been able to continue developing through LPCS’ partnership with Chicago Photography Center. Community clients and volunteers with our Saturday Community Engagement Program have likely met him as he assists people with washing a load or two of laundry each week.

Looking ahead, Marlo hopes to move out of LPCS within a couple of months, after saving a nest egg for the future. He plans to continue growing in his work at Rivers Casino and hopes to expand his freelance photography work as well. When he moves out, he plans to continue his involvement at LPCS as a graduate volunteer, helping others to learn the patience and perseverance that he has gained over his journey.