“I graduated from the Landscaping Program four years ago and have worked in grounds maintenance ever since. This is the longest I’ve ever held a job and I feel really proud.” –Sam H.

ASHF's Center for Workforce Development centralizes job readiness services, employee retention services, and industry based job training.  In a safe and respectful environment ASHF conducts a general evaluation to determine work history, criminal background, and other potential barriers to employment.  After completion of core classes participants enter the job training phase and may apply to one of four industry-based job training programs in food service, landscaping, housekeeping, and sales and marketing.

ASHF’s Landscape Program is an award-winning social enterprise replicated throughout the country. In partnership with the City of Chicago and ARAMARK, the Landscape Services program was launched more than 16 years ago.  Through this on-the-job training program participants are placed in a paid work environment and are trained to do landscaping and grounds maintenance.  For two consecutive, eight-month seasons, trainees are provided with the technical skills and experience in grounds care, equipment use, and safety standards necessary to obtain work.

ASHF Landscape Clients:

• Chicago Department of Transportation
• Chicago Department of General Services
• Chicago Park District
• Chicago Housing Authority
• Chicago Gateway Green
• Interstate Realty
• Mayslake Village 

 
We are proud that our landscaping services have become an integral part of the beautification of the city, providing maintenance services to a large portion of the downtown-area medians, sidewalk planters, malls and plazas, and numerous green spaces throughout Chicago.  This program has enabled more than 1,000 men and women to gain skills and employment in landscaping and related industries.

If you are interested in a complimentary estimate of your landscaping needs call Eric Hage, Director of Landscaping Services, 773-435-8393

Four years ago, ASHF, Aramark, and the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development (MOWD) launched what has become a recipe for success to help ASHF residents turn their lives around through a food service training program, specifically  targeting non-violent ex-felons who are 21 and older. This training program has been generating excellent results ever since, annually training 60 residents for jobs in the food service industry.

 The Process:

• Residents express an interest in the foodservice industry and apply for the program
• Residents are evaluated by ASHF case managers
• Professional interviews are conducted by ASHF and Aramark instructors
• Applicants enter a nine week training program
• Foodservice and culinary arts examination administered
• Internship and employment placement services provided

 
After passing the exam, students become certified with the National Restaurant Association and are eligible for certification with the State of Illinois and City of Chicago. These essential credentials make our clients more marketable for employment.

ASHF's newest program, the Sales and Marketing Enterprise trains residents in the skills of sales, communications, and telemarketing so that they have the know-how to attain employment as soon as possible.  A Safe Haven Foundation is looking to support this program by being a preferred contractor for businesses, organizations, and campaigns looking to get the word out about new products, store openings, sales, public issues, and more.  If you are interested in this service, contact Anna Lloyd via email or at 773.435-8366.