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Community Forum
The monthly Community Forum enables the association to inform, educate, and raise the
awareness of Sierra Leonean immigrants and refugees about issues dealing with employment,
health, immigration, education, financial literacy and credit counseling.
Youth Development Programs
The Youth Development Programs help to achieve the SLCAC’s goal of promoting and developing
the education, health, and general well-being of Sierra Leonean youth in Chicago. To increase
the awareness and further the education of Sierra Leonean youth, our youth development
programs include skill-building workshops, Math and Reading Clubs, free weekend homework
assistance, and taking Sierra Leonean youth to historical and cultural institutions. In addition to
these educational activities, SLCAC’s Summer Youth Program (SYP) will organize and engage
Sierra Leonean youth in soccer and volleyball competitions to contribute to their physical fitness
and provide recreation.
Career Counseling
The career counseling clinic offers one-on-one counseling and support for members, especially
new Sierra Leonean immigrants and refugees searching for employment. We provide pre-
screening services for job seekers, assist in resume writing, and make referrals to employers in
metropolitan Chicago.
Scholarship Program
Scholarship awards to selected Sierra Leonean high school seniors aims to further the SLCAC’s
mission to promote self-sufficiency of our immigrant and refugee community in Chicago and its
suburbs. The goals of this Program are to assist recipients with obtaining skills, knowledge, and
certification to effectively compete in present and future job markets. This Program is
administered by three educators on our Board of Directors. Interested students are required to
complete an application and submit an essay on a topic to be determined by the Scholarship
Committee.
Senior Outreach Program
The Senior Outreach Program (SOP) is being organized in order to provide Sierra Leonean
seniors information about relevant social services, e.g., energy assistance, pharmaceutical
subsidies and other healthcare facilities, as well as to solicit volunteers among them to assist
with the Youth Development Programs. In addition, SLCAC wants to facilitate social interaction
among Sierra Leonean seniors by providing them with means to enjoy familiar activities that will
encourage them to meet with their peers outside of their homes. This Program will enable
SLCAC to enhance the psycho-social health of our elderly population that traditionally has been
held in high esteem by Sierra Leoneans and to strengthen intergenerational relationships.
Development Projects in Sierra Leone
Consistent with our goal to assist with the development of war-torn Sierra Leone and promote a
positive image of the country, when resources – financial and organizational capacity – are
sufficient, SLCAC will grant scholarships to college students at the University of Sierra Leone
and enhance the country’s sustainable public health projects.
All projects will be monitored by an experienced Project Coordinator in Sierra Leone and
evaluated by a specialized committee of our Board of Directors.
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| PROGRAMS |