A new Chicagoland program empowers ex-offenders to rebuild their lives by teaching carpentry and skilled trades through hands-on training, mentorship, and job-placement support; participants learn foundational techniques—measuring, framing, finish work, safe tool use—and receive industry-recognized certifications while working on real community projects that restore local homes and public spaces, building a portfolio employers value; wraparound services such as résumé coaching, interview prep, transportation assistance, and connections to employer partners reduce barriers to stable employment, while peer mentors and ongoing alumni networks provide accountability and encouragement, helping graduates secure living-wage jobs, regain self-sufficiency, and contribute positively to their neighborhoods.