How Financial Careers Training Helped Jori Find a New Place in the World

After graduating our Financial Careers Training program, Jori brought her infectious energy to the team at Wintrust Bank.

After seven devoted years as a full-time caregiver to her son with cerebral palsy, Jori faced a heartbreaking loss when he passed away in 2022. As she navigated her grief, she knew she needed something to help her move forward. “I couldn’t sit at home anymore,” she said. “So I decided to take a few courses at a junior college—just to get back out there.” That decision eventually connected her to Association House’s Financial Careers Training program.

What began as a way to stay occupied quickly evolved into something more meaningful. “I didn’t really have a goal of going into finance,” Jori admitted. “But once I got into the class, I loved it. We talked about all the different paths you could take—even things like mortgages and property management. I learned so much, especially from Ms. Luz, who taught us how to manage money, use different types of accounts, and apply it all to real-life situations.”

The program’s practical, supportive approach helped prepare Jori for her first role in banking—becoming a teller with Wintrust at the historic Hyde Park Bank location. “I had never worked in banking before,” she said. “So everything I learned in that class really made a difference. I felt more confident and prepared going in.”

Now well into her role, Jori finds daily joy in interacting with the bank’s longtime customers. “Some people come in and tell me they’ve been banking here since they were 14,” she said. “You really feel like you’re part of something bigger.”

Jori has also embraced Wintrust’s culture of community involvement. One standout experience was volunteering at the Pullman Railroad historic site. “We handed out financial literature and got to learn about the history of the railroad while we were there,” she said. “I loved being part of something that brings people together—sharing what we offer at the bank while connecting with the community in a hands-on way.”

Beyond volunteering, she’s enjoyed staff events like Casino Night and employee appreciation days at White Sox Park and the Wintrust Arena. “It’s a great place to work. They really make you feel valued.”

Looking back on how far she’s come, Jori encourages others who may be considering a career change—or just looking for a fresh start—to give the Financial Careers Training program a chance.

“Come to class on time, take it seriously, and be open,” she advised. “You might go in not knowing what you want, like I did, and find yourself building a whole new life.” ▪

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Learn more about Financial Careers Training at Association House at associationhouse.org/fct. Discover how Wintrust supports our program and other community programs here. Our gratitude and additional thanks to other major funders at Boeing, Unidos, and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.