Grantee Cara What We Do > Grants > Explore Grants > Grantee Cara Since 1991, Cara has helped people affected by poverty (and often the challenges of recovery, domestic violence, episodic homelessness, and incarceration) to get and keep quality jobs and, more importantly, rebuild hope, self-esteem and opportunity for themselves and their families in the process. Cara operates two social enterprises: Cleanslate, a community beautification and maintenance company, and Cara Connects, a staffing agency. These market-competitive businesses create gateway jobs for those they serve and produce a significant return on investment— nearly $6.00 in societal benefits for every dollar invested. Grant period: 2016 – 2020 DOWNLOAD CASE STUDY Grant Received Portfolio Grant Populations Served Justice System Impacted Mental illness/substance use disorder Multi-barrier Previously Homeless Industries Cleaning & Maintenance Temporary Employment & Staffing Services Locations IL