Press Releases
Press Releases
APCC and Kauzu Launch Free Mobile Application to Help Chicago’s Hardest-hit Communities
Media Contact:
Paul Cusimano
Outreach Coordinator, Kauzu
Telephone: 773-680-8226
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Chicago, Illinois, August 1, 2012 – Kauzu, a Chicago-based social venture, will launch a free, mobile job-finding application Tuesday, August 7, at the Albany Park Community Center (APCC) in Chicago. Kono is a text-based application that works on any cell phone in Chicago, locating open job listings near a job seeker’s location. APCC will work to integrate the Kono application into its industry-leading workforce development programming.
“Only 22% of US adults with household income under $30,000 own a smart phone,” says Kauzu founder Mitch Schneider. “But more than half of lower-income Americans own basic cell phones. We thought they all deserved a smarter way to find jobs.”
During the event—which begins at 1:30 p.m. on August 7, at 4731 N. Kimball Ave.—Kauzu team members will demonstrate Kono to job seekers and workforce development professionals.
A Kono user can establish her location in two ways: by texting a nearby CTA stop ID to Kono, or by texting the first three letters of two streets that cross nearby. Kono will text back the three job listings closest to that location, and more upon the job seeker’s request. The service is free, though standard messaging rates may apply.
APCC Executive Director and C.E.O. Harold T Rice, Jr. says, “I am excited about our organization being chosen by Kauzu to join their list of top-notch partners to transform how jobseekers and employers connect. This social venture, which helps pinpoint jobs based on a jobseeker’s location, is truly revolutionary. We already pride ourselves on a great job of connecting jobseekers and employers, but this partnership with Kauzu will make this process all that much better.”
Kauzu has partnered with the Albany Park Community Center and other social service agencies to introduce Kono in the neighborhoods where it’s needed most. “As a social venture first and foremost,” says Schneider, “we believe in reaching communities through the people with their feet on the ground there every day. Connecting job seekers with nearby employers is critical to lower-income communities—it keeps spending local, and promotes sustainable economic development.
“Kono is free. It’s easy to use. And it’s the most advanced way for anyone in Chicago with a cell phone to find a job in their community.”
About Kauzu:
Kauzu (kawz-ooh) is a Chicago-based startup established in September, 2011. In January, 2012, Kauzu won the $250,000 Gramercy Private Equity “Born Global” Award at the Gigabit Challenge in Kansas City, Missouri. Kauzu is the Esperanto word for “cause” and reflects the company’s focus on creating social change by transforming how jobseekers and employers connect. To learn more about Kauzu, please visit www.kauzu.com.
About the Albany Park Community Center:
Albany Park Community Center (APCC) operates several job readiness programs to help low-income and unemployed individuals prepare for, secure, and retain jobs. This one-stop career system funded through public and private resources, offers services to both job applicants and the employers. APCC is partnering with Kauzu to help provide new tools to job seekers in their community, and throughout the city of Chicago.
###