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Check out the variety of programs we offer here at the house. With our wraparound approach to helping the community, there is something for everybody. Programs Association House programs serve a vibrant, multi-cultural community. Our programs, known for their quality, are bilingual in English and Spanish. Our collaborative model meets participants' immediate needs, while working toward long-term goals. Follow the links below to learn more about our five service areas. Association House High School The Association House High School offers a new path to 16 to 21-year-olds left behind by traditional public schools. We are not like other schools. Here, you'll receive the personalized support you need to earn a high school diploma. Our team of certified teachers and mentors break down the barriers that keep students from graduating, helping each student build a better future. Learn More Behavioral Health Our Behavioral Health programs help individuals tackle challenges, increase independence, and seize opportunity. Always culturally affirming, trauma-informed, and evidence-based, our programs are best-in-class. Whether you need mental health services, substance-use treatment, or a little extra support, our staff is here for you. We also offer empowering services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Learn More Child Welfare The Child Welfare team provides support and care for vulnerable children and families. As the largest fully-bilingual child welfare team in Chicago, Association House serves many Latinx families. We work in partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Our goal is to ensure the safety, well-being, and healthy development of children. We address trauma and promote resilience. We help parents and families develop nurturing and safe relationships with their children. Learn More Community Health Our Community Health programs address chronic health issues and improve community health. We reach uninsured and underinsured individuals least likely to access care. We offer nutrition workshops, physical fitness activities, cooking demonstrations, health screenings, and more. Our staff is culturally-affirming and bilingual in English and Spanish. Learn More Workforce Development Our Workforce Development team envisions ending unemployment and poverty through their highly-effective programs. The individuals we serve face significant employment barriers. At Association House, they gain skills for for lasting careers. From basic employment services, to tech training, to industry-specific programs, your future begins here. Learn More Success Stories Digital Inclusion Week: Meet Our Tech Team! Learn more about our amazing technology staff, who create digital equity in our neighborhood every day! Oct 10 4 min read This Year's Back 2 School Fair Reached Over 600 Kids and Families! A recap of one of our biggest celebrations of the summer! Aug 26 2 min read Give Back and Grow Your Career at the 2025 Summer Soiree! Our goodbye-summer party for young professionals returns to Logan Square for 2025! Aug 6 1 min read

We offer a variety of programs to best suit each participant's individual needs. Daily, we work on skills to help participants live successfully & comfortably. Developmental Disabilities How We Help We understand that each and every participant has a specific set of needs and goals. With that in mind, we offer a variety of programs to best suit and support each person with intellectual/developmental disabilities. We strive to create environments filled with dedicated staff to help our participants live successfully and comfortably. From day programs that take place here at Association House, to residential living centers, we aim to create the best experience possible for our participants and their caretakers. All of our housing and programs are licensed by the State of Illinois. Levels of Support Life Skills Education (LSE) The LSE Program is a day program that helps adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities improve their cognitive, psychosocial, educational, vocational, and community functioning. Home Based Self Directed Assistance Home-Based SDA assists Home-Based Waiver recipients and their families in arranging for, directing and managing services. We also teach practical skills to help individuals and families to independently direct and manage Waiver services. Respite Care Respite services is available for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, is a temporary relief to caregivers and support the individual in their family home or in the community. Residential CILA Our CILA is a 24-hour supervised residential for adults focusing on promoting community integration. Residents can practice economic self-sufficiency and daily living skills, while we handle medication monitoring and case management services. Please note that all of our programs for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities programs are by referral only , and are not always accepting referrals. Questions? Give us a call or send us an email. 94% of individuals served in 2021 increased their daily living skills in pursuit of their individual goals. Related Programs Integrated Health Learn More Case Management Learn More Psychosocial Rehabilitation Learn More

Make a difference today by donating. We appreciate each and every donation we get, and thank you for helping us accomplish our mission. Related Content Give Stocks Learn More Give Items Learn More Matching Gifts Learn More

Each summer, we connect families with everything they need to send their kids back to school ready - from supplies and resources to vaccines and physicals. Back 2 School Fair Anchor 1 How We Help The annual Back to School Health Fair connects neighborhood families with everything they need to send their children back to school ready for success. From school supplies and local resources to vaccines and full physicals, this giant block party has something for everyone and truly brings the community together. Event Details When Saturday, August 2, 2025 9 AM - 1 PM Where Association House of Chicago 1116 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60651 Parking lot at Kedzie and Thomas Community Resources Each year, we are joined by partners from across Chicago to offer connections to hundreds of resources. 2025 Partners Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Midwest Express Clinic, Tutoring Chicago, Tree House Humane Society, Chicago Urban League, Illinois Action for Children, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Gift of Hope, Mary Crane Center Physicals & Pediatric Vaccines Free school and sports physicals are offered in partnership with local doctors and healthcare professionals. Free pediatric vaccines are provided in partnership with the Blue Cross Care Van. Get Involved You can be a part of this incredible event by donating funds for supplies, donating school supplies through our wish list, or spending the day volunteering with us. For more information about these opportunities, reach out to Drew at 773-772-8144. Make a Donation Donate Supplies Booth Interest Form Volunteer 573 children received resources at the 2024 Back 2 School Health Fair. Related Programs Food Pantry Learn More Health Education Learn More Mental Health First Aid Learn More

All students are matched with mentors who advocate for them, while cheering them on as they work to graduation. They are available whenever students may need. Mentoring & Support Services How We Help Every student at Association House is matched with a mentor. That mentor is their champion, advocate, and confidant as they work toward graduation. Most students see their mentor daily, and our mentors are always available for a check-in. Our mentoring programs offer different levels of support to meet the unique needs of our students. Academic Advising & Compass Mentoring The Academic Advisor meets with students regularly to ensure they are taking the classes they need to graduate. Compass mentoring provides students with a mentor to help motivate and assist them through their time at Association House High School. The mentor addresses how work, friends, and family could be impacting school and helps students create a plan to achieve personal and academic goals. Meet Your Mentor YES Mentoring Youth Experiencing Success (YES) offers wrap-around services to ensure that students are on track with their academic and employment goals while addressing barriers that may arise. Services include individual mentoring, group mentoring, family counseling referrals, advocacy at school and with outside agencies, health advocacy, career readiness, field trips, and post-secondary support. Meet Your Mentor RSP Mentoring Re-enrolled Student Project (RSP) focuses on getting students re-enrolled and supporting them to attain their high school diploma and continuing their studies at a college or place into a job. The program also represents and advocates for individual students by providing one-on-one support and counseling; helping with attendance problems and social issues; recommending methods for improving time management and goal setting skills. Meet Your Mentor YS3 Mentoring Youth Scholars, Skills and Service (YS3) is a collaborative program between Alternative Schools Network and the Department of Child and Family Services to provide programming and mentoring for Cook County youth in care between the ages of 15 and 21 who are looking to get their high school diploma. Specifically at AHHS, we work with our youth to provide wrap-around services that include mental health and employment. We have after school programming, monthly recreational field trips and paid incentives for youth participation in programming. Meet Your Mentor Post-secondary Mentoring Post secondary mentorship provides support to seniors in filling graduation requirements and supports all students and graduates in career and college exploration and planning. Meet Your Mentor Mr. P would text me asking me if I was going to school. He would stay late with me at school. I felt like I wasn't alone. - Alejandra, Class of 2021, Sadauskas Scholarship Winner IYIP Mentoring The Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP) helps young people ages 16–24 build the skills, confidence, and experience they need to succeed in the workplace and beyond. The program supports each participant as a whole person—addressing barriers to employment and focusing on their physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being. Whether you’re in school and looking for part-time work or out of school and ready for a full-time job, IYIP connects you with opportunities for employment, education, and career planning. By focusing on long-term success and self-sufficiency, the program empowers you to take meaningful steps toward your goals and future career. Meet Your Mentor Related Content Afterschool Programs Learn More Curriculum Learn More Family Literacy Program Learn More

< Back Hind Mustafa Elbanna helbanna@associationhouse.org Technology Training Program Supervisor What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? I have a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science and 8 years experience in teaching different levels and ages. What about your work inspires you? The flexibility, cooperation, teamwork, and sharing knowledge with others is inspiring to me. What's a fun fact about yourself? I am so friendly, and I prefer Winter more than Summer, and Halloween time is the best! Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

We work to find loving and safe temporary homes for children in foster care while simultaneously working on longterm stable solutions for all parties involved. Foster Care How We Help Foster care can be tough on kids. When a child comes to Association House, we find a loving temporary home. Then, we work with all involved to find a safe permanent solution. Through years of experience, we have changed the lives of so many children via a safe return home or adoption. We pride ourselves on having the largest fully bilingual foster care team in the community, and we place a large emphasis on cultural relevance. Safe Homes From an apartment, to a townhouse, to a stand alone with a picket fence. The type of home doesn't matter. We ensure all of our Foster Parents provide safe and loving homes. Stabilizing Family of Origin When possible, our goal is to have kids reunited with their family of origin. To make sure these environments are stable enough for return, we work with families to provide them the tools and resources to be successful together. Cultural Competency At Association House, we have fostered a community built on the ability to interact genuinely and respectfully with others, no matter what. We nurture the same philosophy in our Foster Homes. Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent? Becoming a foster parent is a huge responsibility, and it can be one of the most amazing experiences you have in a lifetime. We are always in need of foster parents who are passionate about caring for the children and youth we help. Become A Foster Parent "Being a foster parent is such a rewarding experience. Seeing how one year in a loving, caring, and stable home can have such a positive impact and change, in the children’s lives." - Jack and Andy, foster parents 135 children were protected and cared for by our foster parents in 2021. Related Content Intact Services Learn More Become a Foster Parent Learn More Parenting Resources Learn More

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< All Staff Ms. Martha Aguirre-Miranda FLP Aide Related Content Afterschool Programs Learn More Mentoring Programs Learn More Curriculum Learn More

Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent? We provide training and support throughout your journey, so you can make a difference in the life of a child. Become a Foster Parent How it Works When a child is removed from their home, foster parents provide safe and loving homes, and support a child during a difficult time. Association House helps foster parents meet and exceed licensing requirements. Our bilingual staff provides training and support throughout your time as a foster parent, so you can make a difference in the life of a child. Eligibility Anyone can become a foster parent regardless of your gender or marital status. To become a foster parent at Association House’s Child Welfare program, you must complete the following requirements: Must be at least 21 years old. Legal residency/citizenship of the United States Extra bedroom in home Medical exams and fingerprinting for each person residing in home Income & Financial Stability Completion of 27 hours of Foster Parent Training 3 reference letters "What inspired me to be a foster parent was the desire to be a mother to someone who really needs that mother figure. Even though I know it could be temporary, I still feel like it is worth it to be that nurturing parent for however much time that child needs it. Helping that person become who he will become is a privilege for me." - April, Foster Parent 154 children were protected and cared for in foster care. FAQs How long does it take to become a foster parent? The process takes approximately 3 – 6 months. To receive your foster care license, you must go through 27 hours of training, each adult in your household must pass a federal background check, and there is a home study which assures that your home or apartment is appropriate for a child. As soon as your process is complete your case worker will begin to explore placements with you. Do I need to own a home to be a foster parent? Nope! Renting a home is totally fine, as long as all other requirements are met. Do a child's birth parents visit him or her? A large part of a child’s identity comes from his or her family. As a foster parent, you will need to make an effort for your child to stay connected through visits. Your case worker will work with you on the time and location of these visits. Sometimes it’s a grandparent and/or siblings that desire to stay in touch with a child. Learning about this and becoming comfortable with this is part of your foster care training. How much does it cost to become a foster parent, or to adopt through foster care? It is free to become a foster parent. And it is free to adopt from foster care. There are no legal expenses. Note that adoption through an adoption agency (either domestic or foreign) can cost between $25,000 – $40,000. Each child who is adopted through foster care receives a small stipend until the age of 18. And, there are many college scholarships for children who have been adopted through foster care. Please note that in foster care, our goal is always reunification first. If reunification simply is not possible, as determined by the courts, then foster families may choose to adopt the children they have cared for. What kind of support will I receive as a foster parent? Each child is covered with health insurance and each child receives a stipend for his or her individual care. The stipend is different according to each child’s needs. On top of that, Association house has Direct staff service involvement – both case managers and licensing representatives are easily accessible for our foster parents to ensure their questions are being answered, follow up with information or provide guidance. Want More Information? Related Content Intact Services Learn More Parenting Resources Learn More Foster Care Learn More

Dulce is a bilingual mental health counselor with a Bachelor's in Psychology from Rutgers University and a Master's in Community Counseling from Argosy University. < Back Dulce Escano MA, QMHP As Clinical Assessor, Dulce provides intake and therapy services to adults, adolescents, and children in the Counseling program. She is a bilingual mental health counselor with a Bachelor's in Psychology from Rutgers University and a Master's in Community Counseling from Argosy University. Dulce has worked for more than a decade with multi-ethnic, multi-generational populations and individuals struggling with chronic mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and significant medical conditions.

Dulcinea How We Help We offer a structured living setting for adults with severe and persistent mental illness or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The program’s overall goal is for participants build their skills to function independently and confidently in the community. What to Expect Independent living, social, adaptive and coping skill building activities that include groups and individual sessions Medication Monitoring and Training Case Management and Community Support Crisis Prevention and Intervention Services Access to psychiatric and medical care Individualized treatment plans to support goal achievement Opportunities to develop natural supports Eligibility & Enrollment This program serves Medicaid-eligible individuals with severe mental health or substance use disorder. Individuals must be enrolled in a referring Association House program. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at 773-772-8009 ext. 1020. Adults 18+ years Adults with a mental health diagnosis or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder. Adults with functional living needs who require assistance with activities of daily living and support to transition into the community. Medicaid and source of income (SSI/SSDI) Do not require 24 hour medical attention Ability to self-administer own medications Ability to ascend and descend stairs without assistance (there are stairs to enter the building and to access the floors with bedrooms). History of psychiatric hospitalizations “When I first came here, I was going through hard changes because I had nowhere to live. I was so happy that they (AHC) gave me a hand, It felt like they understood me. When I was in the hospital I lost my apartment, and they gave me a place to stay. I made friends with lots of people here, they helped me a lot. ” - Association House Participant 88% of participants improved their Independent Living Skills in order to obtain their main goal of moving into the community independently. Related Programs Counseling Learn More Case Management Learn More Community Health Learn More Developmental Disabilities Learn More