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Jordan and his graduating class completed a building rehabilitation project for our Dulcinea group home. After years of feeling stuck in work that offered little room to grow, Jordan decided it was time for a change. “I had been kind of at a dead end for a long time,” he said. “I wasn’t really making much money, and I was struggling. I wanted to turn a new leaf and get my life on track.” While searching for new career options online, Jordan came across a Reddit discussion about solar training programs in Chicago. One recommendation jumped out at him in the comments: Association House’s Clean Energy Training Program. What he found in the program would help launch him into an entirely new industry. Jordan had considered the trades before, but he wanted a career that felt purposeful as well as practical. Solar energy stood out to him as a field where he could build a stable career while contributing to something bigger. “I wanted to do something that I cared about,” he said. “Solar just felt like a natural fit because I care about climate change and where we're headed next with energy.” Association House’s program offered exactly what Jordan needed: hands-on training , industry-recognized certifications , and a supportive learning environment designed to help people enter the growing clean energy workforce. Jordan graduated from the Core Construction unit of the Clean Energy program in October 2025. By January, he had his first job in the industry. Although Jordan had never worked professionally in the trades before, he had some familiarity with tools and construction from growing up around his father, who worked in the field. The program helped him turn that familiarity into practical skills. One moment that stood out during the training was a hands-on solar installation demonstration led by industry professionals. “They set up a mock solar array in the parking lot,” Jordan said. “Seeing everything come together like that made it easy to visualize what the work would actually be like. That was the moment I thought, ‘I can definitely see myself doing this.’” During his time in the program, Jordan and his classmates also had the opportunity to put their new skills to work for the community. As part of a capstone project, his cohort rehabbed the staircase at Association House's Dulcinea group home for people living with mental illness. The new staircase made a world of difference for residents with mobility issues, and provided a beautiful and refreshed look for the building. After graduating from the program in October 2025, he quickly put his new resume to use. By January, he'd landed his first position in the industry as a solar installer with Knobelsdorff , helping build large-scale solar projects across the Midwest. In his new role, Jordan and his team travel to solar sites where they assemble the structures that support solar panels, and install the panels themselves before electrical teams connect the systems. It’s a fast-paced and physically demanding job—but it’s also exactly the kind of opportunity Jordan had been looking for. “The work is very different from what I was doing before,” he said. “But it’s a good change.” The transition into the field came with a learning curve, but Jordan says the training he received at Association House helped prepare him for the workplace , particularly when it came to safety standards and general familiarity with construction tools and jobsite practices. He also earned his OSHA 10 certification during the program, which meant he was already qualified for safety requirements many employers look for during onboarding. For Jordan, the biggest difference between his old career and his new one is the sense of possibility: “ There’s room to grow and learn new skills ,” he says. “You’re not stuck doing the same thing forever.” Today, just a short time into his new role, Jordan already sees a future in the clean energy field—one where he can continue developing his skills while contributing to an industry that is expanding rapidly. Looking back, he encourages others who feel stuck in their careers to consider programs like the one that helped him get started. “If you’re in a tough spot or you don’t really know what to do next, it’s a no-brainer, ” he said. “It can open the door to something completely different.” For Jordan, that door led to a new career, a new sense of purpose, a role in a future powered by clean energy. ◼ -- Learn more about Clean Energy Training at Association House at associationhouse.org/cleanenergyjobs .

For our Auxiliary Board, making time to give back to the city they call home is about more than fundraising or raising awareness: it's about becoming a better citizen, and learning to lead with compassion above all. Each year, corporate volunteers from across Chicago join us at Association House High School for Career Readiness Day : a crash course in interview skills, resume building, and industry knowledge led by insiders. Our students gain new strategies to stand out in a job market that gets more competitive and challenging every day; and our industry-leading volunteers learn what's really on the minds of young people making their first steps into the working world. Many of our volunteers have gone on to join our Auxiliary Board-- a dedicated team of Chicago professionals who take the time to participate in experiences like Career Readiness Day, and help address fundraising gaps by engaging their professional network directly. We spoke with three members of our Aux Board -- Tayler, Zach, and Kristina-- about what keeps them excited about our mission, and why the work feels so important as we kick off the new year. What drew you to Association House, and what keeps you here? Zach : What drew me in is how unique the model is. The wraparound approach, where support doesn't end just because one goal has been achieved, rang true with what I felt was needed to combat poverty and inequality. But what keeps me here is that this place is relationship-centered. Before the numbers, everyone is a person first. Tayler : It's easy to stay invested because the House is so dynamic. The world changes, and the House changes with it. I helped with Career Readiness Day three years ago, and now on the Aux Board, I have a hand in so much more than just the high school. It's special to be part of a place that's so open and welcoming to you being involved -- somewhere that really wants you to learn the ropes. When did you first see the impact in real time? Kristina : Seeing students evolve — looking at their resumes from a year ago to now — it’s incredible . You see the confidence. You see the new experiences they’ve added. You see them applying what we talked about. Zach : Last ye ar, I met a senior who saved the arts program at their last school by lobbying Chance the Rapper for a $25,000 grant, and it worked. And she just mentioned it casually while we were doing a practice interview. We went off-book from there. I was like, "Every interview question you get from here on out — just bring it back to that story. Redirect to something you actually love to talk about. " I volunteered at her graduation ceremony later that year and she remembered me. That full-circle moment — that’s when you feel the difference. High school senior Sheri (left) picks up interview tips from Sandi at the Chicago Community Justice Foundation during Career Readiness Day. Why is showing up for this work so important right now? Tayler : There are so many issues you could point to. It can cause analysis paralysis. But partnering with an organization that’s actively doing something — that’s how you move from feeling sad about a problem to being part of the solution. Zach : I can’t fix national policy myself. But this work exists in a building, in a neighborhood, serving real people. That makes it actionable. The antidote is hope — but hope in the form of opportunity. You can’t do good schoolwork if you’re hungry. You can’t focus if you don’t have childcare. The wraparound model removes those barriers so young people can invest in their future. Why do small, individual donations matter so much? Tayler : When I think about my commute, it’s simple. I get in my car, and drive. One student told me she can’t use childcare services because taking two toddlers on the CTA is too difficult. So when we're putting our fundraising campaign together, and I hear that $25 covers transportation for a week — that’s a huge deal. If she can’t get here, she can’t graduate. Kristina : Being here in person, speaking with students, looking at their classrooms, I see what's important: books, computers, transportation. But without unrestricted support, placed in the care of people who know what students need best , those gaps can go unaddressed. This spring, our Auxiliary Board is fundraising for Association House High School, finding support for the things our students need most. A one-time donation of $25-$1000 can make a massive impact at every level of our high schoolers' experience. Will you join our Aux Board in opening doors for young people in Chicago?

Association House culinary students staff a catering event at LCLC Chicago. At Association House of Chicago , workforce training has always been about more than skill-building— it’s about access, opportunity, and long-term careers. This year, two of our flagship workforce programs are taking an important next step to better support participants and meet industry needs. Both the Clean Energy Jobs Program  and Association House Kitchen Culinary Program  are now pre-apprenticeship programs , designed to prepare participants for placement into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs)  or to move directly into employment. Why the shift? In many skilled trades — especially clean energy fields like solar installation, HVAC, and weatherization — workers are required to complete a significant number of hours in a Registered Apprenticeship Program before becoming fully qualified. These programs offer paid, on-the-job training and industry credentials, but they can be difficult to access without prior experience. That’s where our pre-apprenticeships come in. Association House’s programs provide participants with the hands-on training, foundational skills, and workplace readiness needed to successfully enter RAPs — or step directly into jobs when opportunities arise. Importantly, this shift reflects what these programs have always done: help people break into high-demand fields by removing barriers to entry and building real pathways to sustainable careers. Core Construction participants complete a hands-on capstone project together before graduating. What this means for participants: Participants in both programs will continue to receive high-quality training, now with an even clearer connection to next steps after graduation. Clean Energy Jobs  participants will benefit from expanded training, including a longer solar curriculum, to maximize readiness for apprenticeships and employment in Chicago’s growing clean energy sector. Association House Kitchen  participants will gain valuable pre-apprenticeship experience that supports placement into culinary RAPs or immediate roles in restaurants, catering kitchens, and other professional food-service environments. Both programs continue to offer stipends and supportive services  to qualified participants, helping ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of success. For community partners and employers, this transition strengthens the talent pipeline by aligning training more closely with workforce standards. And for participants, it means clearer pathways, stronger credentials, and greater access to long-term employment. Learn more or apply today! Association House Kitchen:   associationhouse.org/kitchen Clean Energy Jobs Program:   associationhouse.org/cleanenergyjobs

Maria, Amilcar, and Jorge with their program leader, coach, and mentor, Jovan. Today is International Day of Disability Acceptance . Observed every January 20, the day promotes social acceptance of people with disabilities and honors the legacy of disability advocate Annie Hopkins, who championed the idea of acceptance over mere tolerance . It’s a reminder to embrace difference, educate our communities, and empower one another. The need for acceptance and opportunity is clear. People with cognitive disabilities experience unemployment at nearly three times the rate  of those without, and nearly 30% of working-age adults with cognitive disabilities have never held a job . In addition, discriminatory practices in some states still allow workers with disabilities to be paid far below minimum wage—sometimes as little as $1.50 per hour . At Association House of Chicago, our Life Skills Education (LSE)  program works every day to change those statistics by creating meaningful, paid employment opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities—right here within our agency and with trusted partners. For LSE participant Jorge , whose dream job is coaching for the Special Olympics, work is about more than a paycheck—it’s about purpose and pride. “When I work, my focus is my family and my friends,” he says. “I want to show my family I can do this, and my friends that they can too.” Through roles supporting our food pantry and community spaces, Jorge builds confidence and community connection that ripple far beyond the job itself. Similarly, Maria  has used her earnings to care for the things that matter to her. “With the money I earned from my job, I saved up and got a harness and shampoo for my dogs,” she says. In doing so, she’s taken ownership of her goals and independence in a deeply personal way. She dreams of one day lending a hand in a veterinarian's office, turning her passion for animals into work she cares about. Amilcar , whose first jobs were at Skyline Design and Association House, reflects on the life skills he’s gained: “I learned how important it is to be on time, get better at your skills, and manage my money.” These lessons aren’t just practical—they’re empowering, helping reshape what work can mean for someone with cognitive differences. Amilcar's artistic eye has made him the go-to photographer for program parties and events, but he hopes to involve it in a job of his own one day. Inside Association House, more than 30 participants are employed at competitive wages above Chicago’s minimum wage , gaining real work experience while they attend LSE. We also advocate for systemic change; for example, Illinois recently passed the Dignity in Pay Act , closing the loophole for subminimum wage work. On this International Day of Disability Acceptance, we celebrate the voices, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities—affirming that acceptance means creating real opportunities  so everyone can thrive, belong, and be valued for their work and worth. ▪ -- Learn more about Life Skills Education and other disability support at Association House here. Find information on how to create more disability access in your workplace through resources provided by Access Living Metro Chicago.

Get ready to rally your smartest friends! Association House’s fan-favorite Trivia Night is officially back on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 ! Hosted by the Association House Auxiliary Board, this high-energy evening brings together friendly competition, great company, and an even greater cause. Whether you’re a trivia mastermind looking to take home the crown, or just after a night of mingling with Chicago's young professionals, Trivia Night promises a packed room, plenty of laughs, and a night you’ll be talking about long after the final question. This year, Trivia Night comes with an added boost of impact. All night-of proceeds will benefit Association House High School , directly supporting students who are showing up every day to meet challenges head-on. Funds raised will help provide essentials like childcare for student parents, basketball uniforms , culinary class supplies , and other resources that make a real difference in students’ ability to learn, grow, and succeed. Expect a lively happy-hour atmosphere complete with a drink on us , delicious appetizers catered by our own student culinary class, and raffle prizes that will turn anyone into a trivia tryhard! Seats are limited, and this event has a habit of selling out fast. So grab your crew, sharpen your knowledge, and get ready for a night of friendly competition that supports Chicago students in a big way! Trivia Night is back, and you won’t want to miss it. Sound like your kind of party? Hit up your teammates and get your tickets now to join us on April 1, 2026 at Midwest Coast Brewery , 2137 W Walnut Avenue in West Loop.

The Association House Run Team crushes their personal goals while fundraising for their neighbors. Are you a runner, fitness enthusiast, or someone ready to take on a new challenge — all while giving back to your community? Lace up those sneakers, because the Association House Run Team is recruiting for 2026!   Whether you’re an experienced runner or a first-time race participant, this is your chance to run together, grow together, and make a meaningful impact  across Chicago. At Association House, we believe in movement with intention  — fitness that not only challenges you physically, but also supports transformational community impact. When you join the Run Team, you’ll: Join a welcoming community of runners  motivated by health, connection, and purpose. Make every mile matter  by raising vital funds that support Association House programs helping neighbors throughout Chicago. Have fun!  From 5Ks to half marathons, we explore Chicago’s neighborhoods one race at a time. Last year, our team not only hit the pavement together — we raised $5,000 to transform lives  in our community! By sharing your passion for running, you help bring opportunity  to the lives of the people Association House serves. Get ready for exciting race days across the city! Our featured team events include: 📅 Sunday, May 17, 2026  – Chicago Spring Half Marathon + 5K 📅 Saturday, July 26, 2026  – Stan’s Donut Run 5K + 10K 📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026  – Bucktown 5K Are you ready to make your miles meaningful? 👉 Sign up today  by filling out the Run Team Interest Form and start your journey with a community that runs with heart and purpose. 📩 Have questions? Reach out to Jennifer Sheridan, Development Specialist , at jsheridan@associationhouse.org

When Ramsey returned home after nearly a decade in federal prison, the road ahead felt uncertain. Like many people reentering their communities after incarceration, he faced serious barriers to employment — and the constant pull of habits that had defined much of his life. “I’ve been in and out of prison for over 30 years,” Ramsey shared. “This was the first time — probably the first time ever — that I didn’t even think about going back to that lifestyle .” That turning point began through street outreach. Ramsey was connected to SC2 (Scaling Community Violence Intervention), a citywide initiative that works through trusted community organizations to prevent violence by addressing its root causes. SC2 focuses on relationship-building, conflict resolution, and linking people to real opportunities — from mental health support to job training — before harm occurs. Through SC2’s outreach, Ramsey was introduced to Association House of Chicago and its Culinary Careers Training Program. What started as a class quickly became something much bigger. “When you find something that gives you peace and lets you be productive — and you can see the results of your work — that’s something you start to value,” he said. “Every day, I appreciated it more.” In the kitchen, Ramsey found structure, encouragement, and a sense of dignity that had long been missing. He credits the program with helping him stay focused and grounded during a critical period of reentry. “This wasn’t about being perfect,” Ramsey explained. “They met you where you were. If you didn’t know anything, they taught you. And they actually wanted to see you succeed.” Most importantly, the program helped interrupt the cycle that had pulled Ramsey back into incarceration for decades. “It was never prison that stopped me before — not family, not fear. It was finally having the chance to do something different and still be good at it.” -Ramsey, SC2 Participant at Association House Today, Ramsey continues to build his skills, pursue certifications, and explore opportunities in the culinary field, lending a hand to catering events alongside his fellow graduate chefs. He remains deeply grateful for the environment he found at Association House — and for the outreach that made it possible. “When you walk into Association House, you feel it,” he said. “People there genuinely want to help. And that kind of atmosphere can change a life.” Ramsey’s story is just one example of how SC2’s community-based approach is creating safer streets and stronger futures — not through punishment, but through connection, care, and opportunity. ▪ -- Discover more about SC2 at sc2humboldt.org .

Join Association House on Thursday, June 11, at Faces of Hope  for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration that honors the resilience and hope driving our mission forward. Save the date and be part of this special night.  Early bird tickets go on sale March 16th! Faces of Hope is returning to Lacuna Lofts for an incredible night of bold flavors, lasting moments, and stories that remind us what's possible when we come together. When you join us, you fuel Association House's work to expand opportunity so individuals can fully participate in the life of their families, communities, and society. Want to get involved? Faces of Hope invites civic-minded businesses to join us through sponsorship or in-kind donation. Learn more below!

Kristy is the Supervisor of our Visions Substance Use Program. Question: What attracted you to work at Association House? Answer: In my search for non-profits in Chicago, I came across Association House's website. Seeing the long history and everything from case management, substance use, and mental health services, to a high school for youth until 21, two residential buildings, and more, I knew I should apply. I have always known I wanted to work with people in the criminal justice system that struggle with substance use. This program specifically works on a harm reduction approach. We are open and willing to meet each participant who comes in "where they are at" with no judgment. Q: What is your favorite part of working at AHC: A: I have been working here for five years and feel like Association House is one big family. Everyone here has the same goal: helping people in the community. It's a big building with multiple programs and everyone knows each other and works together to reach a common goal. Fun fact: My sister and I are 11 months apart and are the same age for five days in June.

Dear Friends, This year marks a defining moment in Association House’s 126-year long history. As we celebrate the completion of our 2023–2025 Strategic Plan, let us reflect on the journey that brought us here. Following the remarkable 27-year tenure of Harriet Sadauskas, I stepped into the role of CEO and President in 2021. During this time, our world was still navigating the lasting impacts of COVID-19. Still, we began drafting our new strategic roadmap. In an era marked by uncertainty, we chose to act boldly. Because what defines Association House has never been the challenges before us, but the determination with which we face them. This continues to be true today and every day. Over the last three years, we made tremendous strides to achieve our goal to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive services while breaking down barriers that have long limited opportunities, especially for individuals with disabilities and our Black and Latinx community members. Together, we: Grew from a $12 million to a $23 million organization, ensuring more families, youth, and individuals receive the resources they deserve Strengthened programs, expanded services, and reimagined what support can look like in a changing world Deepened partnerships with community organizations and businesses to build more pathways for individuals to thrive Because of you, our stakeholders, donors, staff, and participants, we see our mission coming to life all around us. What once began as possibility has transformed into progress. The seeds of change we planted together are now in full bloom. As we look ahead, we recognize that uncertainty still surrounds us. But thanks to your commitment and belief in our work, we move forward with hope. Our next chapter is just beginning, and together, we will continue to flourish. With gratitude, Juan Carlos Linares President & CEO

Credit: Ariel Parrella-Aureli/Block Club Chicago On Friday morning, LUCHA welcomed community members, partners, and elected officials into the historic Humboldt Park United Methodist Church to celebrate the long-awaited groundbreaking of its new affordable housing redevelopment: La Herencia Apartments. Standing inside the 1928 sanctuary, attendees were surrounded by the very walls that will soon become 22 permanently affordable homes in Logan Square . Developed in partnership with Canopy Design + Architecture, this first-of-its-kind redevelopment will preserve the historic church’s façade and 13 existing apartments while adding nine new homes —each thoughtfully designed to honor the building’s legacy while meeting a high standard of craftsmanship, beauty, and care. Bundled up in the Chicago cold together, there was a special intimacy and emotional weight in the air—a reminder that this building’s transformation is not just about construction, but about memory, belonging, and stability. The project is the first in Chicago history to convert a church entirely into 100% affordable housing. Congresswoman Delia Ramirez had an especially personal connection to the church's redevelopment. The name La Herencia —which translates to “inheritance”—speaks directly to that legacy. For nearly a century, this space has offered sanctuary in many forms: as a place of worship, as housing for working families, and as a hub for activism and mutual support. Today, the building lives on through a renewed commitment to permanent affordability in a neighborhood facing immense housing pressure. That legacy was made especially tangible through the presence of Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, whose connection to the building is deeply personal . As a child, she lived in the apartments above the church—making the transformation of the entire building into affordable housing not just a policy victory, but a full-circle moment rooted in lived experience and generational impact. " This is the place that built me—literally. This is where I first learned to speak, to lead, and to believe in my own voice. This place is holy—not just because of the building itself, but because it shows the most beautiful parts of humanity in a world filled with darkness." — Congresswoman Delia Ramirez Earlier this year, the congregation officially rededicated the property to LUCHA, ensuring the site would continue uplifting the community even as the neighborhood changes. Renovation plans include adding a new elevator and creating modern, energy-efficient apartments with in-unit laundry and accessible layouts . Five units will serve individuals exiting homelessness or living with developmental disabilities, with supportive services provided by Renaissance Social Services. Illinois House Representative Will Guzzardi addresses the crowd at La Herencia. The ceremony brought together federal, state, and local leaders who spoke to the urgency of building affordable housing near transit, schools, and jobs—especially in rapidly gentrifying areas like Logan Square. “I moved to this neighborhood because regular people could afford to live in a vibrant, loving community. Increasingly, that opportunity is only available to the wealthiest. Today we’re guaranteeing that this corner will welcome everyone—not just people who can afford luxury condos.” — Illinois Rep. Will Guzzardi Digital rendering of the completed La Herencia Apartments, projected for Winter 2026. With this ceremony, what began as a six-year effort finally broke ground —but more importantly, broke beyond the limits of what many once believed possible. La Herencia Apartments is not just a housing project; it is a statement. It affirms that preservation, equity, and community-led development can coexist—and that history doesn’t have to be lost to progress. It can guide it. -- Construction is expected to continue over the next year, with LUCHA planning to welcome new residents in 2026. Learn more about how LUCHA is pushing affordable housing in Chicago into the future at lucha.org . ▪

ALSO outreach workers hosting a block party to connect individuals with resources that empower them to thrive. Association House has always fought violence with opportunity — opening doors to education, careers, and community support. Now, as a founding partner in the SC2 Humboldt Park Collaborative, we’re taking that work to the next level, building a safer Chicago through direct, compassionate intervention in our neighborhood. This year, the nation’s eyes were on Chicago . And this summer we saw the lowest number of homicides since 1965, and violent crime overall was down 22% from last year. This is due in no small part to the efforts of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) groups across Chicago: thousands of trained disruptors working to put at-risk youth on a brighter path, detach from local gangs, and stop violence before it starts. The success of CVI efforts resulted in the creation of the Scaling Community Violence Intervention for a Safer Chicago Initiative (SC2): a network of community support organizations all working together to address the root causes of violent crime and maximize support options for those ready to leave the streets and make a change. Each participant’s journey starts with street outreach, connecting with case workers at pop-up cookouts, block parties, and info tables. From there, SC2 provides the tools for every individual to be the architect of their own future. Outreach workers from NewLife Centers connect with individuals in need across Chicago. With inroads to steady employment, continued education, mental health counseling, legal services and more, each journey with SC2 is designed to fit the needs of the individual—fulfilled by free services offered by over a dozen community support organizations working collaboratively. Association House is proud to be taking on the challenge as a key SC2 partner , connecting participants to our job training programs, counseling services, alternative high school and more. In 2026, we’re mobilizing to take SC2 to the next level, advancing the groundwork laid by our case workers through social media outreach, donor engagement, and a hands-on internship for SC2 participants hoping to break into a career in marketing. “For the first time in decades, I’m not worried about the police kicking in the door or losing sleep over the choices I’m making. I’m so far from that now — and that’s a relief I can’t even describe.” -Ramsey, SC2 Participant Lori Crowder, Executive Director of ALSO, states, “Association House and its partners—ALSO, BUILD Inc, CCFJ and New Life Centers - are working hand in hand to redesign how services are delivered in Humboldt Park and reach over 1,300 high risk people over 5 years. Together, we’re proving that safety doesn’t begin with policing—it begins with opportunity, connection, and care.” The momentum behind SC2 is not just about reducing violence, but about rebuilding trust and restoring hope in neighborhoods long denied both. As this work grows, Association House and our partners will continue standing beside every participant ready to rewrite their story—and redefine what’s possible for Chicago. ■ -- Discover more about SC2 at www.scalecvichicago.org .