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In an unprecedented year of federal funding instability, our giving community came through like never before at this year's Faces of Hope gala. Association House's biggest night of the year completely sold out, and our 260 guests pledged over $270,000 of support for our programs. The warmth and kindness in the air was infectious, and the impact of these donations can't be overstated. This year, we highlighted the work of our Workforce Development programs, inviting graduates from our Culinary and Technology programs to serve up delicious gourmet hors d'oeuvres and tell our guests all about the doors the House was able to open for them. This amazing crowd braved a wild thunderstorm to show up for the House, and we couldn't be more grateful! During Faces of Hope, we welcomed 26 new members to the Good Deeds Society, bringing our community of monthly donors to 82 members strong. Together, these dedicated supporters are creating lasting impact and helping ensure Association House can respond to our community's needs year-round. From trauma-informed mental health care and academic support for students to workforce development and job training, Good Deeds Society members make it possible for Association House to respond to urgent challenges while creating pathways to long-term success. The night was made extra-special by inspiring words from our Spirit of Hope honorees, whose work has made huge strides in violence reduction & workforce development possible. Lori Crowder at ALSO, Esther Franco-Payne with the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities, and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership all received awards for their organizing efforts in our community, celebrated by the people whose lives they've touched. Plus, we debuted Simmer, a short film showcasing the impact of Association House’s Workforce Development programs. Through Melinda’s journey, viewers see the determination, growth, and support that help individuals create new opportunities for themselves and their families. Check it out below! Each year, more than 7,000 people turn to Association House for resources, guidance, and a path forward. Behind every participant is a story of resilience and possibility. Thank you for helping make these stories possible and for investing in a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. ■

Instructor Casey leads in-person and online tech classes, but is also available as a resource for self-guided at-home learners. Whether you're changing careers, re-entering the workforce, or simply looking to stay competitive in today's job market, learning new technology skills can open doors. Thanks to partnerships with Google, Coursera, and the Hispanic Federation, Association House is making those opportunities more accessible than ever with a growing lineup of free technology training programs designed to help Chicagoans gain in-demand skills on their own schedule—or alongside an instructor. This quarter, Association House is expanding its self-guided technology offerings to include professional certificate programs in Cybersecurity, Project Management, Data Analytics, IT Support, Digital Marketing, and UX Design. Participants can begin these online courses anytime, learning at their own pace while earning industry-recognized credentials from Google and Coursera at no cost. For Eric, the new self-guided IT Support certificate came at exactly the right moment. After several years piecing together income through warehouse work, gig economy jobs, and day labor, Eric knew he needed a way to strengthen his resume while pursuing a much bigger goal: launching his own consulting business. "I'm an aspiring entrepreneur," he said. "I have the foundation for a consulting firm, and this certification gives me leverage in every aspect of my job search and my career goals." Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Eric devoted himself fully to the course. "It felt good to finish this," he said. "It was very comprehensive, and challenging at times, but I could see how it could be the perfect launchpad for the next phase of my career." The skills he gained are already helping him expand the services he hopes to offer future clients, particularly around Google technologies and artificial intelligence. With one certification complete, he's already planning his next step through Association House's Digital Marketing certificate. For those who prefer in-person instruction, the House has plenty of offerings. His advice for future students is simple: "If I can do it, you can do it. If you've got a little bit of time to commit, it's worth it because you can learn, get the ball rolling, and start heading in the right direction." While self-guided learning offers maximum flexibility, Association House also continues to provide instructor-led technology classes for learners who thrive with scheduled instruction and personalized support. Current instructor-led offerings include Digital Skills for Career Growth, Microsoft Office Skills, and Senior Planet, a technology program designed specifically for adults age 50 and older. Courses are available both in person and remotely, allowing students to choose the learning environment that works best for them. For Sylvia, those classes became an opportunity to invest in herself after unexpectedly losing her position with the federal government. "I thought this was the perfect time to really work on some professional development," she said. "I wanted to stay up to date and strengthen my resume." Although she'd used Microsoft Word and Outlook for years, the classes still surprised her. "I learned a lot of new different things," she said. "There were so many different settings and options that I didn't even know existed." Sylvia earned her Microsoft Office Specialist certifications while preparing for administrative positions and nonprofit work, but she says the biggest difference came from the learning environment itself. "Casey never made anyone feel bad for asking questions," she said. "That made it a really comfortable environment to learn in." She's already planning to continue through the remaining Microsoft Office courses and encourages others not to be intimidated. Whether you're looking to pivot into a new career, sharpen existing skills, or earn credentials that help your resume stand out, Association House's technology training programs are designed to help you take that next step. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with instructor-led technology classes beginning each quarter. Self-guided certificate programs can be started at any time, allowing participants to begin learning whenever they're ready. Ready to invest in your future? Enroll today and discover how free technology training at Association House can help you build the skills—and confidence—for what's next.

Neighbors & community leaders band together to protect their neighborhood. On May 28, Association House and LUCHA joined dozens of neighbors outside Avondale Elementary School for a rally organized by Palenque LSNA. The rally called on Governor JB Pritzker to reconsider the impact of the proposed BUILD Act on affordable housing and working families in Chicago neighborhoods. Parents, educators, students, organizers, and local leaders came together to voice concerns that the legislation, as currently written, could accelerate displacement and gentrification by allowing market-rate housing developments to move forward without affordability requirements or meaningful community input. The rally highlighted the direct connection between housing stability and strong neighborhood schools. Organizers pointed to the ongoing loss of affordable housing in communities like Logan Square, which lost nearly 45 percent of its low-income households between 2013 and 2023. As families are priced out, schools lose enrollment, funding, and long-standing community ties. Speakers also emphasized the growing pressures facing working families, including threats to school funding, healthcare access, food assistance, and housing supports. Organizers called on state leaders to raise new revenue by taxing the wealthy instead of cutting resources that communities rely on to survive and thrive. Members of the Association House & LUCHA teams joined Palenque LSNA to rally for affordable housing. The event was joined by 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, who stood alongside organizers and residents advocating for policies that preserve affordable housing and protect longtime communities from displacement. Fuentes and other elected officials also pointed to the success of efforts like the Here to Stay Land Trust, which remains significantly underfunded despite its proven impact. Estella Revelorio, a parent mentor at Avondale-Logandale School, criticized the BUILD proposal, arguing it would accelerate displacement in Latino communities. “This bill would allow developers to build more luxury housing while taking away local control,” Revelorio said. “That will raise rents and push more families out.” She also spoke about the impact displacement has on children and schools. “When families are displaced, children have to start over again and again,” she said. “Schools suffer when enrollment drops. We urge Governor Pritzker to listen to Latino families.” Mia Carbajal of the Here to Stay Community Land Trust said communities are already creating solutions through local organizing, community land trusts, and affordable housing developments like Encuentro Square. “The housing crisis is real, and we do need more housing,” Carbajal said. “But deregulation alone will not solve this crisis.” “Housing policy should not only ask how much housing we build,” she added. “It should ask who gets to live in the housing we build.” Pilsen Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez warned that the BUILD proposal could increase gentrification in working-class neighborhoods across Chicago. “People are tired of being priced out of their communities,” Sigcho-Lopez said. “Talking about density without affordability will only lead to more displacement.” Speakers ended the rally by calling for housing solutions rooted in racial equity, affordability, and community control, not policies they say prioritize developers over longtime residents. ■

Association House and LUCHA are excited to announce the search for its next Co-Executive Director (Community Development). As we begin this new chapter, we want to celebrate the extraordinary leadership and lasting impact of Lincoln Stannard, who will be transitioning out of the role after nine years of dedicated service. Since joining the organization, Lincoln has helped drive community-led affordable housing across Chicago’s West Side. In close partnership with residents, community leaders, elected officials, and development partners, he advanced transformative projects like Tierra Linda and Encuentro Square Phase I and grew LUCHA’s development pipeline into the largest in the organization’s history. “Lincoln’s commitment to the community, leadership, and vision for affordable housing have left a lasting impact on the families LUCHA serves,” said Juan Carlos Linares, Board President. “We are incredibly grateful for his partnership and are excited to build on the strong foundation he helped create.” As Association House and LUCHA honor Lincoln’s contributions, the organization is also looking toward an exciting future. Major projects including La Herencia and Phase II of Encuentro Square are currently underway, continuing LUCHA’s mission of expanding affordable housing and strengthening community investment across Chicago. “This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to join LUCHA at a pivotal moment and help shape the future of equitable housing and community investment in Chicago,” said Lillian Bui, Co-Executive Director (Strategic Initiatives). “We look forward to welcoming a partner who will build on Lincoln’s legacy and help lead the organization into its next era of impact.” LUCHA’s Co-Executive Director model remains in place, grounded in shared leadership and complementary focus areas that strengthen sustainability and long-term success. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven, collaborative professional with experience in affordable housing development or finance and a deep commitment to housing justice and equitable neighborhoods. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with priority consideration given to applications submitted by June 21, 2026. To learn more about the position, qualifications, and application process, please visit the job listing at the link below.

When asked where she sees herself in ten years, 17-year-old Sheri responds with the clarity of a fortune teller: "By then, I'll be in my third year of being a lawyer, working for a big-time corporation—on my way to being a millionaire. By the time I'm 30, I'm gonna be raising kids." Her confidence is infectious: when she believes in something—especially herself—you believe it too. But there was a time when the future didn't seem as certain. At 14, Sheri turned her straight A's into admission to Lane Tech, one of Chicago's most prestigious and selective high schools. As a freshman, she was thriving and her ambitious personality was already starting to blossom. In addition to her studies, she ran an online business selling decorated phone cases that quickly took over the hallways at Lane. But during that same year, her life was flipped on its head. She lost her father, and was forced to enter the Chicago foster care system. A sudden move landed her at a new school in an unfamiliar neighborhood—one she says lacked the academic support and social climate that had allowed her to succeed. "It was such a crazy period in my life. I really hit rock bottom," she says. "I thought I was doomed. Things can be going so well one minute, and then it can all fall apart. It really humbled me." The sudden destabilization shook her faith in herself, and it started to affect things she had always taken for granted. Her dedication to school took a backseat to partying, an escape during a dark period. Her grades slipped, and before she knew it, she was no longer on track to graduate on time. School administrators recommended Saturday school. "I never imagined I would be in that position. I'd always had the highest academic honors in school. But I was just so drained," Sheri says. She credits her U.S History teacher at that time with seeing her potential beyond her grades. At a critical point, he encouraged her to make the transfer to Association House's alternative high school. "He could tell I wasn't getting what I needed at that school," Sheri told us. "I'd always loved history and I just trusted him. It had come to a point where it was either drop out or keep going. But he sparked that confidence I have in me. I was like, 'No, girl. You've gotta win.'" Sheri accepts a certificate of honors from Jahmal Cole of My Block, My Hood, My City after speaking on a panel about urban youth issues. Just a few years later, Sheri is getting ready to deliver a speech to her classmates as the 2026 valedictorian at AHHS. She's been accepted at 46 different colleges and universities, but has committed to two years at Northeastern Illinois before closing out a Bachelor's in Finance at Urbana-Champaign. (She tells us it's a strategic move: she wants the college experience, but doesn't want to go straight to a "party school.") Even more impressive? With a scholarship from DCFS, and additional tuition reimbursement from her part-time job at Chipotle, she's going with a full ride. In the leadup, she has a summer internship with the Chicago Transit Authority legal team. Sheri & Ms. Lyle, one of her many mentors at AHHS. Association House High School was the key for her. The one-on-one support she received during class, along with post-secondary mentorship, reignited the passion she had for school. She appreciated how AHHS allowed her to construct her course schedule based on her genuine interests, and dedicated class time to set her up for success after graduation with workforce training courses & internship opportunities. Her teachers Ms. Sabrina and Mr. Noack inspired her to take her dream of being a lawyer seriously again. "I want to break the stigma that alternative high school is not a "real" high school. People should understand that coming to a school like this means the work isn't gonna be there. Trust me, the work is there," she told us, eyes very wide with the memory of late nights spent doing homework. During her time with Association House, Sheri took matters into her own hands to break that exact stigma. As part of her marketing internship with the Development team at Association House, she led a photoshoot with her classmates' self-organized basketball team, taking high-quality portraits of each player to get students excited about the season on social media. They came in handy when the team made it to the Alternative Schools Network league playoffs. Sheri took the initiative to take student athlete portraits for her school, bringing excitement and a sense of professionalism to its newly formed basketball team. With graduation in sight, Sheri is on a mission to keep challenging expectations. As a young trans woman, it's not lost on her that she's graduating at the top of her class during pride month at a historically contentious time for LGBTQ rights. She's looking forward to shouting out trans rights leader Marsha P. Johnson during her graduation speech. "I've known who I was for a long time. I came out when I was 10 years old. But when I was first starting my transition it was a different time. Things have gotten so dark," she told us. "But my thing is, I'm never going to sit around defending my identity to anybody. If you're mad, stay mad. You think I'm not going to make it because I'm a black trans girl? It's annoying to you to watch me win?" With her trademark glint in her eye, she shrugs and says: "Deal with it. That's how it's going to be." ■

Sinai & her son Emmanuel share a hug at her culinary graduation ceremony. Emmanuel, 3, is a pretty famous kid at Association House. He’s one of the most familiar faces in the building—always smiling, always in motion, waving to staff and participants wherever he goes. Every Halloween, he’s reliably in the running for best dressed. He’s been part of our community for nearly his whole life. While his mom, Sinai, worked toward her high school diploma just a few floors up, Emmanuel spent his days in a place filled with care, structure, and play—growing up alongside the very people that were helping shape his future. Sinai's journey with education had a tough start. A high school freshman at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, she felt little motivation to take school seriously while it was entirely virtual: she soon dropped out. Emmanuel came just a few short years later, and Sinai found her priorities had changed overnight-- she wanted to give her son everything he deserved . "I had no credits at all from school. I was starting from nothing and I was 17. But when I heard about Association House High School it seemed like I could get it done ," she shared. What made the difference was Association House High School's Family Literacy Program (FLP)-- which provided all-day child care for Emmanuel starting from when he was only 6 months old. For Sinai, our high school's flexible schedule , reduced credit requirement , and extended graduation timeline was indispensable-- but she says the people she met in the building made an even greater difference. "All the teachers really got to know my son, and they understood how important he was. They all call him papi . At a regular school, you'd never get to have your kid around. I'm the type of mom who wouldn't want my kids to be around anyone else but me-- I just trust everyone here," Sinai said. With the peace of mind that her son was in good hands, she was able to focus on her education and secure her diploma this past June-- but FLP also allowed her to have quality parent-child time during her hectic schedule. "All of the kids & moms went to a pumpkin patch together, a kids' museum , we'd take the babies on a walk around the neighborhood," she said. "It felt so good to graduate, but honestly, I knew right away I was going to miss it. I can talk to everyone there about anything. " Sinai and Emmanuel (left) with the other families in FLP at Goebbert's Farm and Pumpkin Patch. After graduation, Sinai wasn't the only one who missed the House . Emmanuel moved on to a new daycare program in the months that followed, but it proved to be a difficult transition. "He told me, 'No, I don't like it here. Take me to my school.' I felt so bad for him because we couldn't go back, so I talked to Ms. Greene, my son's teacher in FLP-- and she told me about the culinary program." Sinai always had an affinity for cooking, sharing a passion for Puerto Rican & soul food, but the Culinary Career Training program at Association House seemed like an exciting way to take it to the next level. Plus, FLP was available to students of the career training programs too, just like it had been in high school . Emmanuel was thrilled to be back. Emmanuel was very impressed with his mom during graduation! For 9 weeks, Sinai learned the ins and outs of new cuisines , kitchen safety , and job search skills for a career in food & hospitality. She credits her outgoing classmates, and the expertise of her instructor, Chef Tenoch Ang, with motivating her throughout the course. "Honestly, everything we did was my favorite part," she said. "When I was still in the high school, I'd smell what the culinary students were cooking in the hallways and be like, that smells sooo good. I was so excited when I got in there." Now, after graduating from the culinary program, Sinai's on the hunt for her first job in the industry, and on the hunt for a new daycare for Emmanuel that can compete with his FLP family. "I'd love to work at a hospital as a chef," she told us, with excitement and confidence in her voice. "Or maybe in a hotel? Whatever picks you, that's what it is. It takes time, but the right thing will come. " In the background of our call, Emmanuel’s laughter carried through the room—as bright and unmistakable as ever. ■ -- Learn more about enrolling at Association House High School here , and get details about the Family Literacy Program .

It's time! Join us for an unforgettable evening at Faces of Hope  on June 11, 2026, at Lacuna Lofts.  Together, we will celebrate Association House and the people who power our mission to advance each person's full participation in the life of their family, community and society. Together, we’re creating pathways to better health, education, economic opportunity, and expanding access to affordable housing through our partnership with LUCHA. Be part of the celebration and secure your spot today! Early Bird tickets are available through April 30. Plus, advance raffle ticket purchases for our Miami Getaway Prize Package are on sale today too! Escape to white sandy beaches with a stay at the McAlpin Hotel—a Hilton Grand Vacations resort. Enjoy up to five nights for up to four guests, perfectly located on iconic Ocean Drive in Miami Beach’s world-renowned Art Deco District. With only 100 chances to win , don’t miss out. Secure your entry today— $100 for one ticket or boost your odds with three tickets for $250 . See you this June for another epic night! Get all the details at associationhouse.org/facesofhope .

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?

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 .

Friends of the Auxiliary Board & Association House staff showed up to Midwest Coast Brewing Co. to celebrate & support our high school. Last Wednesday, the Auxiliary Board threw a Trivia Night to remember, uniting young professionals from across Chicago for an inspiring cause: the amazing students of Association House High School! 70 board members, staff, friends and loved ones raised a record-setting $10,430 in a single night , enough for an entire school year of free childcare for one of our student parents, or essential classroom books and supplies for 200 students. The impact a donation like this makes can't be overstated: students at AHHS will have the flexibility and support needed to really thrive while they pursue an education. At the party, trivia teams duked it out over 4 heated rounds on movies, history, math, sports and more; plus, enjoyed locally crafted beers from Midwest Coast's brewery in the West Loop. At the end of the night, our grand prize winners took home the ultimate movie lovers' gift basket : an HD film projector and screen, cozy blankets & socks, a DoorDash gift card, and classic movie snacks. But more than our trivia champions went home winners. We raffled off a $300 Fleet Feet gift card with awesome Nike swag, trips to some of Chicago's coolest theaters, and a luxurious spa day for two. This year's Trivia Night was the grand finale of Association House's spring fundraising campaign for our high schoolers, one last push toward our $15,000 goal. And our giving community absolutely blew us away with their generosity: by the end of trivia night, we raised an incredible $18,269 in direct support of AHHS. Even more amazing? Over $2,000 of that total was raised in just 8 minutes after a rousing speech from our high school's Culture & Climate coordinator Jemina Lyle. The compassion and care in the room was infectious! We couldn't be more proud to have such an amazing crew of supporters-- thank you for your help transforming lives with us again this year! ▪ Get involved with the Auxiliary Board this year and help make a difference all year round! Learn more at associationhouse.org/auxiliary-board .

Joe's new home at LUCHA's Humboldt Park Residence was hard-earned. After an accident that left Joe with a long-term physical disability, he was faced with a tough reality: he had to relearn what independence looked like. Life had brought him to Texas for much of his adulthood, but he was born in Chicago. As his condition gradually demanded more and more of his time, family encouraged him to return home-- but even with the added help, it wasn't quite enough. The unpredictability of his health landed him in and out of the hospital for months. The stress of managing his own care in an unfamiliar place became too much. During one of his hospital visits-- when a nursing home representative offered him a room-- he saw no choice but to accept. But at the nursing home, Joe quickly realized that his life had come to a halt. He felt that the system cared more about keeping him there than who he was as a person, trying to get back to the life he loved. As he described it: “you’re given a TV, fed three times a day, and that’s it. It was like a tomb to me. People just coming in to wait to die.” He watched friends grow weaker and pass away, or simply lose their spark for life. In these moments, Joe knew he deserved more. Joe told us he began carrying out his own research– learning about programs that could help, calling the city, and dodging scams that targeted people in his situation. “People would come in offering you free cellphone service to call family or something like that,” he shared. “They’d do it to get your social security number and never come back.” He prayed for a breakthrough– and it came when he finally connected with a representative from Association House's nursing home transition program. From that moment, he knew it was the opportunity he had been waiting for. Through the support of Association House, who helped cut through the seemingly endless red tape at the nursing home, Joe was able to finally leave restrictive care and move into his own apartment. Staff members, including his case manager, Sandra, played a meaningful role in his journey by showing genuine care, helping him navigate the process, and assisting in furnishing his new space. For the first time in a long time, Joe felt seen, supported, and guided in the right direction. Joe ultimately moved into a LUCHA property– an affordable housing partner with Association House–and in his new home, he regained something deeper than a place to live. He regained his peace and freedom. He shared: “It was a blessing… once I experienced the change in the environment from where I came, it made everything that much more precious.” With a healing environment around him, Joe was able to reconnect with himself, rediscovering lost interests, and sharing his light with neighbors. "I'm not bragging on myself, I'm just that kind of individual," he said with a smile. "I get along with people, I treat them how I'd want them to treat me. The whole building loves me!" His more independent schedule allowed him to focus on rebuilding his physical strength, taking walks daily to get in shape and qualify for a hip surgery he's eager for to improve his mobility. He's quickly became known as a friendly and welcoming presence in his building, growing relationships, and participating in activities that created a profound sense of belonging. Having access to affordable housing through this partnership has not only allowed Joe to meet his essential needs, but also given him a new level of financial freedom and stability. "The bonus is that I have the opportunity to have more than just what I need," he said. "I can have what I want. That's a huge difference." Today, Joe values his independence, his privacy, and the ability to live life on his own terms, something he fought to reclaim. His journey reflects resilience, the courage to choose himself, and the strength to break out of a system that no longer served him. At the end of our conversation, Joe left us with some inspiring words of appreciation and motivation: “Without Association House, I don’t know where I would be. With the nursing home, the longer you stay there, the more you get comfortable. You have to make sure you never stop asking yourself: what do I want for my life?” ■

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