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The holidays are here — and that means it’s time to make magic happen for every child in our care. Will you help bring a smile to a child’s face this season? This winter, Association House hopes to share holiday cheer with nearly 500 children and their families  through our Foster Care and Intact Family programs. These parents work tirelessly to provide safe, loving homes — but for many, the holidays can stretch budgets too thin to include those extra-special gifts. Your generosity helps make sure every child experiences the joy and wonder of the season. Whether you donate a toy , organize a collection , or help spread the word , your support brings happiness and hope to kids who need it most. You can donate to support our children’s holiday activities, or choose toys and gifts directly from our Amazon wishlist. Every item ships straight to Association House, where volunteers wrap each present with care before it’s delivered to a child we serve. Thank you for making the holidays brighter for families across our community. Because of you, the magic keeps going! Want to make an even bigger impact? Share our message with your friends, family, and coworkers. Or, host a toy drive of your own! Download our toolkit below to plan your drive.

This week is Digital Inclusion Week: a nationwide event to fight for fair access to technology and the Internet as our world continues to move online. The House has a decades-long history of free computer courses to keep our community ready for changing job requirements and able to stay connected with their loved ones. Today, the House's tech classes help more people than ever by offering a dynamic lineup of courses to build skills no matter your skill level. Our Digital Skills 4 Life class offers the basics for personal computers and smartphones, from email to safe browsing. Microsoft Office Skills gives intermediate users in-depth knowledge of Word, Excel, and more: a huge boost for anyone seeking work in data management or office support. Senior Planet gives students over age 60 the chance to learn alongside their peers in a judgement-free zone-- not only for basic computer skills, but for websites and apps they're personally interested in, from Zoom to Pinterest. AI Essentials is a crash course in smart prompting and responsible use of technology that's changing our world and workforce more every day. These classes couldn't succeed without the help of our amazing tech staff-- instructors and motivators who guide our students through moments of struggle and lead them to success. For Digital Inclusion Week, we're putting the spotlight on them to celebrate the amazing work they do for our community! Meet the Tech Team! Hind Elbanna Associate Workforce Development Program Director What's your role in the computer lab? I oversee Technology Training and lab operations, scheduling and launching all of our classes. I support all our instructors and track our work with our students to make sure we're organized and efficient, and that our students can find success. Favorite part about working with our tech classes? Seeing confidence grow is the best part - when a learner builds a résumé or lands a job thanks to new skills. It’s especially rewarding when participants complete our programs truly tech-savvy, with industry-recognized certificates to show for it. Why do you think teaching technology is important? Technology skills open doors—to jobs, online services, banking, healthcare, education, and community. Our classes reduce the digital divide and give people the tools to be independent, safe, and confident online. What do you enjoy outside of work? Spending time with my family, cooking (especially Middle Eastern dishes), exploring Chicago neighborhoods, watching movies, relaxing, and traveling! Casey Moulton Digital Navigator What's your role in the computer lab? I teach Digital Skills 4 Life, and various workshops for Senior Planet. I also teach a remote class in the evenings for Microsoft Office learners. Favorite part about working with our tech classes? I find that being able to work with our community to discuss topics in tech access, and to rally our participants in embracing their individual agency over information, communication, and resource-acquisition has been extremely rewarding. Why do you think teaching technology is important? At this point in history, we face rapid technical advancements that promise connection and progress, yet many in our community are left behind without access to the internet, computers, or the time to learn them. For those from analog generations or homes without computers, dependence on digital literacy feels alienating. Our programs meaningfully improve access and opportunity. Without digital skills, people are limited in healthcare, food, and employment—unable to find doctors, buy affordable groceries, or apply for jobs that now exist almost entirely online. Access to technology and education bridges this gap, offering a path to survival for those willing to learn. These classes help participants gain agency and learn how to use technology to access essential resources at little to no cost. They are free and open to all, offering training in email etiquette, professional certifications, and a supportive learning environment that reminds participants they are not alone in navigating the digital world. What do you enjoy outside of work? I like to garden, kayak, hike, and dabble in performance. My background is in performing arts; so, I enjoy going to see theatre and improv around Chicago! Dean Martin Career Navigator What's your role in the computer lab? My role is focused on employment preparation and placement. I work with the NextJob program to help participants build resumes, write cover letters, prepare for interviews—including mock interviews—and assist with their job search. Favorite part about working with our tech classes? The best part is when participants land a job and come back excited to share the news—‘Mr. Martin, I got the job!’ That moment is always rewarding. Why do you think teaching technology is important? Technology is constantly evolving, and many participants face barriers to employment due to limited tech skills. Our program bridges that gap by teaching them how to use technology for job searching, online interviews, and more—especially helping middle-aged and senior participants keep up. What do you enjoy outside of work? I enjoy going to the gym, working in the yard, and staying active. Diana Guzman Intake & Data Specialist What's your role in the computer lab? My role involves supporting the Workforce Development Program and overseeing the Google AI Essentials Program. I help compile necessary files and ensure participants have access to the resources they need—whether it's tech-related support or assistance with housing. I also collaborate across tech programs, offering help to students from other classes when needed, and work to make their day-to-day experience smoother. Favorite part about working with our tech classes? The most rewarding part is helping participants complete their programs. Many face life challenges that can interrupt their progress, especially with self-paced courses like Google AI Essentials. I provide reminders, flexible support—even late-night Zoom meetings—to keep them on track. Seeing their progress and receiving messages about their achievements makes the work truly fulfilling. Why do you think teaching technology is important? Teaching technology is crucial because many people lack access to free, high-quality programs. Even when available, life circumstances often prevent them from taking advantage. Our support and guidance make these opportunities feel more attainable. We help participants transition into new fields or stay current with tech trends, and we’re committed to helping them succeed—whether that means passing classes or finding employment. What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work, I enjoy crocheting, watching movies, and cooking. Lately, I’ve been exploring Mexican cuisine to reconnect with my heritage, even though I tend to cook more Asian dishes! -- Want to get involved in a technology education class at Association House? Learn more about our full lineup of programs at associationhouse.org/tech-ready .

Amiyah came to Association House High School for her diploma, but left with even more. When Amiyah walked across the stage as part of the Class of 2025 at Association House High School, she wasn’t just collecting her diploma: she was rising above the people who doubted her, and more importantly, proving to herself that she had something special to offer the world. “I remember one teacher at my old school told me I couldn't even get a job at McDonald’s,” Amiyah recalls. “Being put down like that just made me hate school.” At her previous school, she felt unsupported, behind on credits, and disconnected from her teachers. The lack of encouragement weighed on her, leaving her discouraged about her future. But when a friend told her about AHHS, Amiyah found something she had never experienced before: staff who believed in her potential, a flexible system that allowed her to catch up, and resources that supported her whole well-being. “Everything was just so different from a regular school,” she said. “They help you with everything—financially, transportation, even making sure you have food or clothes if you need it. And when you don’t understand something, they’ll take the time for one-on-one support. Everyone here encourages you to better yourself.” That culture of care allowed Amiyah to thrive. Instead of falling further behind, she got back on track and graduated on time. Along the way, she also earned her pharmacy technician license —something her counselors encouraged her to pursue and even helped fund. That certification opened the door to her first healthcare job, working as a pharmacy tech at CVS. Amiyah found support and compassion in teachers, leaders, and mentors like Ms. Hogan, Ms. Thomas, and Ms. Lyle. She points to several staff members who pushed her to aim higher: Principal Pieper, mentors like Ms. Lyle and Ms. Thomas, and Ms. Kim, whom she affectionately calls her “school mom.” “I really have a good connection with her. She still looks out for me to this day, even after graduating,” Amiyah said. “Everyone I’ve been involved with at this school still makes sure I’m okay. They’re like family to me.” Now, Amiyah is continuing her education at Malcolm X College, preparing to enter the nursing program. Her dream? To become a NICU nurse, caring for premature infants and their families. The dream is personal. “I was born premature myself,” she explained. “And I’m also the oldest of all my siblings, so I’ve always had that caretaker role. I want to make a true statement for them, to show them that if their big sister can do it, so can they. I want my sisters to see that we can be somebody. ” Faces lit up all over the AHHS hallways when Amiyah visited for this interview! Looking back, she sees AHHS as the turning point in her journey. “ When I first came here, I was just wild. Being here calmed me down tremendously, and I really got to focus on my goals. At first, I doubted myself, but they really spoke life into me and made me believe I could do it. And I did.” Her advice to future students thinking about AHHS is simple: “Do it. Ask questions. Take advantage of everything they offer. Don’t give up. Keep showing up. The staff here will make sure you succeed.” At Association House High School, that’s the goal: to meet students where they are, provide flexibility and support, and help every young person discover their own path to success. For Amiyah, that path now leads to scrubs, stethoscopes, and the fragile lives in the NICU-- where she hopes to keep proving that a difficult start doesn't determine the end. ◼ -- Learn more about Association House High School at associationhouse.org/high-school . Interested in enrolling? Speak with an admissions counselor by completing an interest form.

This past month, Association House was filled with excitement, laughter, and community pride as families gathered for our annual Back 2 School Fair . With sunshine overhead and music in the air, nearly 600 attendees  joined us for a day dedicated to preparing students for a strong start to the new school year. From free medical physicals and immunizations to connections with 30 community organizations , families had the chance to access valuable resources all in one place. These partnerships ensured that students not only walked away ready to learn but also healthier and supported by a network of services. One of the highlights of the day was seeing the joy on children’s faces as they received one of 300 backpacks  filled with school supplies. For many families, this support is a crucial step in starting the school year equipped and confident. To top it off, our raffle sent seven lucky winners home with brand-new bikes and two others with scooters—thanks to the generosity of our community supporters. And because no fair is complete without a little magic, kids were dazzled by a special bubble and balloon show , where colorful creations and giant floating bubbles brought wide-eyed wonder to young and old alike! The success of the Back 2 School Fair was only possible thanks to the dedication of countless volunteers, staff, and partners. From the Community Health and Facilities teams  to Life Skills Education, Development, and Leadership, along with every individual and organization who donated supplies or lent a helping hand—we are deeply grateful. This event was more than just a fair; it was a celebration of what’s possible when our community comes together! With backpacks full, spirits high, and bubbles in the air, we were reminded of the power of unity and the joy of supporting our students as they step into a new school year. -- Learn more about Community Health at Association House here.

It's that time of year again! Get ready for our annual farewell-to-summer celebration, the Auxiliary Board Summer Soiree, returning to El Cid in Logan Square for another year of connection, culture, and community impact. On Wednesday, September 17 from 6-8 PM, join us to discover how Association House can help you grow your career and give back to your neighborhood at the same time. Your ticket gets you access to our thirst-quenching open margarita bar , delicious Latin shared plates , and a group salsa dance lesson from Lisa La Boriqua. Hosted by our Auxiliary Board of young professionals working in finance, technology, community development and more, the Soiree is a great chance to learn about how getting involved with Association House can take your career to the next level. Bring a friend from work for a cocktail and a chat with one of our Aux Board members about what their involvement has added to their skill set-- and about the change they've created and witnessed firsthand! Tickets are on sale now at the link below, but act fast to secure $50 Early Bird pricing before the increase on September 10! Don't miss out on this chance to connect with motivated changemakers in your community and take your first steps into incorporating charity into your professional journey. 🎉 SUMMER SOIREE 2025 ☀️ 📅 Wednesday, September 17, 2025 🏠 El Cid - 2645 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago ⏰ 6 PM - 8 PM

We hit the dancefloor with Lisa La Boriqua at this year's Summer Soiree. Our network of young professionals just proved to their city how much they care. At this year's Summer Soiree-- our annual networking and fundraising party-- the Association House Auxiliary Board and their guests raised $7,700 in direct support of our programs . In this unprecedented time of federal budget cuts and limited grant availability, this support is truly transformative. The end-of-summer bash at El Cid in Logan Square was the perfect place to celebrate what makes Chicago special, and to get into the spirit of giving back. Our Aux Board served delicious frozen margaritas and ice-cold cervezas, along with delicious Mexican passed plates for our packed house of over 50 guests! The patio at El Cid was bursting with energy! Once everyone had their fill, we hit the dancefloor with salsa instructor Lisa La Boriqua , learning the basic steps first before grabbing a partner and turning up the heat! Meanwhile, the competition was fierce at the raffle table: our guests battled it out for Blackhawks tickets, an evening of dinner & drinks at El Cid, Court Theater tickets , and more. Along the way, we heard motivating words from Aux Board Chairman Kendal Garrett, and Association House's Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Lillian Bui : who retold the inspiring story of Amiyah , one of our amazing high school grads, and spoke to the resilient spirit of the House. "In this world of labels, we see the real person-- the whole person. And we walk alongside them to help them achieve anything they can dream of. Our culture is stronger than any caricature of a person overcoming addiction, or fighting to reunite their family." These words went a long way. By the end of the night, our guests had collectively shattered our fundraising goal for the night by purchasing nearly double the number of raffle tickets from the year before . New friendships were formed, key professional connections were made, and the spirit of generosity in the air was palpable. We're so proud to have such a vibrant community of Chicago professionals who are so dedicated to seeing their city heal and grow. The Summer Soiree is just one way we work to give back-- but if the results are any indication, we have a bright new year to look forward to. A special shout-out to our Auxiliary Board for their hard work in organizing and spreading the word. Interested in joining the Auxiliary Board at Association House? Learn more at associationhouse.org/auxiliary-board .

McDonald's Corporate volunteers unwind after a long day's work beautifying our Dulcinea garden. On September 25, 2025, Association House came alive with the sights, sounds, and energy of McDonald’s Volunteer Day. More than 65 McDonald’s corporate volunteers spent the day with us, not only rolling up their sleeves to transform our spaces, but also connecting with participants and celebrating the vibrant community we’re proud to serve. The morning began with a burst of culture and color in the Thomas Lot, where volunteers set the stage for our Hispanic Heritage Celebration. They decorated the space, helped families settle in, and kept the fun flowing with table games and snacks. As music and dance filled the air, volunteers joined cheered on our Life Skills Education dancers , making sure everyone felt seen and celebrated. And when the celebration paused for lunch, another McDonald’s team was already hard at work. From chopping fruit to grilling burgers and hot dogs, the food crew kept more than 200 people fueled throughout the day —complete with a special delivery of lunch to our Dulcinea residence. Our volunteers brought life and color to both our main building and our Dulcinea group living property. Soon after, other teams spread across our campus to bring new life to our spaces. Upstairs, the waiting rooms for our Behavioral Health programs were transformed with fresh paint, brand-new furniture, and framed participant quotes that now line the walls in a gallery of encouragement. In Holt Hall, another group of volunteers sat shoulder-to-shoulder with Drop-in Center and CCMTP participants for a guided painting activity. Canvases filled with color while conversations blossomed—an afternoon of art that reminded us that building community can be as simple as sharing a table and a story. Elsewhere, volunteers refreshed some of our most important family spaces. Our Child Welfare visitation room was given new warmth with cheerful artwork, toys, and freshly assembled furniture. The once-plain back hallway on our first floor became a vibrant corridor of community pride, with a colorful design splashed across the walls, new food pantry tables installed, and even a mounted TV to brighten the space. The brand-new Sadauskas Sensory Garden now welcomes visitors to our main building. Meanwhile, at our Dulcinea residence, volunteers headed outdoors for a full-scale beautification effort— scraping and repainting, assembling furniture, clearing brush, and planting hostas to create a more welcoming environment for residents and their families. And in an exciting change at our main building, another team carefully built raised garden beds and landscaped pathways to create the new Sadauskas Sensory Garden , a peaceful oasis filled with flowers and greenery where participants can pause, reflect, and recharge. The space is in honor of Harriet Sadauskas , our former President and CEO who dedicated 47 years of service to the House. Over 65 volunteers joined us for a day of profound transformation. By the end of the day, Association House was totally transformed—reflecting the spirit of the work within. The dedication of McDonald’s volunteers left a mark far deeper than fresh paint or new furniture. They reminded our participants that they are cared for, that their spaces matter, and that their community extends far beyond our walls. To every McDonald’s volunteer who joined us this year: thank you. You brought joy, beauty, and connection to every project, and we are so grateful for your partnership. Together, you didn’t just transform our campus— you uplifted our entire community. ■ -- Learn more about Volunteer work at Association House here . Read more about McDonald's Corporate's community impact here.

Are you dreaming of owning a home but unsure where to start? In partnership with PNC, LUCHA is here to guide you through the process with a free, in-person workshop designed to empower and educate aspiring homeowners. Join us on Saturday, September 27  from 10 AM to 2 PM  at the National Museum of Mexican Art  (1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL) for the Affordable Homebuying Roadshow . This interactive event brings together a team of trusted professionals—including lenders, realtors, attorneys, and home inspectors—to walk you through every step of the homebuying journey. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or actively preparing to buy, this workshop is packed with valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. You'll learn about financing options, inspections, the closing process, and more. Plus, attendees will earn credit toward required housing counseling hours—a great added benefit for first-time buyers. Lunch will be provided , and space is limited, so early registration is highly encouraged. To reserve your spot, register by September 13 at 10 PM . 🏡 LUCHA Affordable Homebuying Roadshow Powered by PNC 📍 National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025 ⏰ 10AM–2PM Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the tools and knowledge you need to become a homeowner. LUCHA is proud to stand alongside our communities—and with the support of PNC, we’re making the path to homeownership more accessible than ever.

Our annual end-of-summer bash is just around the corner! Set your family up for the best school year yet with Association House on Saturday, August 2 from 9 AM - 1 PM. We'll be celebrating all day long at 1116 N Kedzie! Get ready for a back-to-school boost! We’ll be handing out backpacks, school supplies, and physical exams to help students start the year strong. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Care Van will be rolling in with pediatric vaccines, and parents can check out all the great programs Association House has to offer—from career training to our alternative high school. Our partners from all over Chicago will be joining in the fun too, sharing free resources for housing, literacy, legal support and more. Check out this year's full list of community partner guests here. This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. School supplies, backpacks, and vaccines will be distributed while supplies last! Have school supplies to donate? Purchase directly through our Amazon Wishlist  or get in touch at development@associationhouse.org  for help with a donation drop-off. An extra special shout-out to our friends at Comcast for making this event possible for another year. See you at the party! -- Learn more at associationhouse.org/back-2-school .

In Michael’s world, good food is the language of love . Since childhood, the kitchen has been his escape, spending countless mornings trying to create the perfect breakfast for his four siblings and dozens of cousins. But it had always been a private passion– never something he’d considered doing professionally. That was until life threw him a curveball that brought him to Association House. When he first walked through our doors, it wasn’t by choice—it was a court mandate. Facing a custody battle and ordered to complete a substance use program, he arrived guarded and skeptical.  “At first, I was just there to meet the court’s requirements,” Michael recalls. “But as I listened to other people’s stories and opened up to the process, I realized I could actually benefit from it. I used to be a hothead, but the program taught me how to think differently, how to cope, and how to be open to suggestions instead of reacting right away. It really helped me become more rational and trusting.” Inspired by a room full of people willing to be vulnerable, sharing stories and triggers, and learning how to support each other, Michael discovered a new mindset that opened him up to opportunities he’d never considered before. He credits his counselor, Adriana Rivera, with helping him stay on track and believe in his future. “She helped me more times than I can count —bus passes, court paperwork, random drug testing, even just letting me come in and be around people. She never turned me away.” Before long, Michael had graduated from Visions, our substance use program, and was looking for a next step. After spending so much time in our building, he’d taken notice of flyers for our culinary training program.  Michael and Adriana, his Visions counselor. “Cooking has always been my thing. It puts me in a zone where I can just tune everything out and just be myself. No judgement, just me and what’s in front of me. I’m just a completely different person.” With a shining endorsement from his supporters in Visions, Michael’s application to the culinary program was accepted. On his first day in our kitchen, Michael says it felt like this chapter of his life had been a long time coming. “It hit me right away. I thought instantly: I could do this for a very long time.” Over the 9 week course, Michael expanded his flavor palette, picked up pro-grade skills, and felt inspired to get adventurous in the kitchen again. In one of the culinary program’s classic competitions, students were tasked with creating unique sushi roll recipes and presenting them for judging to staff and participants at the House. After the scores were tallied, Michael – who’d never been much of a sushi guy– scored first place. Experimenting with Asian flavors inspired him, and an exciting new idea was born. Chef Ang and Michael catch up over sofrito steaks. After graduation, Michael began the process of opening his very own food truck: Gordo & Sons , a Latin-Asian fusion pitstop serving unique delights like morcilla nachos and sofrito steak-and-egg spring rolls . The “sons” in the name are his six: a way to honor his commitment to his family, which is also about to transform.  “I feel like 2025 is my year. I’ve been engaged for quite some time and I’m getting ready to finally get married this year. My kids love what I do, my wife loves what I do– obviously, ‘cause she doesn’t have to cook!” he says with a laugh. “My kids are my toughest critics . They have no problem letting me know when they don’t like something.” As he prepares for these transformations, the House has remained a part of his life. During his visit for this interview, faces lit up all over the building as Michael moved through the halls. He still checks in with his Visions counselors to share his successes and his excitement about his sons’ grades and sports achievements.  Michael and Chef Ang prep one of Michael's new recipes. He maintains a relationship with Chef Tenoch Ang, the leader of our culinary class, who Michael describes as “a genuine soul who was so generous with his personal life as he taught us.” Each summer, Michael and his boys join in our Back 2 School Fair for free backpacks and school supplies, along with a live bubble show. “Even last year when we got rained on a little bit, my kids didn’t care. The bubble guy put one of my kids’ whole bodies inside a huge bubble and it was the highlight of his day,” Michael shared with a smile. While Michael cooked up some of his food truck’s star items for Chef Ang and his other culinary mentors, he got serious for the first time after a morning of catching up and wisecracking. During Michael's interview, leaders from Sysco stopped in to award the Culinary program with a gift to continue its essential job training work. “I’m gonna get kind of personal real quick. I was a person that thought no one was able to help me. I thought I was alone in a lot of aspects of my life until I started coming here,” Michael told us. “People avoid reaching out because they think people will point their fingers and laugh. It’s not like that here: people treat you like family. Reach out, because this place saved my life. It’s the best decision I’ve made. ” ▪ -- Discover more about the programs that transformed Michael's life. Visions Substance Use | Culinary Careers Training | Back 2 School Fair

Jequan closed on a home for his family in May 2025. Jequan came to LUCHA on a mission: to buy his first home before he turned 30. For him, it wasn’t just about signing papers or crossing a milestone. It was about giving his wife and two young daughters a place they could finally call their own—a place where birthdays, first steps, and family dinners would belong to them, not to a landlord. But the dream felt daunting. In 2024, the median age for first-time homebuyers was nearly a decade older than Jequan , and the weight of that statistic wasn’t lost on him. How could he, a young father still juggling bills and responsibilities, beat the odds? Still, he carried with him a determination rooted in love: he wanted his girls to grow up with stability, in a home where their futures felt secure. That determination led him to LUCHA in 2023. A friend had told him about our first-time homebuyer workshops, and though he wasn’t sure what to expect, Jequan signed up. Sitting in the classroom, he began to see the path forward more clearly: from understanding mortgages and negotiating with realtors, to tapping into financial relief programs that could bring a home within reach. By the end of the class, Jequan realized he wasn’t as close to buying as he had hoped. His credit needed work. His confidence needed strengthening. But instead of giving up, he leaned in —and turned to LUCHA for one-on-one counseling. LUCHA holds free certification workshops for prospective homebuyers twice a month. That’s when he met Guille, the counselor who would become his guide and his anchor through the ups and downs of the process. “Honestly, she was like a mother that guided me , ” Jequan said. “Anytime I had questions or was confused, she was just a phone call away. She’s the best person to have in a time crunch like that—she’ll explain everything and really make time for you. ” While he had enough money saved for a down payment, his time in homebuyer counseling showed him how much stronger his negotiating position would be with an improved credit score and additional certifications. Based on the financial plan Jequan designed with LUCHA, within a year, he was ready to start his search in earnest. "When I took that first class, the scariest thing was taking on such a big loan-- over a quarter million dollars in my own name is a serious risk . But over that next year, I got myself together and knew I had to take it. I thought to myself: if I fail, I fail. But luckily, LUCHA didn't let me fail." With ongoing guidance, he started touring homes in his price range, and soon fell in love with a classic Chicago bungalow in Washington Heights: a 6-bed, 2-bath beauty that was the perfect fit for his family. Jequan and his family are happily settled into their new place in Washington Heights. It was out of the range of the loan he'd been pre-approved for by over $50,000 -- but with his new knowledge of the system, he felt confident he could close the gap to secure the perfect place. Jequan told us that knowing every person's role in the homebuying process made it possible for him to act quickly and wisely. He contacted his mortgage lender directly and asked for the increase. On the strength of their working relationship, he was quickly approved. Three weeks later-- exactly one month before his 30th birthday -- he closed on the bungalow. Jequan told us that ringing in his 30th with all his friends and family in his new home was nothing short of magic. A spacious yard to host family gatherings was a big sell for Jequan. "It was a big get-together. It was so nice to show what I'd made happen for my family. I had people there who saw this little boy turn to a grown man with two daughters, a wife, and a beautiful home. It was amazing to see the smiles on everyone's faces. Now they can't stay away. Every weekend, every time there's something going on, they come to my house. " To anyone wondering if owning might be within reach, Jequan says to take the leap and see what you can make happen. “My advice to anyone starting this process: educate yourself on every part of it. Take the risk, ask questions, and use all the resources available. The more you know, the smoother it will go.” -- Want to enroll in a first-time homebuyer's workshop? Check out our calendar of upcoming classes here.

At this year's Faces of Gala, lives and livelihoods were on the line , and the entire city was feeling the pressure. Facing unprecedented federal funding pressures, Association House weathered major disruptions to key programs that keep our community thriving-- and looking to the future, even more uncertainty is on the horizon. But our community of advocates turned that pressure into motivation, and rose to meet our city's greatest challenges together. On June 12, our guests raised $230,000 in direct support of our programs. The impact of this generosity can't be overstated, and we're deeply moved to have so many committed and passionate people behind our mission. This year, we put the work of our alternative high school at center stage, honoring Youth Connections Charter School Executive Director Sheila Venson with the 2025 Spirit of Hope Award; and premiering our new short film, Worthy. Through the voices of our students and graduates, the film offers a moving glimpse into the daily transformation happening under our roof. These are just a few of the remarkable individuals finding hope, healing, and opportunity at Association House: individuals whose journeys you make possible. Our deepest thanks to everyone who came out to this year's gala, and all of our supporters who lent a hand from home. Thank you as always to our growing network of monthly givers through our Good Deeds Society , which welcomed dozens of new members at Faces of Hope 2025. If you weren't able to attend this year, you can still make an impact today on our website. Help us rise above the challenges ahead at the link below. --