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< All Staff Mrs. Maribel Ortega-Vazquez mortega@associationhouse.org Compass Mentor, Academic Advisor & Department of Student Support Services Coordinator How long have you been apart of the High School team? I have been working at AHHS for 20 years. What inspires you as a mentor? While I was a student in college I always had a mentor always show up for me, always supporting me, and always advocating for me. I want to follow in my mentors footsteps and be there for someone else. What is one fun fact about yourself? I currently love to play Pokémon. Related Content Afterschool Programs Learn More Mentoring Programs Learn More Curriculum Learn More

Are you ready to the change a life? We appreciate any and all donations, whether they be monetary, in kind, or donating your time. We can't do it without you. Ways to Give Supporters like you fuel our social impact. The success of those we serve relies on your contributions to Association House of Chicago. Find the way to give that works for you and change a life today! Give Now Your gift today will make an immediate impact on those we serve and our mission year round. Click the button below to make an online, Paypal or Venmo gift. Give Now Give Items Your gifts of toys, school supplies, and food items make a real difference for families. Learn how to go bigger with a collection drive of your own! Learn more Wills & Estate Gifts If you’ve supported Association House your whole life or you’ve always wanted to make a significant gift, a will or estate gift might be for you. Learn More Corporate Partnership Through team-building projects, in-kind drives, and event sponsorship, your corporate allyship invests in our community’s advancement. Join Us Good Deeds, Good Neighbors Through monthly giving with the 'Good Deeds Society,' you provide reliable and sustainable support to the community Association House has served for over 125 years. Give Monthly Give Through a DAF Donor-advised fund giving is made easy with our DAF Direct tool. Click through to schedule your secure DAF gift today. Learn More Vehicle Donations Why not turn your old car into cash for programs and a mission you love? Our Vehicle Donation Program makes it quick and easy! Learn more Give Stocks You can make an impact with a stock gift while minimizing your own tax liability. The form linked below will give you all you need to get started. Stocks Form Facebook Fundraiser Start a campaign today – for your birthday, wedding, or other important event – and you’ll be funding life-changing programs for children and families. Start Now Shop Our Wish List Want to directly support a program you love? Check out their wish-lists of items carefully selected by program staff to impact our community. Shop Now Foundation & Corporate Partners

Check out the list below of other trusted organizations in the area that may be able to help you find the answers to your questions. Partners At the Association House, we focus on each individual as a whole. Although our goal is to provide our community with all of the tools and resources for success, we can't possibly do it alone. Check out the list below of other trusted organizations in the area that may be able to help you find the answers to your questions. As always, our goal is to help YOU, in whatever ways possible. Housing Services Casa Central Humboldt Park - (773) 645 - 2300 Chicago Dream Center Humboldt Park - (773) 384 - 2200 La Casa Norte Humboldt Park / Logan Square - (773) 276 - 4900 Food Insecurity Breakthrough Humboldt Park / Garfield Park - (773) 772 - 1144 Chicago Dream Center Humboldt Park - (773) 779 - 9023 Chicago Hope Logan Square - (773) 499 - 9763 Health Services Erie Family Health Center West Town** - (312) 666-3494 Prime Care Health Centers Hermosa / Humboldt Park** - (773) 278-6868 Mile Square Health Center Humboldt Park** - (312) 413-7425 ** Multiple locations Domestic Violence Connections for Abused Women and their Children Humboldt Park - (773) 489-9081 Center for Advancing Domestic Peace Douglas Park - (312) 265-0206 Family Rescue Avalon Park / Jackson Park - (773) 375-1918 Legal Services Chicago Volunteer Legal Services The Loop - (312) 332-1624 Legal Aid Chicago The Loop - (312) 341-1070 Chicago Bar Foundation The Loop - (312) 554-1204 GED & Adult Education City Colleges of Chicago (Malcolm X) West Loop - (312) 850-7000 Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center Humboldt Park - (773) 489-8989 Richard J. Daley College -Arturo Velazquez Institute West Lawn - (773) 838-7500

< All Staff Ms. Sabrina Benchaabane Substitute Teacher - Psychology & Science Related Content Afterschool Programs Learn More Mentoring Programs Learn More Curriculum Learn More

If you know somebody who might benefit from one of our Workforce Development programs, fill out our form below and we will be in touch soon! Related Content Workforce Staff Learn More Financial Careers Training Learn More

< All Staff Ms. Maria Roman mroman@associationhouse.org Receptionist, Attendance Clerk How long have you worked in your field? I have worked in education for 3 years. What is your favorite part of your position? It is a place where all the staff are friendly and respectable, and the students are amazing. What is one fun fact about yourself? I really like to be creative and inspire myself with my own ideas. Related Content Afterschool Programs Learn More Mentoring Programs Learn More Curriculum Learn More

Tech#Ready helps individuals learn and develop digital skills for future jobs. We also offer beginner and advanced courses and certification through (MOS).  Tech#Ready How We Help Tech#Ready helps people develop the digital skills they need for future jobs. Participants will learn essential computer skills from experienced instructors. There are beginner and intermediate courses offered and certification opportunities with Microsoft Office Suite (MOS) available. Our Approach Association House offers two courses designed to boost digital literacy and confidence working with computers. For beginners, Digital Skills 4 Life provides the basics over 4 weeks: how to surf the web, use the many services in Google Suite, and protect yourself from online scams. For intermediate computer users, our Microsoft Office Skills course provides in-depth knowledge on the functions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. Upon completion of this course, students have a chance to receive Microsoft Office Specialist certification-- a powerful resume boost. Our AI Essentials course provides those working in the digital space with artificial intelligence skills to increase productivity and make time for the work that matters. Sign up for Senior Planet and discover the digital world with confidence! In partnership with Senior Planet , we offer engaging, hands-on courses designed for adults aged 60+. Gain essential computer skills in a welcoming, supportive environment and stay connected in today’s digital age. " Our participants can work confidently on their computers, phones, and tablets with the support of the fantastic Digital Skills For Life Program! This program helps users become tech-savvy and learn how to safeguard their gadgets and personal data against scammers." -Hind Elbanna, Program Supervisor Eligibility Completion of all program enrollment forms & assessments Ages 18+ Microsoft reports that holding a Microsoft Office Certification can earn an entry-level employee up to $16,000 more in annual salary than uncertified peers! Apply Now Digital Skills 4 Life Current Class Schedule: Tuesday/Thursday Mornings Class Format: Hybrid New cohorts begin every 3-4 weeks! Intermediate Microsoft Office Suite Program Current Class Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday Evenings Class Format: Virtual New cohorts begin every 9 weeks! Google AI Essentials Current Class Schedule: Monday and Wednesday Mornings Class Format: Virtual or Self-Guided with On-Call Instructor Support New cohorts begin every 4 weeks! Senior Planet Current Class Schedule: Monday and Wednesday Afternoons Class Format: In-Person New cohorts begin every 5 weeks! Workshops: Technology and Digital Literacy Workshops offered first Friday of every month Related Programs Financial Careers Training Learn More NextJob Learn More

Auxiliary Board Young Professionals. Extraordinary Impact. Together, Auxiliary Board members make a collective impact that changes the lives of those we serve. They volunteer, raise funds, and grow awareness in the wider community - all in support of the mission. How You Make Impact Our Auxiliary Board supports Association House's mission and community throughout the year. As a group they plan exciting fundraising events and give back through volunteering with our programs. Hosts two fundraising/networking events a year! A Trivia Night in March. And our signature Summer Soiree in September. Gives back to our families and children in Child Welfare through toy drives and a gift-wrapping event in December. Gives back to our children during the back-to-school season through in-kind school supply drives and support at our August Back 2 School Fair. How You'll Benefit Serving on the Auxiliary Board is exceptionally rewarding and comes with real benefits for young professionals looking to grow your network, skills, and impact. Network with the Board of Directors and active business & civic leaders at events Professional develop in project management, networking, and marketing as you grow as a young professional Pathway for future leadership on Association House’s governing Board of Directors Contribute to the legacy one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in Chicago Meet The Auxiliary Board Your Responsibilities Auxiliary Board members advance the mission by fulfilling the following responsibilities: Attend bi-monthly Auxiliary Board meetings Attend auxiliary fundraising and networking events Participate in volunteer opportunities Participate in committee work aligned to your interests and skills Make a personal commitment through a give/get requirement – of at least $250 Upcoming Events "To me, being a part of something bigger than me is so important and the House has helped me find that . Hearing personal stories is my favorite part of volunteering. It is great seeing individuals lift each other up and invest in themselves." - Rose, Auxiliary Board Member Our Sponsors We are deeply grateful to our 2026 event sponsors and in-kind supporters, who help make our work possible and drive our mission forward. Join Us! Young professionals are encouraged to express interest through the member application . If you have questions, please reach out to Drew, Donor Experience Manager at dwilliams@associationhouse.org. Related Content Auxiliary Board Members Learn More Auxiliary Board Application Learn More Impact Learn More

Interested in having some fun and helping the community? From ballroom evenings, to exciting trivia nights, we are sure to have the perfect event for you! Events Find an event you love, and make an impact that lasts. Auxiliary Board's Trivia Night When: Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 What: Join us for a fun, high-energy competition benefiting our high school students, with drinks, appetizers, and chances to win prizes while supporting essential student resources. Get Tickets Faces of Hope When: June 11, 2026 What: Faces of Hope is our annual fundraising gala where we celebrate the people and spirit of hope that fuel Association House's work in advancing health, education, and economic opportunity for the most vulnerable among us. For questions regarding Faces of Hope, email Abby Ellis , Associate Director of Marketing. Learn More Back 2 School Fair When: Summer 2026 What: Our Back 2 School Fair is held each year in August before kids head back to school. We promote healthy activities, connect neighborhood families with school supplies, physicals, vaccines, and resources from partner agencies. Learn More Holiday Toy Drive When: Winter 2026 What: Each year, to help out our Child Welfare Department, we host a toy drive to collect items for children and teens in Foster Care. From baby toys, to books, to puzzles and games. Gifts for all age ranges are encouraged! Help us bring a smile to a child's face this holiday season. Learn More Association House Run Team When: Year-Round! What: Join the Association House Run Team, and race for a cause! When you sign up for our run team, you’re running for yourself, your health and your neighbors. Interested in taking the first step in a year of training & triumph? Fill out an Association House Run Club Interest Form at or contact Jennifer Sheridan , Development Specialist. Learn More Interest Form Never Miss An Event. Join Our Email List!

Our leadership team is a diverse group of talented and dedicated indivudals working to make lasting change in the community. Leadership Juan Carlos Linares, President & CEO Juan Carlos Linares is President and CEO of Association House of Chicago, where he is inspired by the staff’s deep commitment to serving the thousands of participants who rely on the organization each year and by its 127-year legacy of strengthening lives, families, and communities. An attorney since 2002, Juan Carlos has held leadership roles across the nonprofit, government, and civic sectors. He also serves as a part-time Lecturer-in-Law at the University of Chicago Law School. Julie Rodriguez, Executive Vice President Julie Rodriguez is the Executive Vice President, accountable to the President for the cycle of design, development, delivery, and improvement of programs. She executes a continuous quality improvement process through the program and service areas. Lillian Bui, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Lillian Bui (she/her) serves as Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Association House of Chicago, where she leads fundraising, marketing, and special projects that strengthen the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) with more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Lillian is known for her ability to grow teams, build efficient systems, and lead through times of transformation. Since joining Association House, she has expanded the development and marketing functions, securing more than $3.2 million in new government funding, and fostering a culture of strategy, trust, and collaboration. View More Board of Directors Nancy Johnson, Board Chair Nancy is the head of Talent at Adtalem Global Education and leads the enterprise-wide Talent Acquisition and Talent Development Teams. Her team’s responsible for recruitment and selection of top talent at all levels. Jose Garcia, Treasurer Jose received his Bachelor’s in Accounting from Saint Xavier University, and after graduating college, he took on a role as a CFO. Wanting more, a few years later, Jose accepted a role as President and CEO of Northwest Community Credit Union. Jose loves to get involved in the community in his free time. He serves as a member on many other boards in the Chicagoland area. Noam Avidov, Secretary Noam is the Director of Trading Strategy at IMC Trading. Her mission is to define the strategic leadership priorities for the expansion and successful performance of the company. Previously, Noam worked as a marketing strategy consultant at Bain & Company. Noam earned a BA in Economics and Management from Tel Aviv University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. View More Auxiliary Board Kendal Garrett, Auxiliary Chair Pandata Group Elizabeth Juarez, Secretary Fresenius Medical Care Madeline Lavachek, Committee Chair - Events Deloitte View More

Jennifer attended Ohio Northern University, College of Law then became a partner at Chapman and Cutler LLP Banking and Financial Services Department. < Back Jennifer Tedjeske Jennifer attended Westminster College and received her bachelor’s in Business Administration, and then went on to attend Ohio Northern University, College of Law. After college and gaining some experience in the field, Jennifer became a partner in the Chapman and Cutler LLP Banking and Financial Services Department. She is also a member of the Commercial Lending Practice Group. Why I Serve? n/a

Kathleen received her MBA at DePaul University and worked her way up at BMO Harris Bank as the Director of Business Transformation. < Back Kathleen Smith Kathleen originally attended the University of Iowa where she received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance while simultaneously competing as a division 1 athlete. After her time in Iowa came to a close, she came to Chicago where she completed her Master of Business Administration at DePaul University in the Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School. She then worked her way up the ladder at BMO Harris Bank and now resides as the Director of Business Transformation. Why I Serve? Kathleen is hoping to be able to continue to support the mission of the Association House alongside the staff and fellow broad members; perhaps bringing in a different perspective and new ideas around how to grow the Association House both deep and wide with expanded outreach in the community.