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< 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

Parenting can be overwhelming, no matter how old kids are. Check out some of our favorite resources around the city to take off a bit of the stress. Parenting Resources How We Help These resources are here for you. You'll find some of our favorite free activities and resources, books to help you navigate through the many challenges of parenting, expert articles for quick insight, and quality groups to grow your support network and reduce isolation. Children's Books Here are a bunch of books for the kids and families that often get left out. These books talk about things like grief and loss, the foster care experience, adoption and other similar topics. The beauty of the books is that they allow so many kids to have that same opportunity to relate to a character, or to help educate your kids on how different families can look. Free Activities Check out some of these free exciting events for children and families in the Chicagoland area. Night Out in the Parks Lincoln Park Zoo Garfield Park Conservatory Maggie Daley Park Lincoln Park Conservatory Art on the Mart Chicago Air and Water Show Chicago SummerDance Grant Park Music Festival Chicago Blues Festival Chicago Greeter Tours Free Museum Days Recommended Apps FOCUS on Foster Families is a mobile app designed to help support foster youth and their caregivers as they navigate common challenges. The app includes an extensive library of video interviews with foster youth and caregivers sharing what has been helpful for them, and experts providing guidance and how to best navigate the legal, school and child welfare systems. iFoster app connects current and former foster youth to the resources they need to succeed. Hundreds of free and discounted resources for employment, education, daily living and health/wellness all curated for foster youth by iFoster. Grief, Trauma and Loss Exploring and dealing with emotions like grief, trauma and loss can be confusing and overwhelming at any age. Big and intense feeling are hard to navigate, and there is no right or wrong way to go about experiencing your emotions. However, it is important as a parent to help children learn about healthy coping tools to help them succeed. Check out the articles below that take a deeper dive into grief, trauma and loss. How Loss & Trauma Impact Youth Children and youth who experience trauma and loss carry that trauma with them. It can affect them throughout their lives. As a parent, being Is this Normal? Understanding Grief in Foster Children When children are away from their homes of origin, they experience a profound loss. It is important that foster parents support the children How Complex Trauma Affects Children Complex trauma results from repeated traumatic experiences. It usually begins early in life with the child's caregiver. Affecting the child' Free Resources IFAPA: Life Book Pages DCFS: Become a Foster/Adoptive Parent DCFS: Conviértase en Padre de Crianza/Adoptivo Youth Villages: LifeSet Community Based Program One Simple Wish: For Current/Past Foster Children Know Before You Go: Aging out of Foster Care Related Content Partner Resources Learn More Become a Foster Parent Learn More Back 2 School Fair Learn More

Our Auxiliary Board supports Association House's mission and community throughout the year. As a group of early to mid-career professionals, you will plan exciting fundraising events and give back. 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

Healthy Lifestyles offers various adult and child friendly workshop series to help increase awareness, knowledge, and skills for healthy practices. Health Education How We Help Healthy Lifestyles is our health education program that aims to increase awareness, knowledge, and skills for healthy practices to help decrease risk factors for nutrition-related health problems and chronic diseases through a series of adult and child-friendly workshops. Depending on the series, each workshop ranges from 30 to 60 minutes. Cancer This workshop provides an overview of several different types of cancer, including lung, skin, breast, and prostate cancers. We cover risk factors, preventative measures, treatment, and diagnosis. We discuss how food and healthy eating can affect our health and influence our health outcomes. Cooking demonstrations include healthy recipes, tips on making smarter choices for takeout, and understanding food labels. Resources from National Cancer Institute, CDC, Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health, Cancer Center. Diabetes This workshop provides basic information, symptoms, and everyday diabetes care for newly diagnosed people. Topics include Type I, Type II, and Gestational Diabetes. Workshops cover risk factors, controlling blood sugar levels, and possible treatments. Our cooking demonstrations consist of diabetic-friendly and low-sugar recipes. Resources from American Diabetes Association, CLOCC, Mayo Clinic, CDC. Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease These workshops provide background knowledge and education on asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Participants will be able to recognize symptoms, risk factors, treatments and management skills. We also discuss the range of food and seasonal allergies. Cooking demonstrations incorporate finding and swapping out certain ingredients to manage any food allergies. Resources from Harvard Health, CDC, American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology, American Lung Association. Cardiovascular Disease These workshops include learning more about the heart and how to take both preventative and proactive measures for heart disease, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and strokes. We cover heart-healthy foods that can help with specific heart issues and concerns. Cooking demonstrations include heart-friendly recipes. Resources from American Heart Association, Harvard Health, CDC. Mental Health First Aid Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized training that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness in their family, friends, community, and workplaces. We offer Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings in English and Spanish, in-person or virtually. The in-person training requires an 8-hour time commitment. The virtual training is six hours with pre-work required. Learn More “Many of our participants do not have access to mental health resources where they live. Some people do not even know where or how to seek help. Other individuals may not be willing to talk about their mental health issues due to stigma. The skills and tools learned from the MHFA trainings provide individuals with the skills, support, and resources needed to aid a person that is going through a potential mental health crisis. In doing so, we hope to empower individuals to get the assistance they need." - Enrique Galarza, Instructor Want to Join In? Workshops are offered to current staff and enrolled participants. If your organization is interested in hosting a workshop or in receiving Mental Health First Aid Training, please contact Community Health Supervisor Myra Rodriguez at 773-772-7170 Ext. 3204 or by email at myrodriguez@associationhouse.org . Related Content Food Pantry Learn More HIV Testing Learn More Back 2 School Fair Learn More

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. Jacqleen Musarra, Vice President of Operations As the Vice President of Operations, Jacqleen partners with our teams to drive transformative program delivery and embed the mission and vision of our agency at every level of engagement. Jacqleen is thrilled to return to the House after previously supporting our teams as the Director of PQI last in 2011. A counselor by training, her commitment to providing exemplary care is rooted in cultivating meaningful consumer, family, and employee experiences. Jacqleen most recently held roles as the Director of Community Outreach within Medicaid-managed care and Director of Hospital Relations at a critical care hospital and ER. Jacqleen's passion for advocacy has provided opportunities to facilitate collaborations within the community to positively influence health outcomes. Jacqleen uses each of her experiences to leverage her critical understanding of the intersection of factors that influence health while cultivating relationships to drive diverse and inclusive culture. Jacqleen was awarded the "Courage to Change" recognition at Aetna for developing peer recovery roles within the managed care framework. 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

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

Our classes help students learn digital technology skills for future jobs and computer literacy. Beginners and advanced certificate earners welcome! Tech#Ready Our Approach Tech#Ready helps people develop the digital skills they need for a rapidly evolving job market. Our lineup of courses provides essential training for beginners and intermediate users led by experienced and compassionate instructors. Looking for specialized certifications beyond the basics? Our self-guided courses can help you boost your resume and expand your career possibilities. Course Options Association House offers several courses designed to boost digital literacy and confidence working with computers. Instructor-Led For beginners, Digital Skills for Career Growth provides the basics in just 40 hours: how to surf the web, use the many services in Google Workspace, master Microsoft Office basics, and protect yourself from online scams-- all with a hybrid class schedule. For intermediate computer users, our virtual 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. Adults age 50+ can sign up for our in-person Senior Planet class and discover the digital world with confidence, designed to help seniors stay connected in the digital age. Self-Guided Technology beginners can take on our AI Essentials course, a self-paced certification class for anyone looking to learn the basics of responsible AI use in the workplace. For those looking to upskill for their field or take on a new challenge, our technology education partnerships provide free certification classes in a variety of focus areas. Take an 8-12 week self-guided online class in Cybersecurity , Project Management , Data Analytics , IT Support , Digital Marketing , or UX Design to make your resume stand out! "Our goal is to make technology training accessible, practical, and empowering for every participant, whether they are building foundational digital skills, earning industry-recognized certifications, or preparing for new career opportunities." -Hind Elbanna, Associate Director of Workforce Development Programs Eligibility: Completion of all program enrollment forms & assessments Ages 18+ Job seekers with strong digital and technology skills are often more competitive in today’s workforce and may have access to a wider range of career opportunities and higher-paying positions! ↓ Apply Below! ↓ Related Programs Financial Careers Training Learn More NextJob Learn More

< Back Otis Brown obrown@associationhouse.org Building Trades Instructor What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? I'm a journeyman carpenter by with a degree in construction management. What about your work inspires you? I'm inspired to be a part of teaching and training the next generation of trades people. What's a fun fact about yourself? I enjoy the pursuit of excellence in learning and watching many different sporting events. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Jaime Garcia Senior Director of Human Resources Jaime oversees Association House’s Human Resources Department. He manages everyday operations, provides training and consultation to staff regarding human resources policies and procedures and employment regulations; oversees benefits administration; ensures compliance with local, state and federal employment regulations; develops and modifies human resource policies and procedures. He joined the organization in 2003 as a part-time Human Resources Clerk and with much dedication, Jaime gained tremendous experience and knowledge, leading him to where he is today. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Management. Jaime also has an MBA from National-Louis University along with a certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from DePaul University. He is also an active member of the Greater Chicagoland Not-for-Profit Human Resources Directors Group and the Chicago Alliance for Collaborative Effort (CACE) Talent/HR Leaders. He is inspired by the mission of the organization and the services that the staff provide to individuals and families in the community.

< All Staff Ms. Danielle Saguiped WIOA/YES Mentor How long have you been in your field? I have been a school mentor for 1 year. What inspires you as a mentor? Being able to form bonds with students and feeling that I’m a person of safety and trust for them. What is one fun fact about yourself? I love makeup & skincare! Related Content Afterschool Programs Learn More Mentoring Programs Learn More Curriculum Learn More

We provide you with the skills needed for any entry-level position in banking with career potential—including teller, customer service representative, and more! Financial Careers Training How We Help Our comprehensive training provides you with the skills needed for any entry-level position in banking with career potential—including teller, customer service representative, relationship banker, and personal banker. Financial Careers Training focuses on hard skills for on-the-job success in banking, and the soft skills needed to succeed as a professional anywhere. Our Approach We connect young adults who have the attitude and aptitude for success, but lack opportunities to meaningful employment to employers who are looking for their talent but might not otherwise find it. Graduates come from the communities they serve, help strengthen local relationships, and fulfill employers’ organizational goals. "Being a participant in Financial Careers Training has made a life-changing impact on me, personally and professionally. This program gives you the training and skills needed to handle all situations within your banking career." - Tashemia, Cohort 21 Graduate Eligibility Completion of all program enrollment forms Experience in customer service or cash handling roles Participants must be able to reliably travel to and attend training sessions at 1116 N. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL as scheduled throughout the duration of the program. Ages 18+ Provide documentation of: Birth Date Social Security Card Authorization to work in US City/County Residency Income Verification (if applicable) Compliance with Selective Service (men only) 200+ job placements upon graduation since 2018. Apply Now Current Class Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Class Format: 2-Month Program, 5 Hour Class, and Hybrid (50/50 in-person and online) New cohorts begin every 3 months! Application Form Related Programs NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More Referral Form Learn More

Make a difference, today. We are always in need of items for our programs. Check out our different wishlists, and see exactly where your support is going. Give Items How You Can Help A gift in-kind is direct, tangible support for our participants. In July, we collect backpacks and supplies for school-age children; in November, toys and games for our kids; and throughout the year, we collect non-perishable food items for basic needs. There are many ways you can help us at the house. We need various items for our different departments and events. Take a look below to find the way you can best help give today. Toy Drive Tool Kit Toy Drive Tool Kit Our annual Holiday Toy Drive helps provide gifts for foster children in our Child Welfare programs that they'll cherish forever. Each year, we provide the option to purchase gifts from our kids' wishlist, sponsor individual children, or host a toy drive of your own in your community. Shop This Year's Wishlist Sponsor a Child Download the Toolkit Back 2 School Items The annual Back to School Health Fair connects neighborhood families with everything they need to send their children back to school ready for success. From school supplies and local resources to vaccines and full physicals, this giant block party has something for everyone and truly brings the community together. View our list of Back 2 School items here . Food Pantry Items Many adults face food insecurity. To combat this, our food pantry offers a variety of goods from non-perishables, cooking essentials and even tasty treats. It is open to all our program participants and staff. View our list of items here . Contact If you are interested in setting up an in-kind drive with your personal network, or at your workplace, please email Drew Williams , Donor Experience Manager, to get started. Related Content Give Now Learn More Matching Gifts Learn More Shop Our Wishlists Learn More