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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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