Students of our Behavioral Health Pre-Apprenticeship got an inside look at careers in substance use recovery, peer mentorship, mobile crisis response, and more. This year, Association House partnered with Cook County Health to create and pilot a new Behavioral Health Pre-Apprenticeship, helping make careers in behavioral health more accessible to people across Chicago. The pilot was created in response to a growing need for behavioral health workers—and a need to connect more people with career paths they may never have encountered before. For people interested in helping others, the field offers many opportunities, from substance use recovery and peer support to case management and mobile crisis response. But without a chance to learn what those jobs actually involve, knowing where to begin can be a challenge. The Behavioral Health Pre-Apprenticeship was designed to help bridge that gap. Over five weeks, participants got a broad look at the behavioral health field. They learned about mental health and trauma, built practical workplace skills, earned Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid certifications, and gained firsthand experience with behavioral health programs and careers. Association House was uniquely suited to offer that big-picture view. Our building is home to a wide range of behavioral health services, allowing participants to see several sides of the field in one place. Through our partnerships with organizations including Family Guidance Center and UCAN, we also created opportunities for participants to explore careers and services beyond Association House. Behavioral Health Director Tanya Wade (right) helped design and instruct the pre-apprenticeship for these grads! “We really wanted participants to know what it looks like to be in behavioral health systems in any capacity,” says Tanya Wade, Director of Association House’s Clinical Operations. “Wherever we couldn't show it in our building, we developed partnerships that could provide hands-on experiences and potential paths to employment.” Rather than preparing participants for just one type of job, the Pre-Apprenticeship gave them the chance to discover where their interests and strengths might fit. “What we heard over and over again was how much this program really helped our participants understand empathy, their mental health and trauma,” Tanya says. Participants were able to connect what they learned—and what they had experienced in their own lives—to possible career paths. Across its first year, the Behavioral Health Pre-Apprenticeship graduated nearly 50 participants, earning certifications and gaining a clearer understanding of the career paths available to them. Several graduates went on to secure jobs in behavioral health or advance in their existing careers after completing the program and earning their certifications. For Clark, the pre-apprenticeship led directly to a new career. When Clark began looking for work after college, he had never heard of behavioral health. After meeting Association House staff at a local job fair, he learned about the Pre-Apprenticeship and enrolled. The program introduced him to peer support, a field that quickly caught his interest. “The class was always exciting to go through,” Clark says. “Ms. Shawny and Ms. Tanya always brought so much good energy into the class.” He especially valued learning skills such as active listening and setting boundaries—skills he says he can use both at work and in everyday life. Our second graduating cohort of the Behavioral Health Pre-Apprenticeship discovered new career paths together. While enrolled in the Pre-Apprenticeship, Clark was connected with Family Guidance Center through Association House. That connection led directly to his first job in behavioral health, where he now works as a Support Specialist in peer support. “I didn't have any background in this field at all, but I got a job through the connection with Association House,” Clark says. Clark’s story shows what can happen when people are given access to opportunities they may never have encountered on their own. He entered the program without knowing behavioral health was a career option. He left with a better understanding of the field, new skills, professional connections and a job in a career he enjoys. That is the larger promise of the Behavioral Health Pre-Apprenticeship: putting education, experience and career connections into the hands of people who may not otherwise have a way into the field. By helping participants understand the work before choosing a path, the program can make behavioral health careers feel more visible—and more attainable—to a wider range of people. For Clark, the advice is simple for anyone considering that first step: “Go in with an open-hearted and open mind, ready to learn something.” As Association House reflects on the first year of the pilot, the experience has shown the value of creating new ways for community members to discover their potential—and for Chicago’s behavioral health workforce to welcome new talent, perspectives and lived experiences. ■

LUCHA is entering an exciting new chapter! As we build on our long history of community-rooted work, we are looking ahead to new opportunities to strengthen neighborhoods, expand housing stability, and build a more equitable Chicago.  With this vision in mind, we are thrilled to welcome Rosa Y. Ortiz, AICP, LEED AP, MUPP, as LUCHA’s new Co-Executive Director. Bringing more than 25 years of experience in urban planning, architecture, real estate development, housing, and community engagement, Rosa is well-positioned to guide LUCHA into this exciting next chapter. "Rosa is a highly-collaborative leader with a strong track record of projects deeply rooted in community. We are thrilled to welcome her to LUCHA." -Lillian Bui, Co-Executive Director of LUCHA Born in Mexico City and a Chicago resident for more than 40 years, Rosa brings a bilingual and bicultural perspective to her work, along with a deep appreciation for the histories, identities, and assets that make Chicago’s neighborhoods unique. Trained as both an architect and urban planner, she has built her career around creating more equitable, connected communities and strengthening the cultural, historic, and social fabric of neighborhoods. As the Founder and Principal of 3e.Studio, Rosa has led complex, community-centered initiatives engaging thousands of residents and has developed three neighborhood-wide Quality of Life Plans focused on issues including affordable housing, environmental sustainability, public safety, arts and education, parks, and economic development. She is a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Transit Authority, where she works to advance initiatives connecting transit, jobs, and housing across Chicago and the region; and was recently appointed to new board positions with PACE and NITA. Rosa’s career has also included senior leadership roles with the City of Chicago Department of Housing, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and the Hispanic Housing Development Corporation. As Rosa joins LUCHA’s leadership team, we are excited for the next chapter and grateful to everyone who continues to make our work possible. ■

Last year, Mary celebrated 7 years on the Association House staff. While working with us, she became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The best investment we can make in our community is investing in the people who serve it. Every year, Association House staff participate in professional development opportunities that help them sharpen their skills, deepen their expertise and grow as leaders. This year, that commitment led to some remarkable milestones, from advanced clinical licenses to specialized counseling certifications that are already making an impact for participants. For Behavioral Health Supervisor Mary, professional development has been part of a much longer journey—one that began long before she joined the staff. A participant at Association House before becoming an employee nearly nine years ago, Mary continued pursuing higher education while working full time. She earned her associate's degree, bachelor's degree and master's degree in social work before completing nearly two years of clinical supervision and passing the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam on her very first attempt. Mary is one of the most familiar faces at the House. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout graduate school wasn't easy, but Mary says one advantage was already having years of real-world experience working with participants. "I was already doing the work," she said. "I had the experiential knowledge, I had the practical employment knowledge, and then I got the educational knowledge." Today, Mary's LCSW allows her to practice independently, review and approve clinical documentation, and begin building a private therapy practice alongside her work at Association House. But even with those new responsibilities, she continues seeking supervision and learning from colleagues—a reflection of the growth mindset that's guided her career from the very beginning. Her story has come full circle. After first walking through Association House's doors as a participant, she now helps lead the very kind of care that once supported her own recovery—proof that investing in staff growth doesn't just strengthen careers; it creates leaders who understand firsthand the impact compassionate services can have. That same commitment to growth and service inspired Visions Coordinator and Counselor Lawrence to pursue his Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential this year. Lawrence brings something especially meaningful to his role: lived experience. Now nearly two decades into his own recovery journey, he knows firsthand the courage it takes for participants to walk through the doors of the Visions Substance Use Disorder Program. "Eighteen years ago, I made a conscious decision to say, 'In order for me to change my life, I have to change the way I think,'" Lawrence said. Lawrence is a source of inspiration for the substance use recovery participants he serves. Recovery transformed the course of his life. After becoming active in the recovery community and volunteering for four years at Association House, he eventually joined the organization as a staff member. Today, he helps participants navigate substance use treatment through a harm reduction approach rooted in empathy rather than judgment. Earning his CADC strengthened the work he was already passionate about, giving him another tool to support participants as they work toward recovery. But for Lawrence, credentials have never been the ultimate goal. "I don't want to be part of a system that just shuffles people through because of paperwork," he said. "I need to be able to make a difference, but I need to also see the difference that I'm making." Those moments come in many forms: a participant rebuilding relationships with family, maintaining sobriety, finding stable housing, or simply beginning to believe that a different future is possible. "When you see the gleam in their eyes, when you hear the sincerity in their voice, that's when you know something has changed," Lawrence said. Having broken a multigenerational cycle of addiction in his own family, Lawrence understands that every participant's success has a ripple effect far beyond the individual. "There is life within recovery," he said. Like Lawrence, Behavioral Health Counselor Jacqueline earned her CADC while serving participants in the Visions program, where she combines clinical expertise with a deeply person-centered approach to care. Although Jacqueline had long planned to become a therapist, substance use counseling wasn't originally the path she expected to take. While in graduate school, she entered the field through a specialized program and quickly realized she'd found her calling. "I almost fell into it, but ended up being really passionate about that specialization," she said. "I realized I have a lot of personal experience with it, and it's a lot more prevalent than people even realize. I think it's important to bring awareness to it." Jacqueline leads group substance use counseling in our Visions program. While studying for the CADC exam, Jacqueline was simultaneously putting those lessons into practice with Visions participants every day—a combination she says made both her work and her certification stronger. Today, her master's degree in counseling psychology and CADC credential allow her to approach participants from both a mental health and substance use perspective. She says those two disciplines are inseparable. "It's not one or the other—they work together," Jacqueline said. "Having both perspectives allows me to view each person more holistically." That philosophy shapes everything from the groups she facilitates to one-on-one counseling sessions. One lesson has stayed with her throughout her education: "Focusing on the person and meeting them where they're at," rather than trying to "fix" someone or decide what recovery should look like for them. Working at Association House, she says, makes that person-centered approach even stronger. "I think that's the best thing," Jacqueline said of the organization's holistic services. "People are able to explore resources for jobs, housing and continuing mental health care. It's a holistic program versus just focusing on substance use." Mary and other members of the Behavioral Health team celebrating at least 5 years of service with the House. Whether it's achieving independent clinical licensure after years of dedication or earning specialized counseling credentials that deepen their impact with participants, each of these accomplishments reflects something bigger than individual milestones. Professional development at Association House isn't just about checking a box or adding credentials after a name. It's about strengthening the people who strengthen our communities. Every certification earned, every new skill developed and every new perspective gained ultimately comes back to the participants who walk through our doors looking for opportunity, support and hope. ▪

This summer, LUCHA welcomed Haley Aldrich as part of the Illinois Housing Council Emerging Leaders Internship Program (ELIP), a new initiative designed to prepare the next generation of affordable housing professionals through hands-on experience with housing organizations across Illinois. A graduate student at the University of Chicago pursuing dual master's degrees in Social Work, Social Policy, Social Administration & Social Sector Leadership and Nonprofit Management, Hailey came to Chicago with a passion for connecting homelessness advocacy and affordable housing. We recently sat down with Hailey to learn more about what brought her to LUCHA, what she's learned through the internship, and why she's excited about the future of affordable housing in Chicago: What excited you about LUCHA? Hailey: I moved to Chicago last August to pursue my master's at the University of Chicago. My background is in homelessness advocacy—I worked directly with people experiencing homelessness, particularly at the intersection of gender-based violence and housing instability, and later moved into legal and policy advocacy. I think there is room for the homelessness advocacy world and affordable housing developers to connect on a deeper level, learn from one another, and collaborate to expand access to affordable housing in a way that centers the communities they serve. A fellowship introduced me to the Illinois Housing Council, which led me to the Emerging Leaders Internship Program. I already knew a little about LUCHA through community organizing work, but once I learned more about LUCHA's history—and saw that "Housing is a Human Right" is literally part of its identity—it just felt like the right fit. Learning about LUCHA's partnership with Association House made it an even stronger fit. Bringing affordable housing together with organizations already providing direct services to residents is incredibly smart, and it's exactly the kind of collaborative model I believe in. Hailey at the Illinois State Capitol at an advocacy day with the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness What makes Chicago such an exciting place to do this work? Hailey: Chicago feels like a place where these conversations are happening in a really meaningful way. There's a shared understanding that affordable housing and homelessness require local, community-driven solutions. I was especially drawn to the University of Chicago's social work program because it emphasizes work at the individual, community, and policy levels. Community organizing sits right at that intersection, and that's exactly where I want my career to be. There's still plenty of work to do, but Chicago feels like a city that's willing to ask difficult questions and invest in finding better solutions. What has your internship looked like so far? Hailey: It's been a little bit of everything, which I really appreciate. I've been sitting in on weekly construction meetings and learning the technical side of affordable housing development—everything from funding sources and financial documents to understanding projects in both pre-development and construction phases. At the same time, a huge part of my work has been documenting LUCHA's institutional history. I've been interviewing residents, former executive directors, current and former board members, and longtime staff to better understand how the organization has evolved over nearly 45 years. Hailey and Christian (left), one of her LUCHA internship program mentors. What I find really interesting is that many affordable housing developers focus primarily on development itself, but LUCHA has always balanced that technical expertise with deep community organizing. Seeing how those two priorities have worked together over time has been fascinating. I've also had the opportunity to connect with Association House staff to think about how services can become even more integrated for LUCHA residents. Every week feels different, and I feel like I'm getting to experience every side of the work. Have any conversations stood out during your interviews? Hailey: One thing that keeps coming up is how long people stay connected to LUCHA. It seems like once people enter LUCHA's orbit, they tend to stay there because the organization approaches its work in such a thoughtful and community-centered way. It's been really inspiring to see how LUCHA continues to evolve while staying true to its mission. Where do you see momentum in affordable housing, and where is there still work to do? Hailey: I'm encouraged by organizations that are thinking beyond the standard 30-year affordability timeline and asking what housing can look like 100 years from now. Groups like the Here to Stay Community Land Trust are helping push those conversations forward, and I'd love to see more long-term thinking become the norm. I also think there's still an opportunity for affordable housing organizations and homelessness advocates to work more closely together. Those fields have so much in common, and if they continue aligning around shared goals, they'll become an even stronger force for change. Hailey and the rest of the LUCHA team celebrate at a community gathering event for our newest housing project, La Herencia. What advice would you give to future LUCHA interns? Hailey: Say yes to as many opportunities as you can. There are so many people at LUCHA and Association House who are incredibly knowledgeable and well connected. Every meeting, every site visit, every conversation is a chance to learn something you didn't expect. In just 12 weeks, I feel like I'm getting so much more out of this experience than I ever imagined. I'd recommend this internship to anyone interested in affordable housing or community development. ■ -- Learn more about LUCHA at lucha.org.

Today is Hope for Homes Day, a statewide initiative to end homelessness and spread fair housing in Illinois. Together with LUCHA, Association House is leading the charge for equitable housing development in Chicago, and for breaking barriers for what an affordable housing community can look like. Today, we're asking our community to join in by making a donation to support resident services at our properties. We are raising $3,000 to continue connecting our tenants with life-changing programs that make LUCHA homes not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. Your support helps families like the Lopez family find peace of mind. When rising rent and unsafe living conditions threatened to force Angeles, her husband, and their young son out of the neighborhood they loved, they weren't sure where to turn. Then came a call that changed everything: they had been selected for a three-bedroom apartment at Encuentro Square. Now, instead of worrying about where they'll live, they're planning for the future they once thought was out of reach. Today, Angeles and her family live in a home filled with safety, joy, and hope. That is the impact of your generosity. Please make your Hope for Homes Day gift today and help more families find a place where they can truly thrive! Donate or discover more about Hope for Homes Day below. We thank our giving community for their incredible generosity as always!

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

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

The weather moved us indoors, but that didn't stop us from having a blast! For 20 years, the Association House Back 2 School Fair has been a vital tradition in Humboldt Park, providing hundreds of students and families with the support they need to make each school year better than the last. This year was no exception: together, we provided backpacks full of new school supplies to over 400 students in our community. Reaching this milestone is the result of some truly inspiring teamwork both within Association House and from our unwavering supporters! This year's Back 2 School Fair reached 650 kids and their loved ones, topping last year's attendance despite a day full of thunderstorms. This just goes to show the ongoing need for this event: parents are expected to spend an average of $794 per student on back-to-school supplies this year, up 7% from last year. Rain or shine, families in our community count on Association House to set them up for success. Over a dozen community partners joined us to provide resources for our families. Over a dozen community partners joined us on August 15 to provide resource information to families, from job search support, to criminal record expungement, to affordable care for pets. This special day embodies the spirit of Association House: one place where Chicagoans can have as many of their needs met as possible. Even with the stormy weather, we still had a blast saying farewell to summer with an interactive balloon & bubble show, music, snacks, and a raffle featuring brand-new bikes & e-scooters! We loved inviting kids & teens from our neighborhood to celebrate; and especially loved seeing familiar faces another year older and ready to take on a new school year. Thanks to everyone who joined us, to our volunteers, and to our corporate and community partners for their support. We'll see you again next year! ■

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

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

Association House of Chicago’s annual Back 2 School Fair is back — and we’re celebrating a major milestone! Join us on Saturday, August 15 from 9 AM - 1 PM for the 20th anniversary of our Back 2 School Fair, a community celebration dedicated to helping Chicago students and families start the school year ready for success. For two decades, this beloved event has brought neighbors together for a day of resources, fun, and support. This year, families can stop by Association House to receive free backpacks filled with school supplies while supplies last and connect with community partners offering valuable resources for the year ahead. Students and families can also enjoy a day of entertainment, including a balloon and bubble show that will bring plenty of smiles and excitement for kids of all ages. Summer isn't summer without our annual Balloon & Bubble show! Need to get ready for the school year? We’ll have immunizations available onsite to help students prepare for a healthy start to the year. For 20 years, the Back 2 School Fair has only been possible because of the generosity of our community. You can help make this year’s celebration a success by supporting our Back 2 School Fair Fund or purchasing needed items directly from our student wishlist. Your support helps ensure local students have the tools they need to walk into the classroom feeling confident and prepared. Mark your calendars and join us for this special anniversary celebration! We can’t wait to see you at Association House of Chicago for the 20th Annual Back 2 School Fair. Saturday, August 15 | 9 AM - 1 PM Association House of Chicago 1116 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60651 Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed while supplies last.

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