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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.

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." ■

Sinai & her son Emmanuel share a hug at her culinary graduation ceremony. Emmanuel, 3, is a pretty famous kid at Association House. He’s one of the most familiar faces in the building—always smiling, always in motion, waving to staff and participants wherever he goes. Every Halloween, he’s reliably in the running for best dressed. He’s been part of our community for nearly his whole life. While his mom, Sinai, worked toward her high school diploma just a few floors up, Emmanuel spent his days in a place filled with care, structure, and play—growing up alongside the very people that were helping shape his future. Sinai's journey with education had a tough start. A high school freshman at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, she felt little motivation to take school seriously while it was entirely virtual: she soon dropped out. Emmanuel came just a few short years later, and Sinai found her priorities had changed overnight-- she wanted to give her son everything he deserved . "I had no credits at all from school. I was starting from nothing and I was 17. But when I heard about Association House High School it seemed like I could get it done ," she shared. What made the difference was Association House High School's Family Literacy Program (FLP)-- which provided all-day child care for Emmanuel starting from when he was only 6 months old. For Sinai, our high school's flexible schedule , reduced credit requirement , and extended graduation timeline was indispensable-- but she says the people she met in the building made an even greater difference. "All the teachers really got to know my son, and they understood how important he was. They all call him papi . At a regular school, you'd never get to have your kid around. I'm the type of mom who wouldn't want my kids to be around anyone else but me-- I just trust everyone here," Sinai said. With the peace of mind that her son was in good hands, she was able to focus on her education and secure her diploma this past June-- but FLP also allowed her to have quality parent-child time during her hectic schedule. "All of the kids & moms went to a pumpkin patch together, a kids' museum , we'd take the babies on a walk around the neighborhood," she said. "It felt so good to graduate, but honestly, I knew right away I was going to miss it. I can talk to everyone there about anything. " Sinai and Emmanuel (left) with the other families in FLP at Goebbert's Farm and Pumpkin Patch. After graduation, Sinai wasn't the only one who missed the House . Emmanuel moved on to a new daycare program in the months that followed, but it proved to be a difficult transition. "He told me, 'No, I don't like it here. Take me to my school.' I felt so bad for him because we couldn't go back, so I talked to Ms. Greene, my son's teacher in FLP-- and she told me about the culinary program." Sinai always had an affinity for cooking, sharing a passion for Puerto Rican & soul food, but the Culinary Career Training program at Association House seemed like an exciting way to take it to the next level. Plus, FLP was available to students of the career training programs too, just like it had been in high school . Emmanuel was thrilled to be back. Emmanuel was very impressed with his mom during graduation! For 9 weeks, Sinai learned the ins and outs of new cuisines , kitchen safety , and job search skills for a career in food & hospitality. She credits her outgoing classmates, and the expertise of her instructor, Chef Tenoch Ang, with motivating her throughout the course. "Honestly, everything we did was my favorite part," she said. "When I was still in the high school, I'd smell what the culinary students were cooking in the hallways and be like, that smells sooo good. I was so excited when I got in there." Now, after graduating from the culinary program, Sinai's on the hunt for her first job in the industry, and on the hunt for a new daycare for Emmanuel that can compete with his FLP family. "I'd love to work at a hospital as a chef," she told us, with excitement and confidence in her voice. "Or maybe in a hotel? Whatever picks you, that's what it is. It takes time, but the right thing will come. " In the background of our call, Emmanuel’s laughter carried through the room—as bright and unmistakable as ever. ■ -- Learn more about enrolling at Association House High School here , and get details about the Family Literacy Program .

It's time! Join us for an unforgettable evening at Faces of Hope  on June 11, 2026, at Lacuna Lofts.  Together, we will celebrate Association House and the people who power our mission to advance each person's full participation in the life of their family, community and society. Together, we’re creating pathways to better health, education, economic opportunity, and expanding access to affordable housing through our partnership with LUCHA. Be part of the celebration and secure your spot today! Early Bird tickets are available through April 30. Plus, advance raffle ticket purchases for our Miami Getaway Prize Package are on sale today too! Escape to white sandy beaches with a stay at the McAlpin Hotel—a Hilton Grand Vacations resort. Enjoy up to five nights for up to four guests, perfectly located on iconic Ocean Drive in Miami Beach’s world-renowned Art Deco District. With only 100 chances to win , don’t miss out. Secure your entry today— $100 for one ticket or boost your odds with three tickets for $250 . See you this June for another epic night! Get all the details at associationhouse.org/facesofhope .

For our Auxiliary Board, making time to give back to the city they call home is about more than fundraising or raising awareness: it's about becoming a better citizen, and learning to lead with compassion above all. Each year, corporate volunteers from across Chicago join us at Association House High School for Career Readiness Day : a crash course in interview skills, resume building, and industry knowledge led by insiders. Our students gain new strategies to stand out in a job market that gets more competitive and challenging every day; and our industry-leading volunteers learn what's really on the minds of young people making their first steps into the working world. Many of our volunteers have gone on to join our Auxiliary Board-- a dedicated team of Chicago professionals who take the time to participate in experiences like Career Readiness Day, and help address fundraising gaps by engaging their professional network directly. We spoke with three members of our Aux Board -- Tayler, Zach, and Kristina-- about what keeps them excited about our mission, and why the work feels so important as we kick off the new year. What drew you to Association House, and what keeps you here? Zach : What drew me in is how unique the model is. The wraparound approach, where support doesn't end just because one goal has been achieved, rang true with what I felt was needed to combat poverty and inequality. But what keeps me here is that this place is relationship-centered. Before the numbers, everyone is a person first. Tayler : It's easy to stay invested because the House is so dynamic. The world changes, and the House changes with it. I helped with Career Readiness Day three years ago, and now on the Aux Board, I have a hand in so much more than just the high school. It's special to be part of a place that's so open and welcoming to you being involved -- somewhere that really wants you to learn the ropes. When did you first see the impact in real time? Kristina : Seeing students evolve — looking at their resumes from a year ago to now — it’s incredible . You see the confidence. You see the new experiences they’ve added. You see them applying what we talked about. Zach : Last ye ar, I met a senior who saved the arts program at their last school by lobbying Chance the Rapper for a $25,000 grant, and it worked. And she just mentioned it casually while we were doing a practice interview. We went off-book from there. I was like, "Every interview question you get from here on out — just bring it back to that story. Redirect to something you actually love to talk about. " I volunteered at her graduation ceremony later that year and she remembered me. That full-circle moment — that’s when you feel the difference. High school senior Sheri (left) picks up interview tips from Sandi at the Chicago Community Justice Foundation during Career Readiness Day. Why is showing up for this work so important right now? Tayler : There are so many issues you could point to. It can cause analysis paralysis. But partnering with an organization that’s actively doing something — that’s how you move from feeling sad about a problem to being part of the solution. Zach : I can’t fix national policy myself. But this work exists in a building, in a neighborhood, serving real people. That makes it actionable. The antidote is hope — but hope in the form of opportunity. You can’t do good schoolwork if you’re hungry. You can’t focus if you don’t have childcare. The wraparound model removes those barriers so young people can invest in their future. Why do small, individual donations matter so much? Tayler : When I think about my commute, it’s simple. I get in my car, and drive. One student told me she can’t use childcare services because taking two toddlers on the CTA is too difficult. So when we're putting our fundraising campaign together, and I hear that $25 covers transportation for a week — that’s a huge deal. If she can’t get here, she can’t graduate. Kristina : Being here in person, speaking with students, looking at their classrooms, I see what's important: books, computers, transportation. But without unrestricted support, placed in the care of people who know what students need best , those gaps can go unaddressed. This spring, our Auxiliary Board is fundraising for Association House High School, finding support for the things our students need most. A one-time donation of $25-$1000 can make a massive impact at every level of our high schoolers' experience. Will you join our Aux Board in opening doors for young people in Chicago?