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As the holidays roll in for many of us, our work and personal schedules quickly begin to overwhelm us. It is important for us to recognize when we need a break and time to reset. Thankfully, our team at the House was able to participate in a transformative experience with Aisha Robinson, who understands the importance of our work at the House. Before becoming a Board Certified Dance Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, she used to work as a supervisor at the House. Since then, she has founded the Bella Consulting Group, LLC, which focuses on wellness, diversity, equity, inclusion, and training. Not only has she founded a fantastic company, but she has also co-authored a chapter (Trauma-Informed Dance/Movement Therapy: Implications for Healing-Centered Education, Practice, and Research) in the book Dance/Movement Therapy for Trauma Survivors, which was released back in March of 2020. Needless to say, after all this time, we couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments and thankful to have her back at the House. After a brief introduction, Aisha assisted and led us through an exercise. We began by setting our intentions. Aisha ensured that everybody felt safe and comfortable as we proceeded through the exercise. With a kind voice and excellent command of the audience, she created an environment based on respect for one another and ourselves. We were instructed to get in touch with what we were truly feeling, and honor whatever that may be, and give in. The first movement we engaged in, as simple as it may be, was breathing. We took the time to focus on our breaths and the emotions they evoked with each and every respiration. Next, we concentrated on the way our bodies felt when we took the time to focus on the simplicity of breathing in and breathing out. From this, we were able to calm ourselves and become one with the current moment and prepare ourselves to go further into the exercise. After this, we took time to check in, as we did with a majority of our movements, to make sure we were still comfortable. This exercise helped us become more aware of our stress but simultaneously removed it from the moment. For many of us, stress comes from almost every aspect of our lives. We all have a million different things on our plate, and it’s tough to deal with them. As Aisha explained, “stress impacts every system of the body.” She explained to us that a lot of the pain we deal with could be attributed to the stress of our everyday lives. From headaches, muscle tension, increased heart rate, all can be from stress. To help us continue to destress, Aisha explained to us some more methods of self-care that we can practice. We moved our bodies to the music and felt our stress melt from our bodies, feeling lighter by the minute. We talked about creating healthy lifestyle habits to feed our bodies. We identified the importance of giving and receiving love by connecting with the ones we love and also setting boundaries, which can be challenging. Our spiritual and psychological well-being is just as important. By identifying safe places to reflect and practice gratitude, we can make a substantial positive impact on our day-to-day lives. Music and movement played a huge role in all of this, as it’s something a lot of us in general use to help express our emotions. With Aisha’s help, we were able to listen to the music and move our bodies. For most of us, being in the office and all, it was just sitting in our desk chairs. Still, knowing that nobody was there to judge and being able to move freely and truly feel the music was a liberating experience. For a little while, the weight and stress of the day were gone, and we were all able to enjoy this mental break. Staff all around were eager to share what they had felt during these experiences. Some were overwhelmed with peace and relaxation, some with a million other emotions. As our session ended, the chat flooded with comments from staff members sharing how they felt about the experience, “Felt like a treat for myself!” and “It was freeing.” Everybody recognized how vital this time together was and how they would hopefully be able to continue using these practices in their daily lives, all thanks to our dear friend, Aisha.

Marc is our new Social Studies teacher at Association House High School. He joined our high school staff this year and was drawn to being an educator because his experience as a camp counselor introduced him to the role of being a social and emotional support for young people. What originally drew you to joining the Association House family? I graduated from my teacher’s education program in 2020 at the height of the Covid – 19 pandemic. After taking a year away from teaching to help support my family I was looking for a school that would align with my professional goals and personal passions without much luck. Association House must have been one of a dozen applications I sent out that week but when I had my first opportunity to visit the building I knew it was different than any school I had known before. There is a culture of social services support coming from the agency that you can feel in the classrooms and I knew I wouldn’t find that anywhere else. What is your favorite part of your experience with Association House High School? Most schools talk a big game about supporting the whole student but no other institution can claim to offer what AHHS does. Education is an important social service, but being a part of AHC ensures that it is not the ONLY one available to our most at-risk youth. I love how our school has small class sizes and prioritizes teaching community, growth, and courage over routine and compliance. I truly feel like what I do day in and day out serves all of my students and not just a small group of college-bound high achievers. Who or what influenced your desire to want to be a teacher/educator? I have a strong sense of community service coming from a military family but I think I always wanted to be a doctor, or a teacher, just someone who changes something outside of the armed forces. I had great teachers throughout my life who taught me their passion for social studies and civic engagement, but It was my time as a camp counselor that introduced me to roles being social and emotional support for young people. I really enjoy working at AHHS because it does not force me to choose between the two. What has been your most fulfilling experience as a teacher? Since I’m such a new teacher I am constantly making new and fulfilling experiences. Seeing students succeed and get a good grade for a quarter is always awesome, don’t get me wrong, but the most fulfilling moments are when we can really see the educational healing we are doing here. When a new student with fresh educational trauma starts the week with their head on the desk but ends the week feeling comfortable speaking and contributing to the classroom community, now that really makes me smile.

Michael is one of our new staff members part of the Workforce program at the house. He returned to Association House as our new Career Navigator after having graduated from our financial careers training program six years ago. He decided to come back because, after five and a half years, he believed it was time to pass on his banking knowledge. What are your thoughts on this new role that you have? Can you describe to me what it is? So, I am a career navigator and what that entails is that for a part of the recruitment process, I go out and find quality candidates for our program. Whether at town hall meetings or the unemployment office, I’m in charge of that recruitment process. Another aspect of my job is to encourage our students while they’re going through the program – whether it be Monday Motivations, etc. – to find out why their motivation may have waned a little bit. In the beginning, everything is like ‘OK I’m ready to do this! You know, I’m ready to start’ an adult higher education program. But something happens that third week and it’s my job to kind of pump that motivation back into them. Then make sure that they finish our program strongly. And then I’ll be instructing also. With me being an instructor is to find out those things that make this participant special and introduce them to a new professional career. One that they can gain a lot of things from versus working at a traditional grocery store. In introducing them to a professional world and keeping them engaged I’m just enhancing their lives on a bigger level. When you say that BankWork$ gave you more knowledge and more education about working in an industry that allows you to know banking, what’s the value for someone who doesn’t have knowledge about what to do with their money? Pretty much I’ve never been a good saver prior to BankWork$. In my early 30s when I graduated from the program and now with a family, it taught me to put money to the side or get my credit up. And working inside a bank you get that head-on knowledge, and you see it in real life every day. From Ms. Joe or Mr. Joe and their mistakes, you get to help them and so you’re also applying those lessons to your life. When you’re financially educated your whole world changes. That’s the magic about BankWork$: giving people real-world life experience. Why did you connect with us in the first place? What was it about your understanding of us, or this program, or the environment that made you feel comfortable trusting this partnership? It all started with me trusting myself first. Before I came to AHC I was a store manager for ‘Ross Dress for Less.’ I wanted to see myself as a professional. I’ve always had that vision of myself and having a professional career. In my mind, I know that I’m good at talking to people, and I have had cash handling experience. Those two together…that’s banking. I didn’t know if I was strong enough yet to go into a bank head-on and knew I might need some training. So, I Googled it: ‘where can I get banking training?’ And, hey, BankWork$ was a free, 8-week program. And when you graduate you get a job. OK, let me check it out! I enrolled in the program and saw the process. I asked, can I do this? With the guidance of our instructor and the staff – being so hands on – that level of trust was just natural. I think the program and AHC are designed to know how to work with people with issues. They know what to say and how to navigate you through so that they can be successful. For me? To potentially get a job afterward, too. So, for myself, it began with trusting me first and then naturally getting my confidence and in banking. For others? Knowing that, ‘wow, you know this is a pretty easy thing to do’. Dealing with money is not hard and a lot of our participants think about that first. But it’s our job to put them at ease and let them know that they got this. How did you feel when you graduated and were then hired by U.S. Bank? How did it feel to leave AHC and go into the professional setting that you were looking for? I started with U.S. Bank with someone without the training. I could see the difference in the training. Usually, in banking, you sit at the computer and then you go at your own pace and when you’re done, they put you out on the floor. With me, I had hands-on experience, so things like bundling and strapping I already knew. I was pretty much ready to go. I was just so much more ready and capable of getting the job started. I started out as a universal banker. In a year I was selling at the top of my bank. And then I became a senior banker two years after that. So that program allowed me to navigate and move up fast. Why now? Why us? Why did you return to AHC from your professional career? Well, five-and-a-half years is a long time, and with the bank knowledge that I have it’s time for me to pass it on. Already going through the program I’m more than fit to navigate our participants through their gray area. To let them know, ‘you’re going to be a professional’. With benefits, paid holidays. Things that you can’t get from a Kroger’s or a Food 4 Less – that will enhance their lives full on. That’s why I came back. Because I just felt like I’ve been through it, and I had been where they are. Some of my participants now reach out and ask, “what was this like for you?” I’m able to give them that real life experience and they adopt that understanding – that I’m not in this alone.

Jose Vega works as a counselor in our Visions program, which offers life-changing education, counseling and support to persons experiencing alcohol and substance use problems and their families. What initially drew you to joining the Association House family? Well, When I applied for this job in 2010, I was looking for a better job offering better opportunities to grow up professionally, as a person and as a member of the community I represent (Hispanic community) and is when AHC pop out for me. What is your favorite part of your experience with the Association House? Being able to help participants/people in general who shared needs, struggles, and necessities the same as me. Who or What influenced your desire to want to be a clinician counselor? I'm a person who has been in recovery since 2003. Around 2004-2005 I decided to go back to school getting my Associates Degree first in liberal arts with concentration in substance abuse. This is where I discovered that it was a good opportunity for me to pursue my career as a counselor/plus taking advantage of me being in recovery. In 2009, I obtained my CADC, 2010 arrived to AHC, 2011 went back to school for my bachelor's degree in Social Work practicing principles of recovery since then. What has been your most fulfilling experience as a clinician counselor? Every day is a challenge, but I feel so proud of myself and my work when I see the participants getting things done, changing their lifestyle, bringing their family back, getting their driver license or going back to school either forced by the legal system or voluntarily the same as I did one day in the past. This is what AHC means for me and my family as well.

Inmate #081486. To the penal system, inmates are too often just numbers in a list. At Association House, we know them as humans who have stories, families, and a life outside the prison’s walls. Following a recent visit to Stateville to offer re-entry resources to inmates approaching release our Visions Substance Use Program Supervisor received a three-page letter from an inmate. The inmate shared that he has been in and out of prison since he was 15 years old and now, he is 35 years old. He has struggled with addiction to cocaine and heroin. When he went into prison four years ago, he was told he would get help for his addiction and be able to earn his GED. However, during his four years in the system, he hasn’t received the promised help. To Kristy he wrote, “when I told you all my story you looked at me like I was a human, your facial expression never changed when I admitted the bad stuff I did in the past. Then when I went to write my name down, I put my IDOC number next to it and you said something that I have never heard before which was, I was not defined by that number, and you wanted me to write my actual name.” Reading this letter, we knew we had to catch up with Kristy about her experience at the Stateville Reentry Summit and how it relates to her work here at Association House. Prior to the pandemic, our team would visit Stateville twice a year. When Kristy and teammate Adriana Rivera went in October, it was their first visit in two years. Interview What does it mean to you to visit these inmates? It gives people inside the prison hope that someone will help them. We learn that people who leave prison and do not receive help within the first two weeks are more susceptible to going back to old behaviors. Those early weeks are the most crucial time to provide the resources they need to recover, especially with the opioid epidemic happening. Recently incarcerated people are 40 times more likely to die from an opioid overdose the first 2 weeks post-release. By us visiting, they now know our organization’s name when they leave the system. Even if they don’t get paroled out to Chicago or near us, they have one connection made that can help them find the resources in whatever town they go home to. I have seen people call me after being released and use our resources to survive. But everything must start from inside the system to really help the inmates. How do you think we can change our perceptions about the people within these systems? I believe that we should go into every situation believing the best in people instead of the worst. When we go into the prisons the inmates ask us, what makes you want to help us and what makes you believe us? That is because there is this huge stigma around the criminal justice population. We can change society’s perceptions about people within the system by reminding everyone that they are human beings, and every person deserves to be given an opportunity no matter what mistakes they have made in their past. If you just take the time to listen to their stories a lot of times you will see someone who struggles with some sort of mental illness or substance use disorder who has never been offered help. If you look at what rehabilitation is being given to an inmate in relation to their struggles you will see they are not receiving any therapeutic services that they need. That means they are set up for failure the minute they walk out the door. If we can provide them with the services inside the system and prepare them for when they are about to leave, they at least have a fighting chance. Why aren’t the services they need being provided? A lot of the reason services are not being provided is because of the lack of knowledge. Too often you see or hear about an inmate with a drug problem going into prison without being detoxified correctly. We struggle as a society to see how these resources are so important not just physically but psychologically. Another huge barrier is funding and lack of staff. Prisons don’t always have staff on site who are equipped to handle people who struggle with mental illness or substance use. That is where agencies like ours come into play. We can go into these prisons for free and give our time and energy to help. The more communities and organizations see this being done, the more they may be willing to learn, understand, or help. What do you think separates us from the other tables? When you go into an all-men prison, I think Association House brings in a different perspective than others because we offer a wide range of services besides just visions. The last time we visited, an inmate we spoke to about our services mentioned that his significant other shared with him that their kid wasn’t doing well in school, and he heard about our high school program at the house. Our services were there for him and his family. Why is it important to you to improve this system? I am deeply passionate about improving the system. Through Association House I have met so many amazing participants who came from the criminal justice system. After listening to their stories and hearing about what they have gone through it just puts so many things into perspective. These individuals didn’t always choose this way of life. Addiction is often looked at by 3 risk factors: biological, psychological, and environmental. Sadly, criminal thinking behaviors are adapted in very similar ways. At times, the people who are being sent to prison are often people who were taught so by one of those 3 distinctions. One way I try and improve the system is by giving presentations about this at PHIMC. We need to change the system from within because otherwise, it will be a revolving door. 65% percent of the United States prison population has an active substance use disorder. Another 20% percent did not meet the official criteria for a substance use disorder but were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their crime. That’s why it’s important for these outside organizations to come into these correctional facilities because the work starts from within the system. Association House was not going to judge someone based on their past experiences. There’s a lot of work to do when it comes to our penal system. Proud of the work our visions program is doing here at the house to help inmates within the system.

Michelle is our Family Literacy Program Supervisor and is a part of Association House High School. She loves having the opportunity to be able to be an advocate for individuals who can’t and sometimes don’t know how to advocate for themselves. In honor of Black History Month, she shares what anti-racism and this month means to her. What is your favorite part of your experience with Association House? My favorite part of my experience with Association house is being a part of the work that is done for the students at Association house high school! It’s not just your typical Alternative school and I’m so grateful to be a part of such a positive impact. Our students are provided with so many resources that pushes them toward and keeps them on a path for a successful future. I love having the opportunity to be able to be an advocate for individuals who can’t and sometimes don’t know how to advocate for themselves. Also, I love how nice and genuine everyone is and always willing to help with whatever it is they can assist with; it’s like a big family! What does anti-racism or equity mean to you? Anti-racism means to me combating systemic racism, oppression, and any acts of unfair treatment toward those who are victims of prejudice and racial inequalities. Anti- racism is speaking up when you see a form of racism taking place whether it is happening to you or an absolute stranger; and taking steps toward making sure it happens less frequently. To understand anti-racism, you don’t have to be of the oppressed individuals; you should just be educated on the issues and ready to speak up and share your knowledge with the ignorant. Anti-racism also means to me recognizing your privileges and those who have a lack thereof. Is there a moment in Black history that particularly resonates with you? Yes, a moment in Black History that particular resonates with me is the Children’s Crusade also known as D-Day which took place on May 2, 1963! More than 1,000 African American students attempted to march into downtown Birmingham to put an end to segregation and were arrested, beaten, and hosed by police and the fire department; but they didn’t let that stop them and continued to come back for multiple days! This resonates with me so much because when we use the statement “children are the future,” it means more than we think. This is a representation of how fearless and strong children prove to be consistently and how much they need to be poured into and protected to reach their full potential! I love working with children at whatever capacity I can because they literally are so strong and resilient, and watching them grow and become who they want is very rewarding.

Angela is our Billing Compliance Coordinator and part of our Child Welfare team! She loves to spend her day working on social issues because she knows all the work is part of a broader solution. In honor of Black History Month, she shares with us her favorite quote that resonates with her. What is your favorite part of your experience with Association House? Probably the biggest benefit that comes from working for Association House of Chicago is the potential to spend every day working on a social issue you’re passionate about. At the end of the day, I can bask in the satisfaction that comes from knowing that all that work we’re putting in at the office is part of a broader solution. Is there a moment in Black history that influenced your life? I can’t name one moment. There’s so much that influenced me throughout my life as a black woman. I celebrate all of the black men & women that forged ahead to make a difference in our lives. To see a race of people who 50 years ago had no civil rights, not to mention that our first 400 years in America were spent in chains. So I guess our 140 years of freedom has to resonate the most with me and just look at our incredible progress inspite of. What does anti-racism or equity mean to you? Because racism is the foundation upon which our society and institutions stand, choosing to interact with institutions in a neutral way allows them to thrive. If we push to dismantle racism and promote racial equity, we are anti-racist. Do you have a favorite mantra or quote? “Be the change you wish to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi. I know it’s a bit cliché but I truly believe we have to challenge social inequities. Sometimes inaction makes you complicit. It is our responsibility to be more kind, patient and demonstrate effective leadership to our youth. What is your favorite piece of Black art to consume (tv, movies, music, art, books, businesses, etc.) to consume? Our culture is represented in many forms of food, music, dance art, storytelling, and religion. Black culture is James Baldwin and Charles Drew. It’s Nina Simone and Neil DeGrasse Tyson and countless others. Black culture birthed jazz and invented open-heart surgery. Rap, Blues & Rock were voices to our pain and joy so therefore black culture is American culture.

Marcy is our English teacher and part of Association House High School. Her favorite part of her experience is that everyone here is an extended member of her family. In honor of Women's History Month, she shares what this month means to her and the women who have influenced her life. What is your favorite part of your experience with Association House? I have a long history with Association House, even starting before my birth. My mother worked for the agency for 17 years starting August 14, 1983. 30 years later to the date, I began my first position as a GED Instructor right out of college. Association House has always been another home for me and I credit many of the women who have come and gone from this agency for a lot of my favorite life experiences. These women were my first email pen pals, helped me get ready for prom, helped me get my first job and taught me how to advance my career, and still to this day are the ones I turn to when I need advice. My favorite part of my experience is then that everyone here is an extended member of my family. Is there a woman that has influenced you the most in your life and/or career? My mom is one of my biggest supporters. She always done whatever she could to be helpful, either by reading over my essays in school, or babysitting my kids now so that I can get work done. My mom is also a mom to everyone she encounters. She opens her home to support her loved ones who need a place to stay or just a meal. She is the matriarch of our family and friends, and I can only hope to be that guiding post for my family in the future. Why do we need more women in leadership? Women make up 50% of the population, it should only be right that at a minimum, we hold 50% of leadership positions in the world. That is only logical. Every person has their strengths and it is only through having a diverse group of people can those strengths be combined to create something new and wonderful. Having only one certain perspective doesn't help the population as a whole. What does Women’s History Month mean to you? I believe Women's History Month means celebrating not only the trailblazing women who have impacted the world on a grand scale, but also to those women who have personally touched your life and help you to become your own unique self. On that note, I would like to dedicate my staff highlight to all the women from Association House that have impacted my life. From the women of AHHS, to Harriet Sadauskas & Julie Rodriguez, to my previous 6th floor lunch crew, and finally the last but never least, my mom and my aunt, Yolanda & Beatriz Vicens, without whom I would not be the woman I am today.

Danielle is our Program Coordinator and part of the Workforce Development team. She joined us at the house three weeks ago and is grateful to have the opportunity to work with a forward-thinking, supportive agency. In honor of Black History Month, she shares with us the impact Black History has had on her life. What is your favorite part of your experience with Association House of Chicago? Well, I’m a new employee and have just completed 2 weeks here! I can honestly say so far so good! I’m enjoying learning the culture of AHC the versatility of being able to work virtually. I’m grateful for having the opportunity to work with a forward-thinking, supportive agency that realizes employees are their greatest asset and for working collaboratively with my co-workers to achieve successful outcomes. Is there a comment in Black History that shaped your career and life? Absolutely! In 2004, my whole life changed! I along with over 9 million other viewers witnessed President Barack Obama, then Senator Obama, deliver the Democratic National Convention keynote address. It was my first time learning about him! I was deeply moved and in awe by his rousing message. In this historical exordium, I followed his words closely as he spoke about “hope”. His message of “hope” awakened something inside of me and inspired me to want more out of life, to want a better way of life, a better job and to want to be more responsible as a leader. This exceptional speech encouraged me, an adult and full-time employee, to continue my education which led me to matriculate that very year thru 2006 and successfully achieving the degree of Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management at Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, OH. What is your favorite piece of Black Culture (TV, Movies, Music, Art, Books, Businesses, etc.) to consume? My favorite types of Black Culture are paintings, photos, and sculptures. I’m fond of the photo works of James Van Der Zee. (1886 – 1983) Van Der Zee was noted for his photo pictures of capturing the imagery of Black New Yorkers and portraits of well- known celebrities during the Harlem Renaissance era. I also like Jacob Lawrence, a visionary artist, particularly his works of the “The Migration of the Negro” series (1940–41) which depicts the Depression-era flight of Black southerners to northern states. It’s very emotional. I admire the good works of Augusta Savage (1892 – 1962). Savage was a sculpture and teacher and was also associated with the Harlem Renaissance era. Additionally, she was involved with advocating for equal rights for African Americans in the arts.

In April 2016, Adel arrived at Jessica and Jon’s home as their first foster kid. Jessica and Jon both work as police officers and have two boys of their own. They had always wanted to foster children and Jessica knew this was her calling since she was a little girl. She shared “I know there are kids out there that need love.” Jessica and Jon are proud Latinos who want to improve their community and grow their family. And foster parenting is an excellent way of doing both. They want to speak their language, share their food, and continue their culture with children. From the day Adel arrived, Jessica and Jon immediately felt he was going to be one that they kept. They were immediately protective, affectionate, and loving towards him and Adel showed attachment, care, and love to them. They quickly formed a strong bond with one another as a family. Adel not only had Jessica and Jon’s love but he was warmly welcomed and loved by their entire extended family of grandparents, cousins, and brothers. At age 9, Adel was connected to Angelica Gervacio, one of our very own case managers from Association House. During his check-ins, he would expectantly say “that this needs to happen soon. When is this going to be over?” He was mature enough to know that he wanted a stable, loving home with parents who were there for him. He found that stability and love within Jessica and Jon’s family and was ready for the adoption process to be over. Throughout his check-ins, he opened more up to Angelica and shared his family stories. He excitedly shared with her that he “learned how to make money,” whenever he got good grades. Jessica’s mother, his grandmother, would give him money. He said, “she’ll pay $10 for a B, $20 for an A” and sure enough his grandma was in a heap of trouble because his grades went up quickly. Recently, he eagerly shared that “grandma paid me $120! I’m rich!” Angelica shared that “it’s such a perfect, loving family because both grandparents (Jessica’s parents) are very engaged with the family, and they support the family by caring for them.” Jessica and Jon’s awesome support system has become Adel’s support system. The whole family was overjoyed when Jessica and Jon made Adel’s foster home permanent and adopted him. She said that “everybody has grown to love him, he’s ours, he’s been ours in our hearts since day one.” Although it was a long journey to make Adel’s foster home his forever home, the family couldn’t have been happier to have celebrated his adoption this month on his 13th birthday. When asking Jessica what this whole experience meant to their family, she said “honestly, it’s a blessing to us, Adel’s the most kind-hearted and thoughtful kid. He’s a blessing to have. I love all my kids.” Association House is so happy we get to share Adel’s heartfelt story of his journey to his forever home. It may have been a long one, but he continued to persevere no matter what was thrown his way.

Dear friends, As I reflect on my first year at Association House, I smile thinking of the accomplishments, the camaraderie and the resilience of our community, now in its 122nd year. The ongoing pandemic has forced us all to re-imagine a life of service, and has re-awakened us to the critical importance of the programs, the lending hand and the peace of mind that Association House offers every day. The stories at Association House are myriad, and its participants are diverse. In workforce development, our two most recent graduating cohorts of the BankWork$ program celebrated the bright futures of participants who came to us from as far as Mexico, Somalia, and Algeria, to right here in the south and west sides of Chicago. In child welfare, we jumped for joy at every child placed in a permanent, loving home, whether here in Chicago, or even in neighboring states! I have sat with our high school students over lunches, listening to each of their unique stories. One student recently arrived to the U.S. from South America, seeking stability and a quality education. Another student needed advice on the best way to get from his west side neighborhood to his potential new job on the north side, where he would finally be able to help his family with much needed earnings. And yet another student looks forward to graduating this winter where he will go on to learn the trades and become a carpenter and HVAC specialist. This past year, I have been transformed. With Association House’s 2021 annual report, we proudly illustrate our accomplishments and share the inspiring stories of our participant community. I know that with your support, you are transforming the lives of our participants as well. We thank you for your continued support of those most in need, and we look onward to a thriving 2022. Sincerely, Juan Carlos Linares President & CEO

As Hispanic/Latino(a)/Latinx Heritage month comes to a close, we at Association House are proud to recognize and celebrate the culture, history, and contributions of the diverse communities that make up our Hispanic/Latino(a)/Latinx populations. Although the observance of this month began in 1968, inspired by Latin American countries celebrating their independence days during this period, Latinos and Latinas have had an undeniable and impactful influence on all aspects of U.S. society, including here at the House. I think of our many staff, Board members and participants of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, not to mention those of the various nations of the Caribbean, of Central America and of South America, who have contributed significantly to the House's history and spirit. And I think of my own mother and father, who immigrated from Peru and from Guatemala, respectively, to fulfill livelihoods, dreams, and ambitions as new Americans. These are among the stories we celebrate and recognize as part of the fabric of our nation’s Hispanic/Latino(a)/Latinx heritage, and yet it is important that we also acknowledge the barriers that Hispanic/Latino(a)/Latinx continue to face in living healthy, safe, and dignified lives as full Americans. We have a long way to go when it comes to fighting systematic inequalities, and this month serves as an important milestone of our strength in unity. Nevertheless, Association House has been proud to serve the Hispanic/Latino(a)/Latinx community in Chicago for 122 years, and in recent years we have been privileged to join with neighbors that celebrate Latinx culture year-round. In the Latinx arts, these partners include Urban Theater Company and the National Museum for Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, both down the street along the Paseo (Division Street) and worth a visit. Saludos amigos on the close of Hispanic/Latino(a)/Latinx Heritage Month 2021 and thank you again for your spirit and your contributions to the House and to our communities. In Solidarity, Juan Carlos Linares President & CEO