Search Results

McDonald's Corporate volunteers unwind after a long day's work beautifying our Dulcinea garden. On September 25, 2025, Association House came alive with the sights, sounds, and energy of McDonald’s Volunteer Day. More than 65 McDonald’s corporate volunteers spent the day with us, not only rolling up their sleeves to transform our spaces, but also connecting with participants and celebrating the vibrant community we’re proud to serve. The morning began with a burst of culture and color in the Thomas Lot, where volunteers set the stage for our Hispanic Heritage Celebration. They decorated the space, helped families settle in, and kept the fun flowing with table games and snacks. As music and dance filled the air, volunteers joined cheered on our Life Skills Education dancers , making sure everyone felt seen and celebrated. And when the celebration paused for lunch, another McDonald’s team was already hard at work. From chopping fruit to grilling burgers and hot dogs, the food crew kept more than 200 people fueled throughout the day —complete with a special delivery of lunch to our Dulcinea residence. Our volunteers brought life and color to both our main building and our Dulcinea group living property. Soon after, other teams spread across our campus to bring new life to our spaces. Upstairs, the waiting rooms for our Behavioral Health programs were transformed with fresh paint, brand-new furniture, and framed participant quotes that now line the walls in a gallery of encouragement. In Holt Hall, another group of volunteers sat shoulder-to-shoulder with Drop-in Center and CCMTP participants for a guided painting activity. Canvases filled with color while conversations blossomed—an afternoon of art that reminded us that building community can be as simple as sharing a table and a story. Elsewhere, volunteers refreshed some of our most important family spaces. Our Child Welfare visitation room was given new warmth with cheerful artwork, toys, and freshly assembled furniture. The once-plain back hallway on our first floor became a vibrant corridor of community pride, with a colorful design splashed across the walls, new food pantry tables installed, and even a mounted TV to brighten the space. The brand-new Sadauskas Sensory Garden now welcomes visitors to our main building. Meanwhile, at our Dulcinea residence, volunteers headed outdoors for a full-scale beautification effort— scraping and repainting, assembling furniture, clearing brush, and planting hostas to create a more welcoming environment for residents and their families. And in an exciting change at our main building, another team carefully built raised garden beds and landscaped pathways to create the new Sadauskas Sensory Garden , a peaceful oasis filled with flowers and greenery where participants can pause, reflect, and recharge. The space is in honor of Harriet Sadauskas , our former President and CEO who dedicated 47 years of service to the House. Over 65 volunteers joined us for a day of profound transformation. By the end of the day, Association House was totally transformed—reflecting the spirit of the work within. The dedication of McDonald’s volunteers left a mark far deeper than fresh paint or new furniture. They reminded our participants that they are cared for, that their spaces matter, and that their community extends far beyond our walls. To every McDonald’s volunteer who joined us this year: thank you. You brought joy, beauty, and connection to every project, and we are so grateful for your partnership. Together, you didn’t just transform our campus— you uplifted our entire community. ■ -- Learn more about Volunteer work at Association House here . Read more about McDonald's Corporate's community impact here.

Are you dreaming of owning a home but unsure where to start? In partnership with PNC, LUCHA is here to guide you through the process with a free, in-person workshop designed to empower and educate aspiring homeowners. Join us on Saturday, September 27  from 10 AM to 2 PM  at the National Museum of Mexican Art  (1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL) for the Affordable Homebuying Roadshow . This interactive event brings together a team of trusted professionals—including lenders, realtors, attorneys, and home inspectors—to walk you through every step of the homebuying journey. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or actively preparing to buy, this workshop is packed with valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. You'll learn about financing options, inspections, the closing process, and more. Plus, attendees will earn credit toward required housing counseling hours—a great added benefit for first-time buyers. Lunch will be provided , and space is limited, so early registration is highly encouraged. To reserve your spot, register by September 13 at 10 PM . 🏡 LUCHA Affordable Homebuying Roadshow Powered by PNC 📍 National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025 ⏰ 10AM–2PM Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the tools and knowledge you need to become a homeowner. LUCHA is proud to stand alongside our communities—and with the support of PNC, we’re making the path to homeownership more accessible than ever.

Our annual end-of-summer bash is just around the corner! Set your family up for the best school year yet with Association House on Saturday, August 2 from 9 AM - 1 PM. We'll be celebrating all day long at 1116 N Kedzie! Get ready for a back-to-school boost! We’ll be handing out backpacks, school supplies, and physical exams to help students start the year strong. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Care Van will be rolling in with pediatric vaccines, and parents can check out all the great programs Association House has to offer—from career training to our alternative high school. Our partners from all over Chicago will be joining in the fun too, sharing free resources for housing, literacy, legal support and more. Check out this year's full list of community partner guests here. This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. School supplies, backpacks, and vaccines will be distributed while supplies last! Have school supplies to donate? Purchase directly through our Amazon Wishlist  or get in touch at development@associationhouse.org  for help with a donation drop-off. An extra special shout-out to our friends at Comcast for making this event possible for another year. See you at the party! -- Learn more at associationhouse.org/back-2-school .

In Michael’s world, good food is the language of love . Since childhood, the kitchen has been his escape, spending countless mornings trying to create the perfect breakfast for his four siblings and dozens of cousins. But it had always been a private passion– never something he’d considered doing professionally. That was until life threw him a curveball that brought him to Association House. When he first walked through our doors, it wasn’t by choice—it was a court mandate. Facing a custody battle and ordered to complete a substance use program, he arrived guarded and skeptical.  “At first, I was just there to meet the court’s requirements,” Michael recalls. “But as I listened to other people’s stories and opened up to the process, I realized I could actually benefit from it. I used to be a hothead, but the program taught me how to think differently, how to cope, and how to be open to suggestions instead of reacting right away. It really helped me become more rational and trusting.” Inspired by a room full of people willing to be vulnerable, sharing stories and triggers, and learning how to support each other, Michael discovered a new mindset that opened him up to opportunities he’d never considered before. He credits his counselor, Adriana Rivera, with helping him stay on track and believe in his future. “She helped me more times than I can count —bus passes, court paperwork, random drug testing, even just letting me come in and be around people. She never turned me away.” Before long, Michael had graduated from Visions, our substance use program, and was looking for a next step. After spending so much time in our building, he’d taken notice of flyers for our culinary training program.  Michael and Adriana, his Visions counselor. “Cooking has always been my thing. It puts me in a zone where I can just tune everything out and just be myself. No judgement, just me and what’s in front of me. I’m just a completely different person.” With a shining endorsement from his supporters in Visions, Michael’s application to the culinary program was accepted. On his first day in our kitchen, Michael says it felt like this chapter of his life had been a long time coming. “It hit me right away. I thought instantly: I could do this for a very long time.” Over the 9 week course, Michael expanded his flavor palette, picked up pro-grade skills, and felt inspired to get adventurous in the kitchen again. In one of the culinary program’s classic competitions, students were tasked with creating unique sushi roll recipes and presenting them for judging to staff and participants at the House. After the scores were tallied, Michael – who’d never been much of a sushi guy– scored first place. Experimenting with Asian flavors inspired him, and an exciting new idea was born. Chef Ang and Michael catch up over sofrito steaks. After graduation, Michael began the process of opening his very own food truck: Gordo & Sons , a Latin-Asian fusion pitstop serving unique delights like morcilla nachos and sofrito steak-and-egg spring rolls . The “sons” in the name are his six: a way to honor his commitment to his family, which is also about to transform.  “I feel like 2025 is my year. I’ve been engaged for quite some time and I’m getting ready to finally get married this year. My kids love what I do, my wife loves what I do– obviously, ‘cause she doesn’t have to cook!” he says with a laugh. “My kids are my toughest critics . They have no problem letting me know when they don’t like something.” As he prepares for these transformations, the House has remained a part of his life. During his visit for this interview, faces lit up all over the building as Michael moved through the halls. He still checks in with his Visions counselors to share his successes and his excitement about his sons’ grades and sports achievements.  Michael and Chef Ang prep one of Michael's new recipes. He maintains a relationship with Chef Tenoch Ang, the leader of our culinary class, who Michael describes as “a genuine soul who was so generous with his personal life as he taught us.” Each summer, Michael and his boys join in our Back 2 School Fair for free backpacks and school supplies, along with a live bubble show. “Even last year when we got rained on a little bit, my kids didn’t care. The bubble guy put one of my kids’ whole bodies inside a huge bubble and it was the highlight of his day,” Michael shared with a smile. While Michael cooked up some of his food truck’s star items for Chef Ang and his other culinary mentors, he got serious for the first time after a morning of catching up and wisecracking. During Michael's interview, leaders from Sysco stopped in to award the Culinary program with a gift to continue its essential job training work. “I’m gonna get kind of personal real quick. I was a person that thought no one was able to help me. I thought I was alone in a lot of aspects of my life until I started coming here,” Michael told us. “People avoid reaching out because they think people will point their fingers and laugh. It’s not like that here: people treat you like family. Reach out, because this place saved my life. It’s the best decision I’ve made. ” ▪ -- Discover more about the programs that transformed Michael's life. Visions Substance Use | Culinary Careers Training | Back 2 School Fair

Jequan closed on a home for his family in May 2025. Jequan came to LUCHA on a mission: to buy his first home before he turned 30. For him, it wasn’t just about signing papers or crossing a milestone. It was about giving his wife and two young daughters a place they could finally call their own—a place where birthdays, first steps, and family dinners would belong to them, not to a landlord. But the dream felt daunting. In 2024, the median age for first-time homebuyers was nearly a decade older than Jequan , and the weight of that statistic wasn’t lost on him. How could he, a young father still juggling bills and responsibilities, beat the odds? Still, he carried with him a determination rooted in love: he wanted his girls to grow up with stability, in a home where their futures felt secure. That determination led him to LUCHA in 2023. A friend had told him about our first-time homebuyer workshops, and though he wasn’t sure what to expect, Jequan signed up. Sitting in the classroom, he began to see the path forward more clearly: from understanding mortgages and negotiating with realtors, to tapping into financial relief programs that could bring a home within reach. By the end of the class, Jequan realized he wasn’t as close to buying as he had hoped. His credit needed work. His confidence needed strengthening. But instead of giving up, he leaned in —and turned to LUCHA for one-on-one counseling. LUCHA holds free certification workshops for prospective homebuyers twice a month. That’s when he met Guille, the counselor who would become his guide and his anchor through the ups and downs of the process. “Honestly, she was like a mother that guided me , ” Jequan said. “Anytime I had questions or was confused, she was just a phone call away. She’s the best person to have in a time crunch like that—she’ll explain everything and really make time for you. ” While he had enough money saved for a down payment, his time in homebuyer counseling showed him how much stronger his negotiating position would be with an improved credit score and additional certifications. Based on the financial plan Jequan designed with LUCHA, within a year, he was ready to start his search in earnest. "When I took that first class, the scariest thing was taking on such a big loan-- over a quarter million dollars in my own name is a serious risk . But over that next year, I got myself together and knew I had to take it. I thought to myself: if I fail, I fail. But luckily, LUCHA didn't let me fail." With ongoing guidance, he started touring homes in his price range, and soon fell in love with a classic Chicago bungalow in Washington Heights: a 6-bed, 2-bath beauty that was the perfect fit for his family. Jequan and his family are happily settled into their new place in Washington Heights. It was out of the range of the loan he'd been pre-approved for by over $50,000 -- but with his new knowledge of the system, he felt confident he could close the gap to secure the perfect place. Jequan told us that knowing every person's role in the homebuying process made it possible for him to act quickly and wisely. He contacted his mortgage lender directly and asked for the increase. On the strength of their working relationship, he was quickly approved. Three weeks later-- exactly one month before his 30th birthday -- he closed on the bungalow. Jequan told us that ringing in his 30th with all his friends and family in his new home was nothing short of magic. A spacious yard to host family gatherings was a big sell for Jequan. "It was a big get-together. It was so nice to show what I'd made happen for my family. I had people there who saw this little boy turn to a grown man with two daughters, a wife, and a beautiful home. It was amazing to see the smiles on everyone's faces. Now they can't stay away. Every weekend, every time there's something going on, they come to my house. " To anyone wondering if owning might be within reach, Jequan says to take the leap and see what you can make happen. “My advice to anyone starting this process: educate yourself on every part of it. Take the risk, ask questions, and use all the resources available. The more you know, the smoother it will go.” -- Want to enroll in a first-time homebuyer's workshop? Check out our calendar of upcoming classes here.

At this year's Faces of Gala, lives and livelihoods were on the line , and the entire city was feeling the pressure. Facing unprecedented federal funding pressures, Association House weathered major disruptions to key programs that keep our community thriving-- and looking to the future, even more uncertainty is on the horizon. But our community of advocates turned that pressure into motivation, and rose to meet our city's greatest challenges together. On June 12, our guests raised $230,000 in direct support of our programs. The impact of this generosity can't be overstated, and we're deeply moved to have so many committed and passionate people behind our mission. This year, we put the work of our alternative high school at center stage, honoring Youth Connections Charter School Executive Director Sheila Venson with the 2025 Spirit of Hope Award; and premiering our new short film, Worthy. Through the voices of our students and graduates, the film offers a moving glimpse into the daily transformation happening under our roof. These are just a few of the remarkable individuals finding hope, healing, and opportunity at Association House: individuals whose journeys you make possible. Our deepest thanks to everyone who came out to this year's gala, and all of our supporters who lent a hand from home. Thank you as always to our growing network of monthly givers through our Good Deeds Society , which welcomed dozens of new members at Faces of Hope 2025. If you weren't able to attend this year, you can still make an impact today on our website. Help us rise above the challenges ahead at the link below. --

Our CEO Juan Carlos and High School Principal David went head to head in the Chicago Spring Half Marathon, fundraising for the House! The Association House Run Club laced up and showed out at this year’s Chicago Spring Half Marathon—and we’re still riding the runner’s high! Our runners went above and beyond with their fundraising efforts, smashing our original goal and raising nearly $3,000 in support of Association House programs. Each stride helped fuel vital community services, and we couldn’t be prouder of our runners and supporters who made it all happen. Among the highlights of race day was a friendly showdown between Association House CEO Juan Carlos Linares and Association House High School Principal David Pieper. The two crossed the finish line just seconds apart, with a final runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. (Extra props to our principal who didn't even train! All that time running up and down the hallways paid off...) The Association House Run Club was formed to unite runners of all skill levels around a shared mission: building stronger, healthier communities . We meet biweekly for group runs in Humboldt Park, and welcome anyone who wants to stay active, support a good cause, and make new connections. Whether you're training for your first 5K or just looking for some accountability buddies to keep moving, there’s a spot for you in our crew. The Run Club isn’t just about fitness—it’s about showing up for our community. Every step we take helps support the wraparound services Association House offers, from mental health care and youth development to job training and housing assistance . Our participation in races like the Chicago Spring Half Marathon helps raise both awareness and critical funds for these efforts, and this year’s success proves what we can do together. ▪ -- Want to get involved? It’s easy to join us. Visit associationhouse.org/runclub  to sign up, check out upcoming events, and learn more about how you can be part of this growing community. Whether you’re in it for the cardio, the cause, or the camaraderie—we’ll see you at the starting line!

After graduating our Financial Careers Training program, Jori brought her infectious energy to the team at Wintrust Bank. After seven devoted years as a full-time caregiver to her son with cerebral palsy, Jori faced a heartbreaking loss when he passed away in 2022. As she navigated her grief, she knew she needed something to help her move forward. “I couldn’t sit at home anymore,” she said. “So I decided to take a few courses at a junior college—just to get back out there.” That decision eventually connected her to Association House’s Financial Careers Training program. What began as a way to stay occupied quickly evolved into something more meaningful. “I didn’t really have a goal of going into finance,” Jori admitted. “But once I got into the class, I loved it. We talked about all the different paths you could take—even things like mortgages and property management. I learned so much, especially from Ms. Luz, who taught us how to manage money , use different types of accounts , and apply it all to real-life situations.” The program’s practical, supportive approach helped prepare Jori for her first role in banking— becoming a teller with Wintrust at the historic Hyde Park Bank location . “I had never worked in banking before,” she said. “So everything I learned in that class really made a difference. I felt more confident and prepared going in.” Now well into her role, Jori finds daily joy in interacting with the bank’s longtime customers. “Some people come in and tell me they’ve been banking here since they were 14,” she said. “You really feel like you’re part of something bigger.” Jori has also embraced Wintrust’s culture of community involvement. One standout experience was volunteering at the Pullman Railroad historic site . “We handed out financial literature and got to learn about the history of the railroad while we were there,” she said. “I loved being part of something that brings people together—sharing what we offer at the bank while connecting with the community in a hands-on way.” Beyond volunteering, she’s enjoyed staff events like Casino Night and employee appreciation days at White Sox Park and the Wintrust Arena. “It’s a great place to work. They really make you feel valued.” Looking back on how far she’s come, Jori encourages others who may be considering a career change—or just looking for a fresh start—to give the Financial Careers Training program a chance. “Come to class on time, take it seriously, and be open,” she advised. “ You might go in not knowing what you want , like I did, and find yourself building a whole new life.” ▪ -- Learn more about Financial Careers Training at Association House at associationhouse.org/fct . Discover how Wintrust supports our program and other community programs here. Our gratitude and additional thanks to other major funders at Boeing, Unidos, and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.

For the grand finale of their Leisure & Community workshop, participants from our Life Skills Room went on a group coffee run to practice commuting, ordering, socializing, and handling cash on their own. In February 2005, 35-year-old Chicagoan Lenil Colbert found himself in a nursing home after suffering a stroke. Living with a new disability, and without anyone else to advocate for him, he shared a room with 3 other adults, was forced to stay in his room after 10 PM, and shared a single payphone with all of the facility's other residents. In 2007, he filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois, demanding that he and others in his situation be given the right to live independently in the community. His legal victory resulted in the Colbert Consent Decree of 2011, starting a movement across the state to connect with nursing home residents capable of managing their own care. Association House is on the frontlines of this movement through its Comprehensive Class Member Transition Program (CCMTP). By collaborating with nursing homes in our service area, we help as many members of our community as possible to move out and manage their own lives in a home of their own. But this process is easier said than done. For many of our participants, years spent in a restrictive care environment with round-the-clock support can make basic self-care and home management skills a serious challenge. This is why Association House created the Life Skills Room: a safe, judgement-free place for our participants to practice the fundamentals of independent living, with help from our team of Occupational Therapists and Registered Nurses. In the Life Skills Room, class members working to live independently have the chance to safely practice skills like home health management: insulin and blood pressure checks, and injectable medications. "This space gives us the chance to really observe what our participants are capable of, " says Katy Gallagher, one of the OTs working in the Life Skills Room. "Nursing facilities can be so tiny and restrictive, so they can't really show us how they transfer out of wheelchairs, for example-- which they need to be able to do on their own. Here, we have plenty of room to see where they're confident and where they're struggling , and provide adaptive equipment based on that." The nursing team in the Life Skills Room is another indispensable resource for our participants. Our RNs lead with transparency , explaining the what and why behind the health management processes that once held our class members back while in restrictive care. With new knowledge, they gain control over these fundamentals. "Knowledge is power in the Life Skills Room," says Catherine Southworth, one of our staff RNs. " Members learn about their symptoms and what to do in case of an emergency. They learn how to call their pharmacist for refills, learn to stick to their appointments, how to promote their overall health. The more they learn, the greater their success once they're on their own." Since the Life Skills Room opened, support from our community partners has helped expand the skills our participants are able to practice. With a washer and dryer set, our participants can practice doing the laundry . With beds, couches, and chairs of varying heights, we can help furnish their new homes with the furniture that matches their mobility. This board helps participants practice fine motor skills that can be challenging for those with mobility issues, joint pain, or other disabilities. "There's a sense of freedom here that they can't get elsewhere," Katy says. "You can push yourself beyond what you thought you were capable of. We have utensils that can make eating easier for those with Parkinson's, we have hook tools for buttoning clothes. We show them all these devices because so many people have told themselves they'll never be able to cook again, never be able to clean again-- but here, we surprise people with how much they can do." Ari Buslovich, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, joined the OT team in the Life Skills Room this year with plans for a Leisure & Community Workshop. Over six weeks, she worked with our participants to explore accessible and fun leisure activities. In her work, she'd observed how many people gained independence only to spend it confined indoors, watching TV. With the workshop, she aimed to expand the horizons of everyone in the Life Skills Room. After a few sessions spent in the Life Skills Room playing cards, painting, and enjoying music, our participants took on a major challenge together: a morning coffee run , including a commute by bus, placing orders, handling their own cash, and socializing in a new space. The trip uncovered some fears and new challenges for our participants, but doing so together gave them the confidence to push themselves to stay active in the neighborhood. One participant, Jose, shared that he was afraid of taking the bus -- concerned about crime, and a difficult commute with his wheelchair. But by the end of the trip, he'd requested the wheelchair ramp himself getting on and off the bus; and struck up a conversation with another passenger. (They wound up taking a selfie together before our stop.) Another participant, Mark, used Google Maps on his phone to follow the bus route . During our trip, he realized that the Dunkin we were headed to was in a neighborhood he'd lived in. "I used to do maintenance at the Holy Trinity church down there," he told us, pointing as we rode down Division. "The whole place was a registered landmark so we had to be careful with everything we touched!" New friends enjoy a coffee together at Dunkin! At the coffee shop, all our participants took turns reading the menu, placing their order, paying, and finding a seat to hang out. Together, everyone spent an hour getting to know one another and enjoying their breakfast. On the bus ride home, new friends shared stories about their time in Chicago. Jason, a published poet who shares his work online , told us about his tenure as a professor at Prairie State College. As we passed Humboldt Park, Mary laughed remembering how her kids played in the Humboldt Park pond. ("They'd bring home crawdads alive! Snapping their claws! I'd tell them to bring them back!") When we made it back to the Life Skills Room, everyone reflected on the experience and felt excited about new possibilities once they secured their own home. The Life Skills Room gang boards the Division bus home. "Long way to go for a cup of coffee but it's good-- now I know I can use my legs that much! " Mark told us. In the Life Skills Room, it’s never just about learning to cook, clean, or take the bus—it’s about rebuilding the belief that life can still be full. For so many of our participants, the world had shrunk to the size of their room in a nursing home. But at Association House, surrounded by care, laughter, and small daily triumphs, the world begins to open back up . A trip for coffee becomes a reunion with a city once lost. A new friendship forms over stories of old jobs, childhood ponds, and poems. Every skill regained is a door reopened. And through it all, our participants are reminded that their lives are still full of possibility— on their own terms, in their own homes. ■ -- Learn more about Case Management at Association House here.

Allison joined the Behavioral Health team at Association House as an Occupational Therapist in 2022. April is Autism Awareness Month. In celebration, we spoke to Allison, an occupational therapist at Association House whose personal connection to autism transformed her work with us. - When Allison was choosing a career, she was drawn to occupational therapy because it helps people focus on what matters most to them, gaining skills and confidence along the way. For her, it was more than just a job: it was personal. Allison grew up alongside her younger sister Lizzie, who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. Lizzie struggled with some developmental delays, including verbal communication-- but despite these barriers, Allison and Lizzie's sisterly connection was strong. "My parents were always surprised because there were certain things where, if Lizzie didn't want to do something, she was not going to do it. But they would sometimes be surprised when I could get Lizzie to play with me anyway-- like doing dress-up. Our relationship is super important to me-- she's one of the loves of my life, " Allison says. Allison and Lizzie playing dress-up. As they got older, Allison occasionally stepped in as a caretaker for her sister. In this role, Allison discovered that she was able to advocate for Lizzie in a unique way. Their bond allowed Allison to better understand different ways that Lizzie would communicate or express herself. By Allison acting not just as a caretaker for Lizzie but also as a sister, their relationship allowed them to grow and learn together. "There's a lot more that she understands than she's always able to express. Even if she can't necessarily verbalize what her interests are or what she wants to do, she can be given the opportunity to show me in her own way," Allison shared. "When I'm with her, I never want to be directing her-- which I think can sometimes be how people with autism are treated-- instead, I want to be collaborating with her." Now, as an occupational therapist for Association House , Allison is bringing that same mentality to her work with our participants. As part of the Comprehensive Class Members Transition Program (CCMTP), she works with people who've been wrongfully placed in nursing homes, developing personalized solutions for living independently again. She brings the compassion her sister taught her to work with people of all abilities. "Above all, we always want to assume competence . No matter the behavior that you see, you treat people on an equal level," Allison told us. "How you address someone affects not only how they feel: it affects what they believe they can do ." By letting each individual lead their own journey, they can more easily gain the confidence to trust themselves and their capabilities. In her time with Association House, Allison has been impressed with its culture of openness and acceptance -- an environment that can be less common in disability care than you might think. After following Lizzie's journey through many different stages and treatment approaches, Allison had special appreciation for the House's commitment to meeting participants where they're at. "The barriers are not in the individuals themselves, but in their environments," Allison says. "Everyone should be treated equally in humanity and dignity. Every brain is different. I feel like Association House has been open to people of all different backgrounds and diagnoses. It sounds simple, but all it takes is being open to all people: including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities." Allison’s story is a testament to the power of connection, advocacy, and above all, assuming competence in those we serve. In her work and in her life, she proves that when we see people for who they truly are—not just for their challenges— we open the door to possibility. ▪ -- Click to learn more about Developmental Disability Support and CCMTP at Association House. Resources for Autistic Individuals & Their Families, Shared by Allison: Communication4All - An organization dedicated to empowering non-speakers with autism to communicate in alternative, adaptive ways. "Spellers" Documentary - A film exploring an exciting new approach for nonverbal communication in those with autism: RPM, or Rapid Prompting Method. The Spellers Center - Network of providers exploring the possibilities of the Spelling method, explored in the documentary above.

With resources from our partners at Are You Really Winning, Ayanna works to have gambling addiction taken seriously. Picking up a gambling habit has never been easier. Half of men aged 18–49 now have active accounts on sports betting apps. In Illinois, recent changes to gambling laws have opened the floodgates— and Chicago is cashing in. Wrigley Field just opened a $9 million sports betting bar , and the city is moving forward with Bally’s, a new casino expected to bring in $1 billion a year. But as gambling gets easier to access, addiction is becoming more common. Around 2.5 million adults already struggle with a gambling problem —and that number is rising. Betting often feels like harmless fun, especially when it’s tied to sports. But the consequences of addiction can be life-altering. Ayanna Smith, Gambling Outreach Coordinator at Association House, is working to raise awareness in Chicago. She educates people about the warning signs of addiction, offers free screenings, and connects individuals with recovery resources. “ Gambling is an addiction just like any other, ” says Ayanna. “If it’s harming your relationships, your job, or your peace of mind—it’s time to seek help.” Ayanna says many people don’t realize just how widespread gambling has become. The stereotype of the casino regular betting it all on cards doesn’t match today’s reality. Now, anyone with a phone is a target— including kids. Ayanna gives us the lowdown on how to protect kids and teens from early risks. “Kids are always on their phones—and betting apps are on there too,” she explains. "They don't necessarily have to ask parents' permission-- they can get a friend or an older sibling to log into the app for them. You might think it's just a game for a kid, but actually, you're setting them up for a gambling addiction." Betting apps know exactly what they’re doing. Many offer free credits to hook new users, knowing the thrill of early wins keeps people coming back. "The draw is quick money, and it's a powerful temptation. The initial thrill of spending one dollar and getting one hundred dollars," Ayanna told us. "But in the long run, if the financial stress leads to lying, stealing, marital distress, trouble at work-- are you really winning? " Ayanna emphasizes that parents play a critical role in prevention. Teens often don’t understand the consequences of a major financial loss, especially if they’re under someone else’s roof. She recommends watching for unusual app transactions —small, frequent charges on Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App can be signs of online betting. And when giving teens spending money, use it as a chance to talk about financial responsibility. For adults, Ayanna says the biggest step is recognizing gambling as a legitimate addiction—one that needs support and treatment. She’s found that while many adults don’t want to admit they have a problem, family members are often relieved to know there’s help available. “Older folks don’t always see it as a problem,” she says. “They might think, ‘I’m retired, I go to the casino once a week with friends, I know my limit.’ But seniors can be isolated, and loneliness can make winning feel like a high —and soon, that one day a week becomes something more serious.” The bottom line? Gambling addiction is real, and it’s affecting more people than ever. With awareness, open conversations, and access to support, recovery is possible. Thanks to the outreach team Ayanna's leading at the House, we're on the right track. -- If you or someone you care about is constantly checking odds, hiding their losses, or brushing off concerns, it might be more than a hobby. Learn more about how to find help at associationhouse.org/gambling .

Trivia Night 2025 was a record-setting success! Last Wednesday, Association House’s Auxiliary Board hosted its most successful Trivia Night yet, bringing together friends, supporters, and trivia lovers for a night of fun and philanthropy. Held at Midwest Coast Brewing Company in West Loop, the event welcomed 75 guests— our highest attendance ever —who came ready to put their knowledge to the test for a great cause! Throughout the evening, teams battled it out over 4 rounds of tough questions, all while enjoying drinks, new friends, and the cool atmosphere of Midwest Coast. By the end of the night, our guests helped us raise nearly $7,500 , all of which will go directly toward supporting Association House’s vital programs for the community. Our Board and their buddies mingled with new friends and ordered some brain food to get in the zone. A huge congratulations to our 1st place winners, who walked away with an exciting prize package: tickets to Escape Artistry and a gift card for a well-deserved night out at Queen Mary Tavern. But they weren't the only winners-- our raffle prizes inspired a few more showdowns as our guests tried their luck at a new record player, climbing gym passes, and a cooler stocked with Midwest Coast original beers. One of our raffle winners took home a brand-new briefcase turntable and a limited edition Chappell Roan LP! We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, participated, and contributed to making this event such a success. (Special shout out to our pals at Whaddayaknow Pub Trivia for keeping us on our toes!) Your support makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Stay tuned for future Auxiliary Board events like the Summer Soiree-- we can’t wait to see you at the next one! -- Interested in getting involved? Learn more about the Association House Aux Board here.