Our annual Back 2 School summer bash is almost here! Let Association House take care of all those stressful school year must-haves. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 17 from 9 AM to 1 PM at Association House on 1116 N Kedzie! We'll be supplying free backpacks, school supplies, and physical exams for students. Plus, we'll be joined by the mobile Care Van team from Blue Cross Blue Shield, ready to provide complimentary pediatric vaccines on the spot. Parents will be able to connect with other Association House programs and resources too, from career training programs to our alternative high school. But summer's not over just yet! We'll be hosting an awesome balloon and bubble show, perfect for kids of all ages. The show was a big hit last year and we're so excited to have it for our end of summer celebration once again! 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. Thank you to our partners at Comcast for another year of family fun and community support! --- For more information on how to participate, visit www.associationhouse.org/back-2-school.

Storied pro boxer Frank Bruno once said that Floyd "Jumbo" Cummings hit harder than anyone he ever faced. Now, with Association House, Floyd's ready to put up a new kind of fight. No other story in professional boxing is quite like that of Floyd Cummings. After going pro at age 29-- far later than the average boxer's prime-- he became a notorious outsider figure against some of the biggest names in the sport. After a year of straight wins, he eventually ended the run of World Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier with a historic draw. To this day, there's debate on whether it was Frazier's fight or celebrity status that saved him from a loss. Floyd's reputation as a hard-hitting wild card wasn't the only thing that made him stand out. His amateur career began under unusual circumstances: he was scouted while serving a prison sentence and allowed to train and compete in anticipation of his release. During his early fights, he had to return to the Stateville Correctional Center right after the results were called. Cummings reflects: "I don't believe I was born to be a professional. I just was in a tight spot and needed to come up out of there. I worked in the gym [at Stateville] and the warden told me: if you can box like you can lift weights, I might be able to get you out of the penitentiary." 33 years after his final pro fight, and 19 years after a battle with addiction and the widely criticized "three strikes law" placed him in the justice system again, Cummings was granted a new lease on life. In 2023, after breathing difficulties landed him in a nursing home, Association House reached out to see if he was interested in transitioning somewhere more independent. His answer was a firm yes. Now, just under a year later, Cummings lives in a newly constructed supportive living facility in Chicago's up-and-coming Bridgeport community. In his own private space, he's found time to relax and read books by his favorite authors-- Stephen King and Dean Koontz-- and dreams of buying a pickup truck to explore on his own. “I’m looking forward to living the rest of my life. I want to do a lot of traveling. When I was in the joint, they’d take me outside to fight-- and I’ve been to places where, I’ve been there, but I don’t know how it really is because I was there to fight. You don’t have time to socialize. I want to see those places again." Cummings found his new home with help from Association House's Comprehensive Class Member Transition Program (CCMTP), dedicated to relocating the thousands of individuals wrongly placed in nursing homes when they are physically and mentally capable of living independently in the community. Now that he's secured a place of his own, to say that Cummings values his independence is an understatement. "Here, you've got your own domain. You set your own rules. If I want to run through the house naked, that's what I'll do!" Reflecting on his life as he enters a new chapter, Cummings is grateful for his journey, and optimistic about what his future might hold now that he's found the support he needed to thrive. "It wasn't all bad. It was a seesaw ride every now and then, but hey, what can I say? My life is the type of life where you grab the bull by the horns and hope it don't throw you." • Learn more about how Association House is working to support independent living in the community here.

Association House was recently featured in Impact for Good: A Village of Support, a virtual webinar hosted by the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation. Our Clinical Director, Tanya Wade, and High School Culture & Climate Coordinator, Jemina Lyle, spoke about what sets Association House apart from other organizations. This webinar dives into the history of the House dating back to 1899 and how our programs have transformed to meet the needs of our community today. This educational and enlightening webinar is a great opportunity to learn more about Association House High School and our behavioral health programs. Through whole-person and culturally responsive services, we are cultivating a supportive community while also tearing down access barriers for minority groups. And you can too! If you missed this event, no worries! You can still watch the webinar by clicking the link below. Thank you so much to our hosts at the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation! We are proud to partner with an organization that fosters a welcoming environment for community discussion and growth.

Dear Friends, As we reflect on a year of resilience, resistance and reimagination, I am moved by the unwavering commitment of you - our stakeholders, donors, staff and participants who bring our mission to life. Throughout this transformative year, Association House has witnessed remarkable achievements and milestones. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we remain steadfast in advancing our mission of removing the barriers that prevent families and individuals from fully participating in society. In this annual report, you will see how our programs uplift participant voices across all five of our divisions. Our comprehensive programs place youth in loving homes, offer second chances for high school education, provide behavioral health services for those in need, launch individuals into thriving careers, and lift communities through health and wellness programs. Here at Association House, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Your continued support plays a crucial role in the work we do here at the House. We hope you are inspired by the stories in this annual report. Together, we empower a stronger community. As cherished partners, we thank you for your continued support. With gratitude, Juan Carlos Linares President & CEO

“I think we live in a world that doesn’t recognize the value of every human being and their full potential. Settlement houses have survived for hundreds of years to fill that void.” -Harriet Sadauskas, Association House President Emeritus In 1973, Harriet Sadauskas-- born to a Lithuanian father and Polish mother-- walked into Association House to drop off her resume for a secretarial position in our senior outreach program. 51 years later, she’s still here. This Women’s History Month, we’re looking back at the women who shaped Association House to the institution it is today, 125 years later. Our Vice President, Julie Rodriguez, puts it this way, “if you’re inspired by the work of Association House, you’re inspired by Harriet.” “This was never about a job, it was about connecting with people,” Harriet explains. In 2020, Harriet retired from her position as President & CEO, a role she’d held since 1993. During her time with the House, she saw a shift in demographics, from serving Polish immigrants like her mother, to the mixed Latinx and African American population served today. She led the move to our Kedzie building, bringing all services under one roof. She oversaw the growth of our high school, the creation of our Financial Careers Training program, and the significant expansion of our Behavioral Health teams. At Faces of Hope on June 13, 2024, Harriet will join with other staff and volunteers who have dedicated their lives to this work as she receives her second Spirit of Hope award. Join us! • This story is part of our 125th anniversary series. Follow along for more throughout the year! Have your own Association House history story? We’d love to hear it! Contact us via email at development@associationhouse.org

Working toward your goals can be one of the most fulfilling parts of the human experience. Everyone deserves the chance to feel proud of the steps they’ve taken to achieve a dream. But when a person lacks the resources needed to reach the life they’ve imagined, where do they turn? For Amilcar, a caring and dedicated support system was a massive first step in bridging that gap. When Amilcar came to Association House in 2002, he was a reserved 8-year-old. Social interactions were tricky, and he struggled to find his independence. While he was able to attend a welcoming and inclusive after-school program, it couldn’t accommodate his mental and developmental disabilities. After-school programs for children with these needs can be hard to find and access. It can be challenging to get the specialized support that helps them grow. After he finished school, Amilcar transitioned into the Life Skills Education program, which was designed with intellectual and developmental needs in mind. Soon, Amilcar started receiving the support he needed from mentors and participants, and something new blossomed within him. Meeting new people meant he could practice his social skills among peers facing the same struggles as him. Outings to the zoo allowed him to bond and learn with his new friends. Selling snacks and counting out change gave him the confidence to expand his skillset. He broke out of his shell and found his own voice. “I speak up for myself. If I need something, I let them know. Or if anything bothers me, I could talk to them,” Amilcar states proudly. When Amilcar found his voice, he began setting his sights on long-term goals. The list was long, but he was motivated to achieve each one knowing his friends and mentors from Association House would support every step of his journey. One of Amilcar’s biggest dreams was getting his first job. Through the Life Skills Education program (LSE), he learned money management and independent living skills to make his dream a reality. The LSE program gives people with intellectual and developmental needs tools and resources to develop social, work-related, and cognitive skills for everyday life. “We provide knowledge for them. We provide opportunities, we provide support skills.” LSE Supervisor Ellen says. “But I think that the support we provide them, the day-to-day interaction, the program is more like a family rather than a service. We get to see who they are. We get to see and hear their needs.” Amilcar’s occupational therapists worked with him to assess and grow his skillset and match him to a job that he could not only excel in, but also enjoy and feel proud to do. Today, he works on the Sanitation Crew at Skyline Design. But Amilcar isn’t done dreaming. Now, he’s looking forward to a trip on his own to Puerto Rico. “I’m ready because I can do this!” he declares. Because of the consistent guidance that Amilcar receives in the LSE program, he’s able to dream as big as he wants. All he needed was the foundational care that can lift any person to their full potential. Although we all might start on differing paths in life, everyone deserves a chance to put in the work and reach their goals. Amilcar’s story shows us that through the right supportive channels, dreams are never that far away. For more information on our Behavioral Health programs, visit www.associationhouse.org/behavioral-health.

After a chaotic battle with addiction separated her from her daughter, Jennifer found the compassion and acceptance she needed to recover in the Intact Family Services program at Association House. In the summer of 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic threw hospitals and doctor's offices into mayhem, Jennifer Paul discovered she was five months pregnant. With emergency room waits at an all-time high, and new patients being turned away throughout the city, this news would be frightening for any woman-- but Jennifer faced an even greater challenge. She was an active drug user, and so was her daughter's father: and neither of them were sure they were ready to quit. When she finally managed to see a doctor, the drugs in her system automatically flagged her for reporting to the Department of Children and Family Services. This kicked off a difficult journey to recovery: one that separated her from her newborn daughter, tested her emotional limits, and transformed her entire life. The First Step is the Hardest Jennifer was paired with the Intact Family Services team at Association House shortly after the birth of her daughter, Nora. This program is dedicated to reuniting families separated by addiction, domestic violence, and other risk factors that threaten the safety and stability of children. Nora was born a month early, and was initially allowed to stay with Jennifer and Nora's father. However, after only two months, an encounter with police separated them-- placing Nora in the care of her grandmother, and forcing Jennifer into intensive treatment for her addiction. "In the beginning, I was very angry. I blamed the agency, and I blamed the police that took her. I wasn't open to any help," Jennifer admits. "Now, being sober and looking back, I wasn't doing anything I was supposed to. I was still very unwell. I'm almost grateful all of this happened, because I feel like Nora might not still be here if someone didn't intercede legally. In the two months we had her, she wasn't in an environment to thrive." An Emotional Turning Point The next several months were a struggle. After a brief sober living stay didn't stick, Jennifer and Nora's father were inconsistent with their visits and resisted Association House's treatment plan for reunification. During this struggle for stability, in February 2021, addiction claimed Nora's father's life. "Everybody knew before I did. Nobody wanted to break the news to me. I found out at 9:30 at night, and within twenty minutes, my case worker called me. She asked if I was okay, and how to keep me okay. She called me late at night, which meant she was on her personal time-- and I don't think she was required to check on me. There were no accusations. She didn't make me feel like I was going to mess up. She just wanted to know how to help. I think that's not something you'd get anywhere else." After such a significant loss, Jennifer feared the effects that her grief might have on her journey to reunite with her daughter. But after her case worker paired her with an intensive outpatient program, she found the strength to conquer her addiction. She completed a SMART Recovery treatment, and worked with her case workers at Association House to navigate the legal system, finally allowing her to reunite with Nora. For followup visits, Nora and Jennifer were paired with Angelica-- the case worker who Jennifer says put her at ease as she transitioned back into motherhood. Parenting Her Way "I never felt like I needed to be perfect. At first, I was nervous to even have a dish in the sink during a visit. I felt like I had to act like this was the easiest thing in the world. Parenting is not easy for anyone, plus with sobriety... and I'm 40! I'm old now, it's hard chasing a little kid around! It was so nice not to have the pretense of perfection. Angelica would say "Welcome to life with a toddler— if you’re looking for a clean house, good luck. Maybe in 18 years.” Today, Jennifer is proud to be present as her best self, getting to watch Nora's sweet and sassy personality bloom. As Nora enjoys preschool, Jennifer's begun to heal her relationship with her family and take on the challenges of motherhood. "There were a lot of relationships to repair. I'm a better person, mother, friend, daughter, and sibling now than I ever was before drugs. There was a time when my name wasn't even allowed to be spoken in my mom's house. All of this forced us to talk and be in the same room. I work for my dad's company now. Long before the drugs, I would never have been offered a position there." Celebrating a New Normal Jennifer credits her time with Association House for making her feel normal again-- like someone who had gained trust, whose life was stable, and was worth celebrating. She still stays in contact with Angelica and other case workers, many months after her case closed. After buying her first car, Angelica was one of the first people Jennifer told. Nora endearingly refers to her case workers as "her ladies," and remains Association House Famous for the tea parties she threw for them. "I'm normal," Jennifer says with relief. "I'm not stressed out about how I'm gonna go out and get drugs. It's a car payment, it's groceries, it's inflation being awful. I complain about the things that a normal 40 year old across the board complains about. It feels nice, like "Welcome to the club." You're middle aged and angry at the price of everything. "Welcome, you made it!" • Learn more about Association House's Child Welfare program, including Intact Family Services here. This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.

“A busy life it is in this house, with hundreds crossing its threshold every week--indeed every day. Through it all our increasing purpose runs, to so touch by deed or words the life of everyone who enters its doorway, each shall feel the power of a higher life." --Ellen Holt, Founder, Association House (1911) Association House has always been a refuge for women and children. As Association House embarks on our 125th year, we’re reflecting on our history, its ties to the reform movement, and the women that made it happen. Our founder, Ellen Holt, was the daughter of a wealthy Chicago businessman. Rejecting the life of her parents, she began working alongside Jane Addams at Hull House, Chicago’s earliest Settlement House. Soon, she became involved in the formation of Association House. Established in June 1899 to train women for the work of the Young Women's Christian Association, the effort quickly grew to the more expansive vision Holt held. Holt and Association House’s first head resident, Carrie Wilson, understood the need for a single place to meet many community needs: a place where community voice led decision making, and staff lived in community. Early life at Association House was lively: children ran through hallways to music, and residents shared meals and healthy debate. Hundreds of clubs were established over the years where participants learned to cook, read, play sports, and sew. Most importantly, Association House became a gathering place for all: a place where commonalities outweighed differences. What began as a GED assistance program has evolved over 125 years into an accredited Level 1+ onsite high school. Half of the student body are women. Association House began as a radical rejection of exclusion and of gaps that leave individuals struggling. Here, we created a place of inclusion where individuals find the tools and resources they need to lead a more full and complete life. Whether that was a shower, a new skill, or simply a friend, Association House was here. That work continues today and is as innovative and important as it was at our founding in 1899. Follow along for more stories this Women’s History Month and throughout our 125th anniversary year! Have your own Association House history story? We’d love to hear it! You can reach our Development and Marketing team at development@associationhouse.org

Trivia nerds unite! Next month, we're continuing a springtime tradition with the return of the Association House Auxiliary Board Trivia Night! Hosted at the beautiful Park & Field in Logan Square and open to the public, this night is sure to be a blast. Your admission price secures you a drink ticket, an hour and a half of trivia madness, delicious snacks to get your brain in gear, and serves as a generous donation to support all the vital programs serving your community every day at Association House. Secure your tickets below! Larger sponsorship packages are also available with unique perks.

Have you ever worried about how much you're gambling? It can be difficult to tell how much is too much-- but catching the early warnings can mean a world of difference. If gambling has ever gotten in the way of your work, relationships, or financial stability, join us at Association House for a free risk assessment screening as part of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. A light lunch will be served, and recovery resources will be accessible on site at Association House from 9 am-1 pm. Bring a friend and stay informed on the risks of problem gambling, and learn more about its impact on your community. Looking for other ways to get involved? Submit original artwork to the Are You Really Winning? art competition to inspire those struggling to seek the help they need. The competition's submission deadline is March 31, 2024. Selected works will be featured in a public showing this Spring. If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.

Every child deserves a home where they feel safe, loved, and cared for. For children whose safety is at risk, foster care provides a temporary haven where they are supported through these difficult times. Unfortunately, the foster care system faces it’s own challenges - a lack of funding, staff, and most importantly, foster parents. Becoming a foster parent is a big decision. But since a very young age, Jessica knew she wanted to help the children in her community. Jessica and her husband, Jon, have two biological children of their own, yet they felt they still had love to give. This decision would change their lives forever. Jessica and Jon’s foster journey began in 2016 when they found Association House. Our child welfare team guided them through the process to become certified foster parents. During the process, they were given tools and resources to prepare themselves to take on this huge responsibility. Soon enough, Jessica and Jon welcomed their first foster child, Adel. From the minute nine-year-old Adel arrived at his new foster home, he was met with warmth and affection. He quickly bonded with his foster parents, siblings and an extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. During regular meetings with his case worker, Angelica, he expressed his desire to make his situation permanent. “Everybody has grown to love him. He’s ours. He’s been ours in our hearts since day one,” says Jessica. Four years later, Adel’s foster home became his forever home. The official papers were signed on his 13th birthday, giving them another reason to celebrate. Though this was a happy day for the family, Jessica and Jon recognize the difficult truths that are sometimes left unsaid. “We understand that adoption can be both the most beautiful and the most traumatic moment in a child’s life. Supporting a child through that requires extra love and support,” says Jessica. Fostering can be a challenging journey full of emotional highs and lows. Jessica and Jon soak in every second. When Association House called again to ask if they were ready to take in another foster child, they said yes. This year, with the help of their caseworkers, Jessica and Jon finalized their second adoption. “Association House has been with us at every turn, through whatever hurdles we are given and there were many. Our case workers are available 24/7. They walk us and the kids through every step. We do it in community,” says Jessica. Though their family is not traditional, Jessica and Jon would not have it any other way. The decision to become foster parents has brought infinite joy to their home. For them, fostering is an act of profound love and resistance against a broken system. Watch “With Love,” a short video created by Fig Media capturing the story of the Venegas family and how foster care changed their lives forever. If you are considering becoming a foster parent, we hope Jessica and Jon’s story inspires you to begin your journey. Association House is here. Learn more: www.associationhouse.org/become-a-foster-parent.

Before coming to Association House High School, many of our students think graduation is impossible. Traditional schools often ignore the many circumstances preventing students from making it to graduation day. But here at Association House, our teachers, counselors, and mentors walk alongside students to help them achieve their goals. After Constance welcomed her daughter, Key, into the world, she realized she had to grow up fast. With no support from her adoptive family, Constance and Key moved from Indiana to Chicago in search of a better life. “I left with just me and my baby. I found a shelter; and it was a rocky transition because I didn’t know how to find other assistance," says Constance. Constance worked hard to provide the formula, food, and necessities needed to care for her daughter. As she made friends, they introduced her to vital resources, like Association House. Two and a half years had passed since Constance dropped out of high school. She didn’t think, she could ever finish. However, when Constance stepped through the doors of Association House, she knew she was in the right place. Constance was met with a supportive community determined to help her reach her goals. “When I first came here, they welcomed me with open arms. It’s like a breath of relief because when I come here I have the support while I try to succeed,” Constance says. Teachers helped Constance stay on track with schoolwork. Mentors provided her with the resources needed to take care of her family. And the Family Literacy Program provided a safe place for Key while Constance focused on her studies. A couple years later, Constance found herself on stage at graduation, sharing her story in front of the people who believed in her the most. Friends who introduced her to the lifeline that is Association House. Teachers and mentors who went the extra mile to ensure she was at school and completing assignments. She even reunited with her biological family, who she had not seen since she was four years old. Constance shared, “I made the decision that I didn’t want to be the girl that failed… We have potential that stands higher than no mountain anyone has ever seen." Association House meets individuals where they are and helps them unlock their potential. Constance is now studying in the EMT Paramedics Program at Malcolm X College. She has received $12,000 in scholarships and aspires to become a physical therapist. Not everyone’s journey is the same. As we celebrate Constance’s story, we are reminded of the remarkable transformation that can happen when individuals receive the right support. Association House is committed to uplifting and empowering the people in our community to live their fullest life.