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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.

By connecting with affordable housing in his city, Josh was finally able to focus on his career and flourish. After 33 years in the city, Josh lives and breathes Chicago. But growing up in a family of eight in Humboldt Park, he often found himself in survival mode, working against immense odds to secure a future he could be proud of. For Josh, life in his neighborhood was a challenge unlike any other, but his community came through for him in ways he never expected when he needed it most. Family struggles led Josh to emancipate himself at 16, soon moving into the shelter at La Casa Norte in Humboldt Park. At age 20, his time in the shelter gave him enough stability to move into a place of his own, but with little work experience and steadily increasing rent costs, the financial burden eventually became too much to handle. At 24, he found himself homeless again. "A call from LUCHA came right in the nick of time," Josh shared. "I was blessed to have the opportunity. I moved into the Humboldt Park Residence and had a nice little spot for myself." In addition to a morale boost from holiday get-togethers and homebuying workshops in the building, Josh credits the affordability and resource connections at LUCHA's HPR building with giving him the chance to make a massive change in his life. There are snacks, games, gifts, and even manicures at Humboldt Park Residence holiday parties. "I had so many jobs, it's not even funny. I can't even remember all of them. I was working as a dishwasher at the airport when Evelyn from LUCHA called me and asked if I'd want to be a desk clerk at HPR," Josh says. "I had the opportunity just because I was a resident and we had that relationship. I worked the desk the whole time I lived there, on and off for 8 years." While Josh enjoyed the desk work in his building, he was still working 7 days a week across multiple jobs, doing his best to save up for his future. But the desk position opened his eyes to an industry that truly spoke to him -- and started him on the career journey he's in the midst of today. "I was the go-to guy as a desk clerk. Whenever someone needed help with a housing application, or someone needed help understanding the eligibility requirements, I helped them. Before I knew it, I had some of the lingo down, and real knowledge about vouchers and subsidies," says Josh. He regularly spoke with property managers at APMS, who managed his building and took notice of his initiative. One day, they let him know about an open position. For his inspiring story, Josh was honored with meeting Mayor Brandon Johnson ahead of Encuentro Square's grand opening. "I got the interview, and obviously I slammed it! " he says with a laugh. After APMS helped him with trainings and certifications required for property management, he began the job he holds today-- one that has rewarded him and allowed him to give back in a way that's deeply personal to him and his history. "In order to be successful, you have to reach a basic comfort zone. Once you have that, you can actually start applying yourself to what you want to make yourself into," he says. "My favorite part of my work now is when I get to call people and tell them they've been approved for an apartment. You can hear the energy, how happy and thankful they are." The courtyard at Encuentro Square, Josh's new home. Now, with some experience under his belt and a salary boost, Josh is living in LUCHA's newest affordable housing complex, Encuentro Square. This year, in his brand new one-bedroom unit, he's purchased a car, and is saving up for a condo of his own. As he continues his path as a property manager, he's determined to show his residents how affordable housing can change their lives, just like it changed his. "Affordable housing is a tool, a gift, a blessing. There's no reason to be ashamed of asking for this kind of help," Josh told us. "When people hear 'affordable housing,' I want them to hear that there's hope for relief -- that you can make it to the next step." ■ -- Learn more about how Association House and LUCHA are changing the face of affordable housing together at lucha.org .

Get ready to put your knowledge to the test for a great cause! The Association House Auxiliary Board is hosting its annual  Trivia Night on Wednesday, March 26, and you’re invited. Gather your team, flex those brain muscles, and enjoy a night of friendly competition at Midwest Coast Brewing Co.—all while making a real impact. Every dollar raised goes directly to Association House programs, helping us continue to provide essential resources and opportunities to our community. So grab your smartest friends (or your most enthusiastic ones), and let’s make it a night to remember! Admission includes a drink ticket, catered apps, prizes for the champs, and awesome raffle opportunities! Get your tickets below before they sell out! 💥

After graduating our Financial Careers Training program, Senthil became a Relationship Banker with Bank of America. When Senthil joined Association House’s Financial Careers Training program, he was ready for the challenge of juggling class and full-time work as a Grubhub delivery driver, but he hadn't expected it to lead to a full-circle moment that would give him a chance to uplift his community. After emigrating from India with a background in financial services, Senthil found his career back at square one, in a new country full of unwritten rules and expectations. After working in a gas station and driving deliveries, he joined the Financial Careers Training program at Association House, hoping to get his foot back in the door. While he expected a crash course in American bank work, he had not anticipated that the class would break him out of his shell, giving him a newfound confidence in his people skills. "This class really pushed me to socialize with people," Senthil shared. "We changed seats in class every day, so we'd get used to talking to new people with different backgrounds. In the banking industry, this is an absolute must." Senthil was also surprised by the class's focus on etiquette and professional attire, both of which he found to be the most intimidating things about the banking positions he'd been applying for. With access to Association House's Career Closet of free work wear, and behind-the-scenes tours of major banking offices around the city, he was able to carry out his interviews with less fear of the unknown. "When I came to the U.S. and went to open my first bank account, I remembered thinking 'Ooh, these people have nice offices, suits and ties...' It was kind of a lot. But now that's part of my life! The expectations for work here are so different," Senthil explained. "Through this class, I've learned how to make bank work relational, not transactional-- so customers can come back and feel comfortable sharing their needs every time." Senthil (left) with the rest of his graduating cohort of Financial Careers Training students. Our Financial Careers Training instructor, Sherri Richardson, told us that the problems Senthil encountered on his career journey were the exact reasons she felt motivated to teach the course. "Part of my role as a Branch Manager was to interview people for open positions, and I saw a big knowledge gap in proper interview etiquette and attire , especially among minority candidates and young candidates," Sherri elaborated. "It wasn't their fault. They thought what they were bringing to the interview was appropriate, but somewhere along the way, they didn't have these important standards communicated, so they were missing out on jobs." With these important lessons in his back pocket, Senthil secured a Relationship Banker position with Bank of America before graduation, while still driving for Grubhub. In his final days with the company, he was honored as one of their top drivers, selected for his outstanding customer service and on-schedule delivery record. With this distinction, he was given the opportunity to nominate an organization for the Driver Community Grant Program, providing financial support for a nonprofit in his community. Senthil submitted a glowing testimonial of his experience at Association House, and it paid off: with his help, Finanical Careers Training was awarded a $5,000 grant. Senthil was thrilled to give future students a fighting chance, and was filled with pride to have his past unlock a new future for others facing the same situation. "My advice to anyone who decides to take this class is to give your 100%," Senthil says. Follow the trainer, give your best, and success will follow. If you want to get your foot into this industry, trust these instructors -- I know firsthand they'll put you on the right path." ■ -- Learn more about our Finanical Careers Training program or apply to join our next cohort at associationhouse.org/fct .

On June 12, 2025 , we will celebrate Association House at Faces of Hope , honoring the people and spirit of hope that fuel our mission to advance each person's full participation in the life of their families, communities, and society.  Together, we’re creating pathways to better health, education, economic opportunity, and now, affordable housing through our exciting partnership with LUCHA. Be part of this inspiring celebration! Secure your spot today -  exclusive Early Bird tickets are on sale now through April 30th! Don't miss your chance to be part of something truly impactful. We're back in the vibrant heart of Pilsen - and this is a night you won't want to miss!  Join us at Lacuna Lofts and taste delicious food, bid on exciting auction packages, and listen to powerful stories that will stay with you long after the evening ends.  By joining us at Faces of Hope, you help create opportunities for every person to thrive. Learn more about the event and how to get involved by visiting www.associationhouse.org/facesofhope .

In response to the youth mental health crisis, our school-based counseling program opens doors to opportunity by empowering organizations like Association House to deliver accessible, culturally sensitive mental health support, ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a nationwide mental health crisis, especially among young people who were suddenly deprived of critical social interactions and faced unprecedented challenges in education and employment. A 2021 study by the CDC revealed that 44% of American high schoolers felt “persistently hopeless” in the past year. Even more alarmingly, 21% reported seriously considering suicide. In response to these concerning trends, the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation launched a School Based Counseling pilot program– funding the employment of on-site mental health counselors in high schools throughout the state. Association House’s Behavioral Health team was selected to serve two neighborhood schools, and as word of our success spread, Association House soon began replicating services in additional schools. “A lot of the students I work with would never seek out this kind of help on their own,” says Patrice Gordon, an Association House counselor based at Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy. “But when it’s coming from someone who looks like them and lives and works alongside them, finding support starts to seem okay.” Patrice Gordon makes school a safe place for students to speak their minds. Mr. Gordon says he works to make counseling commonplace for his students, many of whom come from cultural backgrounds that discourage it. By filling the hallways of the school with positive and affirming mental health information and forming friendly bonds with students before getting into any therapy talk, he’s able to remove the pressures of traditional counseling. “If one student knows me, they might tell their friend who I am and what I do. I have an open-door policy in the Common Room where I work. We have aromatherapy, calm sounds, it’s very relaxing. Once they know me, they know they can come by to check in if they ever feel agitated or are struggling during class,” he shares. Recognizing the importance of a whole-school approach, Association House’s school-based counseling model supports teachers and administrators alongside students. Counselors bring a trauma-informed lens to the entire school community, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment. Map of where mental health counseling is provided through Association House’s School-Based Counseling services. Santiago Duran, another counselor on the school-based team, serves as an advocate for students during faculty meetings. His role allows him to diffuse tensions in the classroom by offering insight into student perspectives, and teaching staff strategies to avoid potential triggers. “When it comes to counseling with teenagers, it’s a lot of listening, a lot of validating, a lot of reflecting on decisions and their consequences," says Mr. Duran. "Sometimes I’m the first person to give a student a neutral, non-judgemental reaction to a choice they’ve made or a feeling they’ve had. I’ve had students tell me that they like talking to me because I don’t make them feel crazy.” From box breathing to fidget toys, our school-based counseling team is normalizing self-care and removing the shame around mental health. Thanks to increased investment in mental health through Cook County Health’s Stronger Together initiative, this school-based work will continue, providing vital resources in community schools, while also creating a bridge back to Association House, for those needing more intensive support. Santiago Duran finds that validation and genuineness are the keys to student mental health. "It feels great to be able to be myself in this position," says Santiago. "Teenagers really appreciate genuineness, and this role lets me be genuine no matter what. We make progress when we can slowly build up trust. I'm a professional who can really help, but without the pressure or stress of having to go out of your way to ask for help. I'm there whenever they're ready." ■ -- Thanks to increased investment in mental health through Cook County Health’s Stronger Together initiative, this school-based work will continue, providing vital resources in community schools, while also creating a bridge back to Association House, for those needing more intensive support.

It's officially the new year, and we're kicking things off with a brand-new way to give back to your community, make new friends, and crush your personal goals at the same time. We're launching the Association House Run Club, a year-round group for runners of all skill levels to motivate one another and support an amazing cause! Our annual tradition of recruiting runners to fundraise at the Chicago Spring Half Marathon inspired us to bring the runner's spirit of perseverance to the rest of the year. In 2025, Association House Run Club members will have the chance to train alongside people who share a love of Chicago and a desire to improve every day. When you join, you'll commit to: Running a minimum of 2 races this year (with the option to choose your own race) Pledge to raise $250 per race to directly impact our program participants. But to prepare for those big days, we'll train together every other Saturday on The 606 trail , pushing each other to be the best we can be and taking in the trail's gorgeous views together. In return for your support, we'll offer: Free training plans for 5K, 10K, and half-marathon runs Exclusive AHC Run Club swag and prizes for top fundraisers . Our previous half-marathon runs have been a blast, and we love how rising to personal challenges goes hand-in-hand with giving to others. "Running changes everything. When you invest in self-improvement, you invest in bettering the community where you live, " says one of our previous runners. "We're here to build a community around our shared vision of Chicago. Every step builds the change we want to see, and we can make that happen together. For yourself and for your city." Interested in taking the first step in a year of training & triumph? Fill out an Association House Run Club Interest Form at tinyurl.com/runclub-2025 , or contact Jennifer Sheridan , Development Specialist. Act soon and join us for our very first run of the year! Learn more in our run club info packet below.