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Programs Association House programs serve a vibrant, multi-cultural community. Our programs, known for their quality, are bilingual in English and Spanish. Our collaborative model meets participants' immediate needs, while working toward long-term goals. Follow the links below to learn more about our five service areas. Association House High School The Association House High School offers a new path to 16 to 21-year-olds left behind by traditional public schools. We are not like other schools. Here, you'll receive the personalized support you need to earn a high school diploma. Our team of certified teachers and mentors break down the barriers that keep students from graduating, helping each student build a better future. Learn More Behavioral Health Our Behavioral Health programs help individuals tackle challenges, increase independence, and seize opportunity. Always culturally affirming, trauma-informed, and evidence-based, our programs are best-in-class. Whether you need mental health services, substance-use treatment, or a little extra support, our staff is here for you. We also offer empowering services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Learn More Child Welfare The Child Welfare team provides support and care for vulnerable children and families. As the largest fully-bilingual child welfare team in Chicago, Association House serves many Latinx families. We work in partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Our goal is to ensure the safety, well-being, and healthy development of children. We address trauma and promote resilience. We help parents and families develop nurturing and safe relationships with their children. Learn More Community Health Our Community Health programs address chronic health issues and improve community health. We reach uninsured and underinsured individuals least likely to access care. We offer nutrition workshops, physical fitness activities, cooking demonstrations, health screenings, and more. Our staff is culturally-affirming and bilingual in English and Spanish. Learn More Workforce Development Our Workforce Development team envisions ending unemployment and poverty through their highly-effective programs. The individuals we serve face significant employment barriers. At Association House, they gain skills for for lasting careers. From basic employment services, to tech training, to industry-specific programs, your future begins here. Learn More Success Stories 23 hours ago 2 min Meet Olivia, Our Salesforce Administrator! Introducing one of the newest additions to our team! Sep 6 2 min An Unlikely Family Reunion for Floyd How Association House's social media connected Floyd to his estranged family. Sep 5 1 min A Tribute to Ron Kurz: Board Member, Leader, and Friend of the House Few people have left as profound an impact at Association House as our dear friend, Ron Kurz, who passed away in late August. Today, we cele

Ways to Give Supporters like you fuel our social impact. The success of those we serve relies on your contributions to Association House of Chicago. Find the way to give that works for you and change a life today! Give Now Your gift today will make an immediate impact on those we serve and our mission year round. Click the button below to make an online, Paypal or Venmo gift. ​ Give Now Give Items Your gifts of toys, school supplies, and food items make a real difference for families. Learn how to go bigger with a collection drive of your own! Learn more Facebook Fundraiser Start a campaign today – for your birthday, wedding, or other important event – and you’ll be funding life-changing programs for children and families. ​ Start Now Shop Our Wish List Want to directly support a program you love? Check out their wish-lists of items carefully selected by program staff to impact our community. Shop Now Good Deeds, Good Neighbors Through monthly giving with the 'Good Deeds Society,' you provide reliable and sustainable support to the community Association House has served for over 125 years. Give Monthly Give Through a DAF Donor-advised fund giving is made easy with our DAF Direct tool. Click through to schedule your secure DAF gift today. Learn More Wills & Estate Gifts If you’ve supported Association House your whole life or you’ve always wanted to make a significant gift, a will or estate gift might be for you. Learn More Corporate Partnership Through team-building projects, in-kind drives, and event sponsorship, your corporate allyship invests in our community’s advancement. Join Us Give Stocks You can make an impact with a stock gift while minimizing your own tax liability. The form linked below will give you all you need to get started. ​ Stocks Form Matching Gifts Did you know your employer may double your gift through a match? Find your employer and complete the process using our quick and easy tool. Match Now Vehicle Donations Why not turn your old car into cash for programs and a mission you love? Our Vehicle Donation Program makes it quick and easy! Learn more Foundation & Corporate Partners

Substance Use Counseling How We Help We offer life-changing education, counseling and support to persons experiencing alcohol and substance use problems and their families. We are a place where hope meets opportunity, and a vision of recovery is nurtured and made possible. Levels of Support Substance Use Services Substance Use Assessments Court Mandated Referrals Early Intervention Level I Outpatient Treatment Level II Intensive Outpatient Treatment Anger Management Classes Toxicology Testing After Care DUI Services DUI Assessments Uniform Reports Updated Evaluations Investigative Drug & Alcohol Evaluation Minimal Risk Moderate Risk Significant Risk High Risk Eligibility & Enrollment We offer services to individuals with Medicaid, and can help set up Medicaid for those who are eligible. We also offer services to people who are uninsured through our sliding scale. Commercial insurance is not accepted. ​ *For DUI Services, fees vary depending on service needed. Indigent pricing available for those who qualify. Medicaid accepted for significant and high-risk treatment. Visions Intake Specialist 773-772-8009 ext. 6004 ​ Service Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Take the next steps today "I started this program an 18-year-old, homeless high school dropout addicted to drugs. This program never gave up on me. Because of that I am leaving successfully as a 21-year-old who is 8 months sober, the first of my family to graduate high school, employed, and ready for what’s next." - Program Participant Meet the Team Staff Highlight: Jose Vega Jose Vega works as a counselor in our Visions program, which offers life-changing education, counseling and support to persons... Staff Highlight: Kristy Kolzow Kristy is the Supervisor of our Visions Substance Use Program. Question: What attracted you to work at Association House? Answer: In my... Staff Highlight: Adriana Rivera Adriana is one of our Counselors. She provides substance use assessments as well as anger management and treatment planning. She also... 78% of participants in treatment reported abstinence or reduction in the amount and frequency of drug use after 30 days of treatment. Related Programs Counseling Learn More Case Management Learn More Drop-In Center Learn More

Foster Care How We Help Foster care can be tough on kids. When a child comes to Association House, we find a loving temporary home. Then, we work with all involved to find a safe permanent solution. Through years of experience, we have changed the lives of so many children via a safe return home or adoption. We pride ourselves on having the largest fully bilingual foster care team in the community, and we place a large emphasis on cultural relevance. Safe Homes From an apartment, to a townhouse, to a stand alone with a picket fence. The type of home doesn't matter. We ensure all of our Foster Parents provide safe and loving homes. Stabilizing Family of Origin When possible, our goal is to have kids reunited with their family of origin. To make sure these environments are stable enough for return, we work with families to provide them the tools and resources to be successful together. Cultural Competency At Association House, we have fostered a community built on the ability to interact genuinely and respectfully with others, no matter what. We nurture the same philosophy in our Foster Homes. Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent? Becoming a foster parent is a huge responsibility, and it can be one of the most amazing experiences you have in a lifetime. We are always in need of foster parents who are passionate about caring for the children and youth we help. Become A Foster Parent "Being a foster parent is such a rewarding experience. Seeing how one year in a loving, caring, and stable home can have such a positive impact and change, in the children’s lives." - Jack and Andy, foster parents 135 children were protected and cared for by our foster parents in 2021. Related Content Intact Services Learn More Become a Foster Parent Learn More Parenting Resources Learn More

History For more than a century, Association House of Chicago has played a significant and historic role in Chicago’s westside neighborhoods. Founded as a settlement house by Ellen Holt, a student of Jane Addams, Association House served as a landing place for new immigrants for decades. Today, Association House continues to serve thousands of families each year, through programs that promote health and wellness, advance education, and provide economic opportunity. Timeline Browse photos from our archives and explore the timeline below to learn about our 125-year-long history. 1899 to 1945 1946 to 1996 1997 to Present Back to Top 1900 1899 Association House was established as a community center, eager to meet the challenges of a diverse and growing immigrant neighborhood. Association House began to serve women and girls working in nearby factories. 1905 Daily attendance topped 1,000, and that summer more than 4,500 showers were taken at Association House. To respond to the growing need, founders laid the cornerstone of the new and expanded Association House building at 2150 West North Avenue. 1899 to 1945 1908 The reading room and library opened in the new building, and within two weeks 500 children had borrowed books. 1910 Early participants included many Scandinavians, Germans, Poles, and later, Russian Jews, reflecting changes in the 1910 census. Leadership welcomed the diversity and provided a place that celebrated all cultures and religions. 1915 With a generous estate gift from fellow founding organizer Susan Poxon, Association House opened Druce Lake Camp to provide a summer escape from the city for young girls and boys. 1926 1927 1926 Leadership facilitated financial security through a new partnership with the Church Extension Board of the Presbytery of Chicago. This partnership continued into the 1980s. 1927 The Women’s Auxiliary held its first meeting and advocated for support from Presbyterian churches and businesses. 1930 During the depression, funds were scarce but programs continued, including dental and nutrition services, manual training, and art and music classes. 1899 to 1945 1946 to 1996 1997 to Present Back to Top 1946 to 1996 1946 Alfred Rath became Executive Director in 1946 and served until 1963. He initiated programs for the persons with developmental disabilities and youth, both hallmarks of our services today. 1947 Ever multi-cultural, participants now represented 29 different nationalities. By 1950, Latinos would represent a significant new population. 1948 A pilot program providing education for children with developmental disabilities began. The program grew rapidly and catalyzed the formation of 17 other parent groups in Illinois and 350 groups across the country, ultimately helping to deinstitutionalize countless children. 1960 Caravanas de Verano, a summer outreach program that brought sports and recreation to youth in their own neighborhoods began. This program laid the groundwork for future expansion of teen programs. 1976 AHC began services in Child Welfare with a foster care program that started in 1976. 1977 Our first program funded by the state in Behavioral Health was the Family Center (now PSR) in 1977. PSR is a rehabilitative skill-building service for adults with serious mental illness or co-occurring psychiatric disorders and addictions. 1980 In this decade, youth programs rapidly expand, including job training, group homes, and Association House High School, then called El Cuarto Año. 1990 By 1990, Association House had expanded from 30 staff in the 1960s to more than 200, spread across multiple buildings. Participants were now predominantly Latino and African American. 1993 Harriet Sadauskas was named the twentieth Executive Director. A daughter of Polish immigrants, Harriet grew up at the House and had already worked in the programs since 1973. 1899 to 1945 1946 to 1996 1997 to Present Back to Top 1997 to Present 1997 The building at 1116 North Kedzie was acquired, providing much-needed space to consolidate growing programs and reduce rental costs. 1999 Association House celebrated its 100th year, bringing national attention to one of the longest continually operated settlement houses in the U.S. 2001 A new mission statement was adopted and services were re-organized into five program divisions, reflecting a structure that still exists today. 2005 The Opening Doors for a New Century capital campaign came to a successful close with more than $5 million raised for building renovations, programs, and endowment. 2006 Building on earlier training programs, the Career Center integrated adult basic education, sector-based bridge programs in growth industries, employment services, financial education and coaching, and income support services. 2007 Association House successfully coordinated a group of current Board Members and Board Alumni to form the 2007 Agency Mission Revision Task Force. They formed a new Mission Statement which adopted and approved. 2010 Due to instability in government funding, many child welfare agencies shuttered in the 2010s. In contrast, Association House used private funds to maintain our support of more than 150 children. 2012 Association House began comprehensive support services to transition individuals with mental health disorders and development disabilities from highly restrictive facilities to the community settings, where they now lead fulfilling independent lives. 2016 Association House became the Illinois provider of BankWork$, a nationally recognized financials careers training program helping to disrupt generational poverty through jobs training. Back to Top Related Content Mission & Inclusivity Learn More Impact Learn More Leadership Learn More

Association House Kitchen What We Do Association House Kitchen is a fast-paced, 8-week food preparation training and subsidized employment program for returning and justice-involved citizens designed to equip graduates for positions in professional kitchens. Kitchen Skills In this program you'll learn: Industry standards and expectations Culinary terminology Classical knife skills Proper food preparation Techniques for maximum yield Use of most common professional kitchen tools and equipment ​ Graduates will also earn their ServSafe Illinois Food Handler certificate. Personal Growth Our unique approach pairs culinary training with critical reflection through Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT). MRT is highly-effective in creating a positive identity, improving decision-making, and helping individuals recognize the social consequences of actions. ​ Participants will receive two MRT sessions weekly during the program and for 4-6 weeks following graduation. How We Are Different In addition to skills-training, our team provides one on one support and wrap-around programs to ensure your success. You’ll have access to our Income Support Specialist, Case Managers, Career Navigator, Mental Health Counselors, and more. Here, we get to know you and invest in you as a whole person. Eligibility & Enrollment This program is currently open to City of Chicago residents who are returning citizens or justice involved individuals with non-violent offenses. For consideration, complete the form below. Contact: 773-772-7170 ext. 1050 ​ ​ Current Class Schedule: Tuesday through Friday. Class Format: 2-Month Program, 5 Hour Class, and in-person. Next Class Starts: October 7, 2024 Related Content NextJob Learn More Workforce Staff Learn More

Child Welfare Association House provides support and care for vulnerable children and families who have a history of child abuse and neglect and are involved with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). We serve the Cook County and Northern Illinois areas and remain one of the few providers with fully bilingual English/Spanish staff. Our goal is to ensure the safety, well-being, and healthy development of children and adolescents with a history of trauma and to promote their resilience and progress. We aim to help parents and families develop nurturing and safe relationships with their children. Foster Care Foster Care services provide children with safe, loving, and secure homes when they are unable to live with their family of origin. Case managers work to achieve permanency for the child through reunification or adoption. Learn More Intact Family Services Intact Family Services provides support to prevent the separation of children and families by identifying problems and risk factors and helping families obtain training and support to keep children at home. Learn More Become a Foster Parent A foster parent is there when a child needs them most. If you have love to give, you can be a foster parent. Our staff is here to support you in your parenting journey. Take the next steps today. Learn More Success Stories Mar 26 4 min Finding Normal: Jennifer Does Motherhood Her Way After a chaotic battle with addiction separated her from her daughter, Jennifer found compassion at Association House. Jan 3 2 min A Home for Every Heart Every child deserves a home where they feel safe, loved, and cared for. For children whose safety is at risk, foster care provides a... Dec 10, 2023 1 min Your 2023 Annual Report is Here! Dear Friends, As we reflect on a year of resilience, resistance and reimagination, I am moved by the unwavering commitment of you - our... Additional Resources These resources are here for you. Feel free to check out any of these resources down below pertaining to Foster Care and IDCFS​. Also, be sure to check out or Parenting Resources Page filled with tools and tips for all types of parents! ​ Illinois Department of Children & Family Services Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (1-800-25-ABUSE) - if you suspect a child has been or is at risk of being harmed Crisis and Referral Entry Services Hotline (1-800-349-9049) - the CARES hotline provides connections to SASS services for children and youth experiencing a mental health crisis National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics - all of our staff members follow these ethical standards DCFS Advocacy Office for Children and Families Brochure ​ ​ ​ ​ Parenting Resources

Curriculum What We Teach Association House is known for small classes with engaging, individualized instruction. Our classes meet core learning standards, while providing additional academic supports to ensure students are well-equipped for success. Technology is integrated in all classes. Contemporary Literature Ms. Vicens In Contemporary Literature, we focus on modern day novels and how they connect to our current world. We study issues of societal differences, government, and adapting to new situations, as well as character and plot development. Contemporary Literature focuses on the here and now, and what the future could be, rather than what has already passed. Meet The Teacher Civic Engagement and Protest Mr. Grijalva A traditional civics class will likely focus on the functions of government, the constitution, and voting. Instead, this class focuses on the power of the PEOPLE to make change. Explore topics such as violent/nonviolent protest, building social justice movements, and challenging the powers that be. Meet The Teacher Statistics Mr. Zschunke Statistics involves the practice of collecting and analyzing meaningful data. This includes measures of central tendency and variation, graphical representations, sampling techniques, and probability calculations. Meet The Teacher Algebra Mr. Zschunke Algebra is the study of properties and operations of the real number system, solving and graphing equations and inequalities, translating word problems into equations, operations with and factoring of polynomials, and solving simple quadratic equations. Meet The Teacher Biology Ms. Czarkowski Ng Biology is the study of life. We will introduce students to the scientific method, and then explore living systems from the molecular level up through cells, organisms, and whole ecosystems. We will cover the topics of microbiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. This year we will additionally focus on understanding the COVID-19 virus and vaccine, so students can make healthy choices for themselves and their community. Meet The Teacher Creative Writing Ms. Vicens In Creative Writing, we focus on developing students writing skills. We cover different styles of writing such as poetry, short story, plays, biographies, etc. We also cover common grammar rules and conventions, editing and reviewing skills in order to improve students written work. Meet The Teacher Humanities Mr. Grijalva Are we in a dream right now? How does my brain work? Why do people do what they do? Humanities encourages students to find answers to the largest questions human beings have ever asked. Explore subjects like philosophy, psychology, sociology, and more! Meet The Teacher Integrated Math Mr. Pilger Integrated Math integrates many topics including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and analysis. Meet The Teacher Anatomy and Physiology Ms. Czarkowski Ng In Anatomy and Physiology class, we will study the structures of the human body and how they function. We will learn about each of the body systems to understand how they work together to make us who we are. We will also learn to recognize how diseases or disorders can cause the body to be out of balance, so that we can try to help fix that. This is a great class for anyone who might be interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, or anyone who wants to be more aware of their own health during their lifetime. Meet The Teacher Culinary Arts Ms. Fisher Culinary Arts is a student driven cooking apprenticeship provided to expose students to a home and commercial kitchen environment, the art of food preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation. Through instruction and practice, students obtain the necessary skills to plan, prepare, and cook a fabulous meal. Meet The Teacher Dual Enrollment Program Each Spring, the Dual Enrollment Program gives Association House High School students the opportunity to enroll in courses at City Colleges of Chicago, gaining college credits for free. This important program exposes students to the college experience. Past courses have included Intro to Computer Information Systems and Administration of Justice. "My favorite class was English Literature. I love reading. I love writing about what I read." - Giovanni, Class of 2021 Related Content Afterschool Programs Learn More Mentoring Programs Learn More Family Literacy Program Learn More

Problem Gambling Services How We Help Problem gambling can cause financial, emotional, and relationship problems, severely impacting a person's life. Seeking help for problem gambling is a courageous step and can lead to a better, healthier future. Association House is committed to raising awareness about problem gambling and can help you find support that is right for you. Problem Gambling Support You are not alone. If you feel your betting has gotten out of hand, call: ​ 1.800.GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) OR TEXT GAMB TO 833234 ​ All calls are confidential. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. Problem Gambling Helpline Know the Signs & Symptoms This short gambling screening is designed to evaluate your relationship to gambling and can help identify any potential problems with how gambling impacts your life. This confidential survey can be completed online or in-person. Screen yourself below or schedule an appointment/follow-up with our Visions Intake Specialist by calling (773) 772-8009 ext. 6004. Screen Yourself: Have you ever felt restless, on edge, or irritable when trying to stop or cut down on gambling? Have you tried to ask other people for money to help deal with financial problems cause d by gambling? Have you tried to hide how much you have gambled from your family or friends? ​ If you answered yes to any of these questions, you can get help. Problem Gambling Screening "Many assume gambling is a harmless pastime, but for some, it can have devastating consequences. It is our mission to raise awareness about problem gambling and provide the support and resources necessary for those in need." Ayanna, Gambling Outreach Coordinator Additional Resources National Organizations:​ National Problem Gambling Helpline (800) 522-4700 or chat online at SAMHSA's National Helpline​ (800) 662-4357​ National Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741​ 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 or chat online The Trevor Project (866) 488-7386 or text START to 678678 LGBT National Hotline​ (888) 843-4564​ Gambler's Anonymous ​ Gam Talk SMART Recovery ​ Chicago-Based Organizations: ​ Way Back Inn (708) 345-8422 ext. 1 Gateway Foundation (773) 933-3080 HRDI ​ (773) 966-0333 Related Programs Mental Health Counseling Learn More Substance Use Learn More Drop-In Center Learn More Partners & Funders

< Back Bilingual Case Manager - Intact Family Services Apply Now Job Type Full Time About the Role Provides short term voluntary services to assigned families and makes reasonable efforts to stabilize, strengthen, enhance, and preserve family life by providing services that enable children to remain safely at home. Requirements Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferably in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field. Minimum of 2 years direct service experience with infants, children or adolescents. Bilingual Spanish/English required. Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) preferred and /or must obtain CWEL and required Child Welfare Case Management Certifications (CANS, Norman, and CANTS/LEADS) within the 90 day orientation period. Must have daily use of a car, current insurance, valid driver’s license, and a driving record acceptable to Agency insurance carrier and DCFS. Equal Opportunity Employer Association House of Chicago does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, order of protection status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, military status or an unfavorable discharge from military service and any other classification protected by law. Application Instructions Please email Jaime Garcia, Human Resources Director, with your resume and cover letter directly at jgarcia@associationhouse.org .

< Back Alex Moros ​ Alex Moros is a product marketer at Amazon with over 10+ years of experience at the intersection of marketing & technology. Prior to joining Amazon, Alex worked as Vice President, Marketing Strategy for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Over her career, she has helped leaders of organizations both big and small scale their businesses to grow using data, insights, and creativity. Alex holds a bachelors degree from California State Polytechnic University and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management. Why I Serve? Alex has led a life of service and is proud to be able to join the Association House Board of Directors. She is looking forward to supporting all Chicagoans who use the many services that the organization has to offer and hope to help be a small part of making a difference in the community. ​ ​

< All Staff Ms. Maria Roman mroman@associationhouse.org Receptionist, Attendance Clerk ​ ​ What is your favorite part of your position? It is a place where all the staff are friendly and respectable, and the students are amazing. What is one fun fact about yourself? I really like to be creative and inspire myself with my own ideas. Related Content Afterschool Programs Learn More Mentoring Programs Learn More Curriculum Learn More