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On August 16, Association House officially celebrated its 125th anniversary in Chicago, commemorating over a century of service to our community. Our 125th year has been a big one for the House so far, so it was only fitting that we had a celebration to match! Over 250 friends from the House gathered for an afternoon of music, delicious local food, games, and a dance performance from our Life Skills Education Hispanic Dance group. The House is a big place, so we took participants and their families on tours around the building, showing off all the amazing programs held inside. The grand finale was our rededication ribbon-cutting ceremony, performed by leaders from all around the House. Cutting the ribbon was our way of kickstarting a new era for Association House, declaring that we are more ready than ever to uplift Chicagoans. We were honored to have Alderperson Jessie Fuentes kick it off with a powerful address: "There are individuals who live in this community that are struggling just to survive. They need an organization like this. They need a place that they can call home. They need a place where they can walk through the doors and not feel judged or slighted by bureaucracy. We know Association House provides just that. Today we're going to celebrate 125 years, and tomorrow we're going to get to work-- so that in another 125 years, the generation after us can celebrate again." -Alderperson Jessie Fuentes The last 25 years at Association House have established us as a powerful force for good in our community. During this chapter of our history, we opened Association House High School, and every single student in its most recent graduating class was accepted into college. We expanded our mental health and substance abuse support to include youth in our city. We launched our Workforce Development programs to give our participants a jump start in the competitive job market of today, and our career training programs are only continuing to grow. These amazing steps forward wouldn't be possible without the support of our donors, our staff, our participants, and the dedication of our Board. We are so excited to support our city in every way they need for the next 125 years! Looking for a way to get involved? Make an impact by joining the Good Deeds Society! Your monthly pledge provides reliable and sustainable support to the community the House has served for 125 years. Learn more by clicking below.

Shaquitta came to Association House looking for financial education and a jumpstart to support her son. Six years later, she's a leader in her field, and her career has only continued to blossom. On the south side of Chicago, Shaquitta was raised in a lively household where education was everything. Her childhood memories include frequent trips to the library, academic competitions, and scholar programs. At the time, these experiences seemed like the normal busy schedule of any child-- but looking back, Shaquitta credits her mother with giving her the tools she needed to excel when the odds were against her. "My mother did a beautiful job at structuring such a colorful upbringing. So good, that I didn't know that I was poor until high school. I was invited to a friend's summer house. Are you kidding me? We didn't even have one house. My mother received $603 a month from Social Security. She completed all her transactions with cash and money orders. If she were here today, it would floor her that I work at a bank," says Shaquitta. After high school, Shaquitta enrolled at Chicago State University in pursuit of a psychology degree. However, her priorities quickly shifted with the birth of her son, Tyree. She realized a financial education could come in handy when her son was 7 months old. She put an $18 outfit on a credit card and let it sit for two months, accidentally doing serious damage to her credit score. Shaquitta came to Association House as a student in our Financial Careers Training course. Between caring for her son and classes at Chicago State, she came to the House to gain new knowledge in banking and financial literacy. After months of long days that put her dedication to the test, she was hired at Huntington Bank as a Financial Relationship Banker. Now, six years on, Shaquitta has received four promotions at Huntington, now serving as Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President. With Huntington, she also leads the African American Business Resource Group of Illinois and Wisconsin, empowering Black people to pursue leadership in the business world. Shaquitta credits her time with Association House as the jumpstart to achieve her goals: "This organization has done so much more than assisting me with a career. Association House has provided me with the foundation to create generational wealth. I can now help people build their credit. I am now able to help someone purchase a home. This is not a responsibility I take lightly!" This year, in celebration of Association House's 125th anniversary, we honored Shaquitta as our participant keynote speaker at our annual Faces of Hope gala, motivating our community to support the mission of the House. We're proud to have Shaquitta still on board as a volunteer, and as an ambassador for the House through her work. Her story speaks to the power of our workforce development programs, helping people on their paths to rewarding careers and lifelong stability in our city. --- Learn more about our Financial Careers Training program, and all of our workforce development courses, at associationhouse.org/workforce-development .

A celebration is in order for Association House's graduating class of 2024! This year, we awarded 42 diplomas to our hard-working students. To many of our students, this achievement once seemed impossible. But with the support of Association House High School and its unique approach to education, dreams became reality. Today, there are more barriers to college and meaningful career paths than ever before. This is especially true for those who've been failed by the traditional education system. Many students are in need of more personalized classes, counseling, or extra support with family challenges. Without a high school diploma, many young people face an uphill battle to even get their foot in the door. Recent studies show that individuals without a high school diploma receive $200 less than the median weekly pay of those with a diploma. Those without a high school diploma receive less than half of the median pay of those with a bachelor's degree. Association House High School works to make getting a quality education easier. Through mentorship, creative coursework, and onsite childcare, AHHS supports students in a way no other school can. In 2024, our graduating class achieved a monumental goal. Every single graduate completed the Learn, Plan, Succeed requisite of Chicago Public Schools ! This is a metric used to show that students have concrete plans for college, with evidence. In other words, 100% of this year's Association House graduates received their diploma ! Not only that, but they were acceptable for at least one of the college degree programs they applied for with their mentors' help. We are so proud of all the amazing journeys we've witnessed at AHHS. Our graduates have defied the odds and begun an exciting new chapter of their lives with a top-grade education under their belts. We can't wait to see what these inspiring young people do next, and are looking forward to helping every step of the way! ■ --- Learn more about Association House High School at associationhouse.org/high-school .

Since 1899, Association House has showed up for our community. And on June 13th, our community showed up for Association House in a big way-- bigger than any other year in history! At this year's Faces of Hope event, Association House celebrated its 125th anniversary with over 270 guests. Together, nearly $250,000 was raised in support of the House's 30+ programs. These funds will benefit the individuals and families we serve and further our mission in advancing each person's full participation in the life of their families, communities, and society. This achievement would not have been possible without the immeasurable generosity of our donors. From mental healthcare for individuals recovering from trauma, mentoring for high school students, and job training for determined adults, you make it all possible. At Faces of Hope, many inspiring stories of hope and transformation were shared, including "Where Community Finds Its Home." This 125th anniversary film captures the driving spirit and dreams made possible through Association House's programs. Watch the video below to see what 125 years of service looks like at the House. As we celebrate our legacy, we also look forward to the future with the launch of our "Good Deeds, Good Neighbors" campaign. In honor of our 125th anniversary, we are inviting 125 monthly donors to join the Good Deeds Society. Your monthly pledge provides reliable and sustainable support to the community the House has served for 125 years. By joining the Good Deeds Society, you can make your impact all year long. Learn more by clicking the button below.

June is Pride Month, and we're proud to support the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people across Chicago! Our doors are open to all, and we celebrate the resilient spirits of queer people all year 'round. To celebrate, we chatted with queer people on the Association House team about what they want to see for their community in the year to come. What stereotype do you want to break about the community? Andrea (she/they) - Psychosocial Rehabilitation Group Counselor: I want to break the stereotype that we're all the same! I may have my own pronouns, or refer to myself as one thing or another, but don't box me in. Nick (he/him) - Marketing Specialist: "There's this idea that you're going to get barked at if you talk about something you're not 100% informed on, but without having honest conversations and asking questions, there's always going to be tension and discomfort. And I know gay people and straight people don't want that." Rinn (they/them) - CCMTP Data Assistant: "You can't always tell when somebody is trans or genderqueer or anything like that. I think it's good practice to ask people how they want to be referred to instead of just assuming." What can we do to support LGBTQ+ people at work and in the community? Nick: "I really feel like we have HIV and STI stuff covered. I don't think we need any more help with that. I just want more. I feel like that's been a focus for so many years. Now, we need help with changing people's names and gender markers on their ID; housing for people who've been thrown out by their families; support groups for people struggling with drugs and alcohol. HIV support isn't enough anymore!" Andrea: "I was just speaking to someone, and she had no idea why we use certain pronouns. She said, 'I just know I'm she/her.' So, I explained to her some of the different pronouns, and so much light came from her once she was educated on the small things! Lots of people might come from a place where they don't know anything about this community. It takes time to educate, and it takes time to change." Rinn: "I have they/them in my email signature and that doesn't always seem to translate to mean that I'm trans; that people should be cautious not to refer to a group that I'm in as "ladies" or something. Being a little more considerate of identities in that way is helpful. Don't get defensive, don't over-apologize, accept that you're being corrected, correct yourself, and move on. Just make an effort to do better next time. What would you tell a younger LGBTQ+ person struggling with their identity? Rinn: Find community! Our community is what makes us strong. Talk to each other! You don't understand things just by sitting in your little bubble; you don't branch out by isolating yourself. It's so important to find other people who understand us and can talk to us about how we go through life. Nick: I was a pretty combative person in my teens and I learned pretty quickly that there's a lot of people out there who are gonna have a problem with you regardless of what you have going on. There's people whose approval I wouldn't want anyway. I'm not, like, go-go dancing in the office or anything but I don't change who I am just because I'm around new people! If they like me, they like me; if they don't, the feeling's probably mutual! Andrea: I don't think I would give a different answer than what I'd tell any young person. I'd tell my younger self to relax, and in time it will be okay. Not everyone is going to accept you no matter who you are; you just have to be comfortable with who you are. Go out and show the world who you are regardless! Just be you, and it'll be okay. ■ Happy Pride Month from Association House! Read more about how Association House supports diversity every day here.

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.