Upcoming events
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THIRD ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT
Back by popular demand!
Featuring 10 amazing performers, this unforgettable night sold out for the last two years.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of it!
Our Mission
To provide hope, growth, and solutions to youth in poverty individuals experiencing homelessness by giving them essential items, so every person feels seen, supported, and empowered to build a better future.
Who do We Serve?
Illinois, Primarily Chicagoland
We focus on 2 communities: Students living in poverty and Homeless people / veterans
We do 1 project in the Philippines every year, but we are Illinois first
What does AZA Do?
AZA has 3 different divisions:
7 Annual Projects
Volunteer Mentorship Program
Ambassador Program
7 Annual Projects
We do 6 large projects a year and one ongoing project partnership every Friday:
Backpack drive for CPS and U-46 students
Cold Weather Gear drive for Illinois’ homeless
Winter Boot Drive for Homeless Veterans
Hygiene Bag Drive for middle and high school students
International Project in the Philippines
Benefit Concert - culminating event to celebrate community and our work for the year and raise funds for the other projects
We work with other area nonprofits every Friday from 6-830 pm to serve food to about 80 homeless people 10 months out of the year in Elgin, IL.
Ambassador Program
We believe in mentoring the youth (High School and College) because they are our future. We pick high-achieving students to become future leaders.
Ambassadors lead their own service projects, gain guidance and life skills from board members and guest speakers, and represent AZA in their schools and communities.
Volunteer Mentorship Program
An ongoing initiative and the heart of what we do, currently in its pilot phase.
Volunteers meet with a student 1–2 times per week for one hour to teach a skill.
Impact:
• Builds leadership, teaching experience, and gratitude in volunteers
• Helps students gain skills and become positive contributors to society
• Strengthens communities and helps reduce crime
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
AZAEssentials@gmail.com
Phone
(630) 677-4171