Becoming the best versions of ourselves to help others become the best versions of themselves.

Upcoming events

  • 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!

    Click Here

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.

What AZA Does

We turn hope into action through three connected programs: seven annual projects that deliver life's essentials where they're needed most, an Ambassador Program that invests in tomorrow's leaders today, and a Volunteer Mentorship Program that builds skills and relationships one hour at a time.

7 Annual Core Projects

Volunteer Mentorship Program

Ambassador Program

7 Core Projects

We do 6 large projects a year and one ongoing project partnership every Friday:

  1. Backpack drive for CPS and U-46 students

  2. Cold Weather Gear drive for Illinois’ homeless

  3. Winter Boot Drive for Homeless Veterans

  4. Hygiene Bag Drive for middle and high school students

  5. International Project in the Philippines

  6. Benefit Concert - culminating event to celebrate community and our work for the year and raise funds for the other projects 

  7. 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 mentor 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