Founded by Albert Azarias, who was deeply moved after witnessing extreme poverty in the Philippines, AZA Essentials began as a vow to help people access the basics needed for a dignified life.

Launched in the Chicagoland area, what started as a dream has grown into a passionate team of eleven, with a leadership foundation of four founding board members, now joined by an two additional board members and six dedicated ambassadors.

We lead six impactful community projects a year — including food drives, clothing drives, homelessness outreach, volunteer efforts, and mentorship initiatives — each focused on creating real, local change.

We’re not just responding to needs — we’re building systems of hope, dignity, and opportunity.

To become Illinois’ largest non-corporate nonprofit by building a statewide volunteer network in public schools, where students gain mentors and life skills through art, sports, and shared talents.

In communities where extracurriculars are underfunded and youth lack direction, we’ll place volunteers to guide and inspire — reducing crime, building futures, and ultimately expanding this model nationwide and beyond.

AZA Essentials is about diversity, dignity, and development — not just giving fish, but teaching how to fish. As we grow, we’ll rise through every level of Maslow’s Hierarchy, not just the first.

Because no one should be invisible.

Thousands in our communities are facing hunger, homelessness, and hopelessness — not because they lack worth, but because they lack access. Schools are underfunded. Shelters are stretched thin. People are falling through the cracks.

AZA Essentials exists to catch them.

With every donation and every volunteer, we fuel food drives, provide clothing to those on the streets, show up for schools, and create new paths for students and families alike.