Member Spotlight
Organizations like Association House, which grow organically over decades, often have trouble wrapping their arms around a donor database. They know to collect donor and gift information but sometimes lack a full-time staff member dedicated to the infrastructure of their development operations. As a result, a database with powerful potential becomes little more than a glorified filing cabinet. That's where WomenOnCall.org volunteer Vered came in. After meeting the Association House staff at the Meet & Match event in Chicago, she found an organization that could benefit from her expertise in fixing Raiser's Edge databases - a niche volunteer opportunity that she could not resist. After emailing back and forth to determine their needs, Vered visited the organization in March 2011 and performed an audit of the non-profit’s database system by using logic models to better align their donor data with their financial systems. By the end of the day, Association House had a new Campaign, Fund and Appeal structure that matched the General Ledger, enabling seamless reconciliation and eliminating the guesswork of years of confusing data entry. She also left them with recommendations for further work they could do themselves: investigate invalid records, redefine gifts across fiscal years and identify patterns for future giving strategies.
By connecting with a volunteer through WomenOnCall.org, Association House was able to receive professional consulting services that would have otherwise been challenging to secure. They are grateful to WomenOnCall.org for making this possible and helping to connect organizations to talented volunteers. The impact is long-lasting, and they have since expanded resources and care for their donors who support children and families in need.
 
 
About the Association House of Chicago:
Established in 1899, Association House serves a multi-cultural community by providing comprehensive, collaborative and effective programs in English and Spanish. The organization promotes health and wellness and creates opportunities for educational and economic advancement. Association House is supported by generous donors who make life-changing programs possible.
For more than 110 years, Association House has worked with Chicagoans who seek tools to lead better lives. Based in Humboldt Park, the organization offers programming locally and city-wide to a multicultural population of all ages. Association House provides immediate assistance and helps participants gain independence through programs across five service areas: community services, from basic needs to job training; child welfare; behavioral health; out-of-school time programs for children and teens; and El Cuarto Ano, an alternative high school. These bilingual, evidence-based programs are conducted by seasoned staff in a caring, welcoming environment. Participants have a cohesive safety net to turn to throughout life.
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