A New Year, A Renewed Mission

Hi Friend, 

There is something very special about the beginning of every Amate House program year.

As a new class of Fellows gathers for Orientation, the house is once again filled with excitement, anticipation, and the energy of a fresh start. They're stepping into a year—and a community—that will forever change them. You can learn more about our newest cohort in the story below.

Each new class reminds us why Amate House has remained a vital ministry for over four decades. Every year, young adults step forward with generous hearts, choosing to dedicate a year of their lives to serving others while deepening their relationship with God. Their willingness to say "yes" to this journey continues to inspire all of us.

As we welcome our newest Fellows, we are deeply grateful for the many alumni, donors, volunteers, site partners, and friends whose prayers and support make this ministry possible. Together, we are beginning another year of transformation, one that will shape not only the lives of our Fellows but also the countless individuals and communities they will accompany throughout Chicago.

We invite you to follow us throughout the year as we share stories of hope, service, and the remarkable impact that continues to unfold through Amate House.

Sincerely,

Jeannie Balanda, MBA, MNA

Executive Director

jbalanda@amatehouse.org

773.376.2445

Meet the 2026–2027 Amate House Fellows

This fall, 12 young adults are stepping into their Amate House journey, bringing bold talent, hands-on experience, and a shared commitment to faith, service, and social justice.

Drawn from seven states across the country, this year's fellowship class is proof of Amate House's growing reach in forming the next generation of Catholic leaders. They come from strong academic roots, too: graduates of the University of Notre Dame, Creighton University, Saint Mary's College, and Carleton College, with majors spanning political science, theology, psychology, biology, global affairs, economics, history, neuroscience, social work, Spanish, environmental studies, and pre-health fields. This range of minds and majors is what this 2027 cohort will draw on to serve our Chicagoland neighbors—and each other—with compassion and a willingness to learn.

Now they head into the work. Fellows will serve at nonprofits and ministries across Chicago, including Greater Chicago Legal Clinic, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Chicago Family Health Center, Sarah's Inn, Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Taller de José, and Our Lady of Tepeyac High School, tackling everything from legal advocacy and healthcare to domestic violence prevention, immigrant accompaniment, senior services, and education. This is faith in action, and it starts now.

Orientation is underway, and the fellows are already building the intentional community that has anchored Amate House for nearly four decades. In the year ahead, they'll share meals, pray together, learn from one another, and log thousands of hours in service—all while deepening their grasp of Catholic Social Teaching, sharpening their leadership, and discerning how God is calling them forward.

We can't wait to introduce you to each new Fellow, and to share their growth, service, and impact all year long.

We're excited to announce a few changes to our annual event calendar!

The Love in Action Reception will move to April 2027, giving us more time to create a meaningful spring gathering that celebrates our mission and brings our community together.

We're also bringing back Ales for Amate this fall, returning the event to its more traditional time of year in September or October.

Be on the lookout for event dates and additional details in the coming months. We look forward to gathering with alumni, supporters, friends, and partners to celebrate Amate House's transformative work. We can't wait to see you there!

Welcome to the newest member of the Amate House family!

Sasha Hamilton Cotter (’12-13 and ’13-14) and her husband, Dan Tayfelski, welcomed their first child, Owen Dennis, in June.

Congratulations to the happy family as they begin this wonderful adventure of parenthood!

In addition to her new professional role, Liza is volunteering on a research project with Dr. Nezih Altay at DePaul University focused on humanitarian supply chains, exploring the use of drones to deliver health products in low- and middle-income settings.

We congratulate Liza on these outstanding accomplishments and wish her every success as she begins this exciting new chapter in her career.

2013-2014 alums Tim Bristol, Matt Schultz, and Kody Williams recently summited Mt. Marcy— New York's tallest peak at 5,344 feet—marking their seventh backpacking trip since their time at Amate House.

What started as an outdoorsy trip to stay connected after their program year has turned into a decade-plus tradition.

More Ways to Support Amate House

Every gift to Amate House is an investment in the next generation of faith-filled leaders. Whether supporting a Fellow's year of service, leadership formation, or the communities they serve, your generosity makes this ministry possible.

Did you know there are several tax-wise ways to support Amate House beyond writing a check?

Please know that no matter how you choose to give, your generosity helps prepare compassionate leaders who will continue building a more just and loving world.

If you would like to learn more about any of these giving opportunities, please contact Jeannie at jbalanda@amatehouse.org or 773.376.2445. We would be happy to help you find the giving option that best meets your philanthropic and financial goals.

Putting Love Into Action Since 1984

Amate House’s mission is to develop young adult leaders into life-long social justice advocates who serve their communities while deepening their faith. Amate House aspires to build a more just and loving society through leadership development for the Church and the world.