'More Than Ever' Education Fund

’More Than Ever’ Education Fund is a legacy fund created by Gregory Maire and Michael Horvich to provide scholarships and educational support to unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness. This innovative fund raised over $175,000 since 2015, assisting youth who live in La Casa Norte-managed housing and enroll at a local college, university, or vocational training program. Thanks to Michael and Gregory’s efforts, La Casa Norte is able to provide youth clients with access to post-secondary schooling, offering more opportunities for youth to thrive in adulthood.

Click here to hear about educational initiatives from some of La Casa Norte’s dedicated staff. The value of an education is a common thread throughout our youth programs. Staff share what education means to them in their daily work with youth and family clients.

Jill L. Meinzer Scholarship Fund

Jill Meinzer had a passion for helping others in her community. Her career as Vice President of Technical Services for ARRIS International kept her tremendously busy, but Jill was firmly committed to helping others through educational mentorship activities. A devoted aunt to her nieces and nephews (seen with Jill, left), the long-time Chicago area resident took pride in encouraging young colleagues, focusing particularly on women in the early phases of their careers. 

Jill lost a courageous battle with renal cell cancer in January 2019, less than a year after her diagnosis. However, several years earlier, Jill started planning a scholarship fund that would help other agencies to benefit foster kids, homeless teens, and others in the Chicago area who pursued an education to create a better life. Jill’s mission was to pay it forward and make a difference in the lives of others. 

Thanks to Jill and her family’s generous gifts and dedication to supporting education, the Jill L. Meinzer Scholarship Fund will match up to $50,000 raised each year for La Casa Norte's ‘More Than Ever’ Education Fund.