UCAN History

UCAN has been a part of Chicago's social service network for over 138 years.

When President Abraham Lincoln called on the men of Chicago to defend the Union during the Civil War, he also called on the nation to care for the war's orphans.

The members of St. Pauls United Church of Christ answered that call. Their dedication to the cause is the seed of UCAN (Uhlich Children's Advantage Network). Beginning as an orphanage, we have become a multi-faceted social service agency providing a safe harbor to orphaned, neglected and abused youth, children, and families. Our pledge "to nurture the promise of Chicago's children" guides us in supporting over 10,000 children, youth, and families a year in a nurturing environment that can promote healing.

With fourteen sites in six counties, we have expanded our geographic reach while continuing to be a social services leader in treatment and therapy options through our clinical philosophy.

Unique among social service agencies, we offer a full Continuum of Care including but not limited to a Residential Treatment Facility, a therapeutic day school, extensive community programs, support for pregnant or parenting teens, foster care/adoption placement, vocational training, and internships for promising former wards of the state. This Continuum enables us to move clients from one program to another as their needs change, yet spares them the transitions and gaps caused by moves from one agency to another.

In June, 2007, we were cited by the Council on Accreditation for our commitment to working with older youth, for our brilliant, hard-working, passionate, and energetic staff, and for treatment programs custom designed for clients' needs.