STARS, or Striving to Achieve Realistic Success, is a career development and leadership program for alumni of the child welfare system.  The STARS program is designed to improve work ethic and create career focus through job development and leadership training programs for those 20-23 years of age.

"The STARS program has put me on a path to great success!  Being involved in the program has given me countless opportunities to help others and influence change.  I know that I will continue to accomplish great things, and it is the STARS program that has initiated such possibilities." 
- former STAR

Program components include career development, internal and external trainings, public presentation, exposure outings, and community outreach.  STARS participants receive over 100 hours of intensive training in the areas of resume writing, professional etiquette, time management, relationship building, communication skills and diversity.  Participants develop strong problem-solving and public speaking skills.  To build a sense of gratitude, STARS also plan and implement over fifty hours of community service and outreach projects.

"The STARS program has given me the opportunity to enhance my communication and decision-making skills.  I have the program to thank for showing me how to reach beyond my greatest dreams." 
- former STAR

Exposure outings are an essential part of the STARS program.  STARS participate in over 25 outings per year.  Exposing the STARS to caring and committed business professionals furthers their understanding of what it takes to succeed in the workforce.  Organizations such as U.S. Cellular, Northern Trust, Advocate Health Care and Nike understand that their willingness to assist in the development of STARS participants through on-site visits and executive mentoring is vital to the success of the program and our young adults.  To read about one of this year's outings, a visit with the British Consulate-General, click here.

Meet this year's UCAN STARS

Stephanie

Stephanie Vazquez was removed from the home of her biological parents and placed in a foster home when she was eight years old. For many years Stephanie jumped from foster home to foster home, losing time at school; she therefore fell behind in her studies and often struggled to keep up. She also began to skip class.

By the time she was placed in her tenth foster home, however, Stephanie improved her behavior and consequently was able to see her biological parents more often. She went back to school to make up missed classes, and began taking better care of herself.

Stephanie lived in that tenth foster home for eight years, and during that time, she had a son. Soon after his birth, she applied for placement in UCAN's Independent Living Program; with the help of her Teen Parenting Service Network case worker, she was accepted into the program. She moved into her first apartment recently, and joined the STARS program. Stephanie is currently attending Truman College, and is planning to become a registered nurse.

Deshelle

Twenty-two year old Deshelle McNair has been a part of the Department of Family and Child Services her entire life, and was raised by her grandmother. She graduated from Dyett High School in 2006, and continued her education at Harold Washington College. At the age of 18 she became a part of UCAN's Independent Living Program, securing her own apartment. Shortly after, Deshelle had a child and stopped attending college.

Since that time, Deshelle has re-enrolled at Harold Washington College, and was recently accepted as a STAR intern. Her goals are to graduate from college and to complete her degree in Social Work. Deshelle acknowledges that she has faced and will face many challenges in life but will continue to make her goals her priority in order to "further my life and that of my child."

Jasmine

Jasmine Allen is twenty-one years old and was raised by her grandparents on the south side of Chicago. At 15, she became a part of the state foster care system. Jasmine adjusted quite quickly to the changes in her life and had a very positive experience with her foster parents.

At age 16, Jasmine became pregnant with twins and went to a group home for parenting teens. In 2007 her girls were born, and she moved to UCAN's Transitional Living Program. There, Jasmine learned to be an independent thinker and began striving for success. Recently emancipated and currently participating in UCAN's Independent Living Program, Jasmine says, "I am thrilled that UCAN has given me this opportunity to work at the organization. I am honored to have come this far and shine my light for others and increase my professional potential."

Christopher

Christopher Williams was born in the foster care system. In the early 1990s, he lived with an aunt and uncle; from there he went on to live in many different group and foster homes. Due to being moved around from high school to high school, Christopher had difficulty transferring his class credits and obtaining a degree. Christopher was looking forward to moving past high school so he made the decision to pursue his GED.

Today, Christopher is a part of UCAN's Independent Living program and is working on completing his GED. He is happy to be a part of UCAN's STARS program as he knows it "will assist me in pursuing and defining my future educational and career goals." Chris hopes to someday pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

UCAN asks for your support of the STARS program.  If you can provide assistance or offer professional or corporate support, please contact Ellen Acevedo.