Over the past several months (and counting), UCAN has pushed forward as an essential provider of services for the youth, families and communities we serve – while keeping our staff safe and protected. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the personal and professional lives of our dedicated staff, many of whom still work remotely. At… Read more »
ViewWhen UCAN honored Gerald and Carmella Childers as Foster Parents of the Year at our Appreciation & Appetizers reception on February 25, that recognition bought to life the lasting impression Carmella’s grandparents left on them by way of their selflessness in fostering youth back in the day. “The fact that my grandparents were foster parents… Read more »
View“When I see them achieve, it’s rewarding to know I made a difference in their lives.” Brenda Washington says that even as a kid and into her adult years, she always had a strong desire to be around children in any way possible. Her home was the neighborhood home where kids would congregate. Her family’s… Read more »
ViewRegarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and well-being of our staff, youth and families always will be our No. 1 priority. UCAN’s senior leaders and Human Resources department will continue to closely monitor and share the daily developments and announcements. We will stay informed about recommendations from the Mayor’s office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Illinois Department of Public Health,… Read more »
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Black History Month is always a busy time for UCAN and this year was no exception. Whether we were hosting an event or attending one, we made sure to learn, celebrate and educate during Black History Month! Between the Great Migration Growing Exodus: The Future of Black Chicago? We partnered with the University of… Read more »
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Every year we like to send our youth back to school prepared – mentally, emotionally, and with a backpack of essentials! For the sixth year in a row, volunteers from Winston and Strawn joined us and Back2School Illinois to build 300 back to school kits for our youth – doubling their amount of kits lasts… Read more »
ViewIn honor of our 150th anniversary, UCAN and Zack Schrantz, our President/CEO, is celebrating amazing employees, youth and volunteers with a special UCAN 150th President’s Coin to honor them for their spirit, service and teamwork to ensure that we achieve our vision and mission. Zack wanted to highlight some of our amazing UCAN family for… Read more »
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Since 2013, the Diermeier Future Leaders Now Program (DFLN) has celebrated the DFLN Institute’s graduates along with UCAN’s ‘Youth of the Month’ winners at a summer bash attended each year by staff and youth from various programs.
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Not only is it our 150th anniversary, but this year marked 20 years of the Youth Leadership Awards! We always wonder if can get better, but every year our Youth Leadership Awards raises the bar. We appreciate those who attended and our fantastic sponsors who contributed to this inspiring event that raised over $900,000 for UCAN’s… Read more »
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In this series, youth poised to be Chicago’s future leaders (UCAN program participants and recent alumni) interview current Chicago leaders in their fields of interest. Finance, the future of Chicago, and how young people from any background can find a career. In this episode of our interview series, Yusuf Aljabri, a UCAN participant and aspiring… Read more »
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