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.
In 2017, UCAN’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Services department began its annual Peacefest for the community at our Drost-Harding Campus in North Lawndale.
In 2018, the two events merged to become the first ever Kickback & Peacefest.
“The ‘Kickback’ title came from youth participation – more specifically, youth feedback from the DFLN Youth Advisory Board. I had never heard the term used to describe a celebration – I am always learning from our youth,” says Mary Whiting, Associate Director of Youth Development Services and spearhead of the Kickback. “The event not only brings together youth and families but also staff and departments – Finance, Facilities, Residential, Development, plus others. It is an amazing orchestra of working together for the greater good.”
On June 26th, UCAN’s North Lawndale Campus saw over 900 youth and community members visit the Kickback. Under the hot summer sun, visitors got their faces painted, tried their hand at dunking UCAN’s President/CEO Zack Schrantz in the dunk tank, enjoyed hot dogs, burgers, cotton candy and sno cones, got a haircut by His and Her Barber School, chatted with our vendors, played in a game truck, and watched a youth DJ battle. The day rounded out with a live band.
In 2017, UCAN’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Services department began its annual Peacefest for the community at our Drost-Harding Campus in North Lawndale.
In 2018, the two events merged to become the first ever Kickback & Peacefest.
“The ‘Kickback’ title came from youth participation – more specifically, youth feedback from the DFLN Youth Advisory Board. I had never heard the term used to describe a celebration. I am always learning from our youth,” says Mary Whiting, Associate Director of Youth Development Services and spearhead of the Kickback. “The event not only brings together youth and families but also staff and departments – Finance, Facilities, Residential, Development, plus others. It is an amazing orchestra of working together for the greater good.”
On June 26th, UCAN’s North Lawndale Campus saw over 900 youth and community members visit the Kickback. Under the hot summer sun, visitors got their faces painted, tried their hand at dunking UCAN’s President/CEO Zack Schrantz in the dunk tank, enjoyed hot dogs, burgers, cotton candy and sno cones, got a haircut by His and Her Barber School, chatted with our vendors, played in a game truck, and watched a youth DJ battle. The day rounded out with a live band.
UCAN’s EXPRESS acting therapy troupe also performed. Read their story here.
Sign up to volunteer with UCAN here!
Check out the pictures below. We look forward to seeing you next year!
