Regarding 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, Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health, and relay that information to our staff.
While taking all necessary precautions, UCAN continues to safely and prudently offer many of our services and resources, including those in our Violence Intervention and Preventions Services program. Our Diermeier Therapeutic Youth Home will always remain open around the clock.
Our dedicated employees, while ensuring their personal safety, are working remotely through distance learning, conference calls and virtual connections to provide needed services and resources to our youth and families, and to remain in touch with each other.
We also have taken several important steps concerning our operations and facilities, including, among others:
- Cancelling all external events at our offices citywide until further notice.
- Implementing a temporary alternative work arrangement option at least through the end of March and likely beyond. Most of our offices are open with limited hours but employees are strongly encouraged to work from home – whenever possible given their role – and to limit onsite work to essential business functions only.
- Performing a deep cleaning at all UCAN offices.
As always, we thank our staff for their commitment and perseverance as they remain mindful of their personal well-being while supporting our youth and families.
Be safe. Be smart. Be well.