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  • 2022 YLA post event paddle donations

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  • The 7th Annual Polar Peace March Goes Virtual 

    Every year on the weekend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, members of St. Pauls United Church of Christ march through Lincoln Park to raise funds for and awareness of UCAN’s programs through the Polar Peace March (PPM). However, this year because of COVID-19, the march was reimagined into an inspiring virtual event. Through… Read more »

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  • Hospitality, Here We Come!

    COVID can’t stop our Workforce Development team and their clients!  During this past winter, 12 youth participated in an eight-week job readiness program, which focused around the hospitality industry. Course trainers, guest speakers and facilitators served as teachers, training youth in the food service, customer service and marketing industries, all geared toward preparing youth for… Read more »

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  • UCAN’s Coordinated Response To The COVID-19 Pandemic

    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 »

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  • Meet The Childers: Foster Parents of the Year

    When 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 »

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  • Brenda Washington: Once And Forever More A Foster Parent

    “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 »

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  • Announcement From UCAN About The COVID-19 Pandemic

      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,… Read more »

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  • A Month to Look Back… and Forward

    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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  • Preparing for a New Year

    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 »

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  • Meet Our President’s Coin Winners

    In 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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