UCAN

One of UCAN's core values challenges individuals to become advocates for justice. In that spirit, UCAN celebrates Juneteenth as the nation commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, specifically the day in 1865 when Union troops announced in Galveston, Texas, that all enslaved people were free. Another of our core values speaks to honoring the "intrinsic value of all people" and that inclusiveness is a strength, which we achieve when everyone is free and free will is the order of the day. Happy Juneteenth Chicago!

In the most humbling way, the 27th Annual UCAN Leadership Awards was another sparkling success! We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel and helped make our annual fundraiser an unforgettable evening.

UCAN was honored to present seven deserving youth with academic scholarships and present our first annual Thomas Vanden Berk Legacy Service Award to Richard Fleming. The night's highlights also include a presentation of our Corporate Engagement Award to Nike, Inc. and presenting our John D. Nichols Impact Award to the Honorable JB Pritzker, governor of Illinois, who was unable to join us but shared his appreciation and support through a moving video.

The UCAN Leadership Awards celebrates the heart of UCAN: the youth we proudly serve, our community-facing programs, and the generous supporters who make all of our work possible. On behalf of UCAN's Governing Board, our staff, and those we serve: thank you all for standing with us and fueling our mission. It is because of you that we lead with transformational interventions so families can be safe and prosper. UCAN is relentless!

Meet our UCAN Leadership Awards Class of 2026! 💚✨

We look forward to celebrating this incredible group of youth at our 27th Annual UCAN Leadership Awards on Friday, June 12th.

To learn more about the event and our honorees, visit http://www.ucanchicago.org/ula.

We were absolutely honored to host members of the Bally's Chicago team at UCAN on June 8th for the presentation of a generous donation of $10,000.

Monica Scott, vice president of Community Engagement at Bally's Chicago, shared: “Bally’s Chicago is honored to support UCAN as our Charity of the Month and proud to partner with an organization whose impact on our community is truly immeasurable. Through workforce and career development, trauma support, violence prevention, housing and personal care services – all within one campus – UCAN provides comprehensive resources that help individuals and families build stronger, more stable futures.”

Thank you to Bally's Chicago for their incredible support of our youth and our programs.

Bally's Chicago

Happy Pride Month! UCAN believes in fostering safety, nurturing care, and inclusivity. We are proud to celebrate and stand with our LGBTQIA+ staff, clients, and community today and everyday.

UCAN was proud to host a spirited Faith and Community Conference at our North Lawndale campus on May 26 as pastors, elected officials, police and parents joined to discuss how we can come together to reclaim and uplift our communities.

A special thank you to our very own Pastor Fred Wilson, Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church, Alderwoman Monique Scott (24th Ward) and UCAN Governing Board Member and Chicago Police Lieutenant Jermaine Harris for their thoughtful and inspiring words.

UCAN continues to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month by promoting wellness, connection, and community across our organization. 💚

May 21’s Salad Bar Day brought staff together for a refreshing break focused on healthy choices, positive engagement, and self-care. Events like these reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of those who serve youth and families every day.

As the month continues, we invite our community to join us for an upcoming Facebook Live discussion:
“Understanding Youth Mental Health: Early Signs, Stress, Anxiety, and How to Support Your Child”

🗓 Tuesday, May 26
🕔 5:00 PM

The conversation will feature mental health professionals and community leaders sharing practical guidance and supportive strategies for families and caregivers navigating youth mental health challenges.

Staff are also encouraged to participate in our upcoming Spirit Week as we continue creating spaces that foster encouragement, connection, and community throughout UCAN.

UCAN is Relentless.

Intergovernmental partnerships, parental responsibility and community policing were just a few of the topics Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling candidly addressed today before influencers and stakeholders at the City Club of Chicago. UCAN CEO Christa Hamilton and members of the senior leadership team thanked the superintendent for his listening ear and leadership and pledged to continue our commitment to community violence intervention programs throughout the city.

You're invited! 🎊

UCAN's Faith & Community Manager, Pastor Fred Wilson, invites you to join this insightful, solution-focused discussion!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at UCAN, mental health awareness is part of the work we do every day. We care for our clients, support our community, and uplift one another.

This month, UCAN staff are caring for both mind and body through our Smoothie Bar on May 14, Salad Bar on May 21 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Mental Health Awareness Spirit Week from May 25 to May 29, and a Facebook Live session on May 26 at 5:00 PM.

The Facebook Live, Understanding Youth Mental Health: Early Signs, Stress, Anxiety, and How to Support Your Child, will feature Dr. Randy S. Sadler, UCAN’s Senior Vice President of Therapeutic and Clinical Services, helping parents and caregivers better recognize warning signs, understand youth stressors, support conversations at home, and know when to seek help.

Alongside the BHS leadership team, UCAN continues to elevate mental health through counseling, crisis response, school-based support, partnerships, and a growing continuum of care.

Healing is not linear, but it does not have to be done alone. 💚