UCAN (Chicago)

Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready! ?? The UCAN Leadership Awards (ULA), formerly known as "YLA," is back for another unforgettable evening! ? Mark your calendars NOW because we’re bringing you an elevated experience in a brand-new location! This night of celebration, recognition, and community will be bigger than ever as we strive to hit our goal of raising one million dollars! Your support is crucial to making this event a success. Join us as we honor inspiring leaders and work together to create a lasting impact. Let’s make history together! ??

Healthy pregnancies and babies become healthy children and families -- and it starts with education, resources, and community. UCAN had the honor of co-leading a Healthy Pregnancy Conference with Gifts from Liam on Saturday, February 22nd, generously hosted at the beautiful Prairie State College conference center in Chicago Heights. Senator Lakesia Collins, Gifts from Liam Founder and Executive Director Anna Calix, and UCAN President and CEO Christa A. Hamilton kicked off our day-long conference. Eighteen vendors providing healthy pregnancy and baby resources, while presenters shared critical information on safe sleep, breastfeeding, doula services, and car seat safety. Be Strong Families facilitated a "Parent Café" to create a community of support among new parents. Norvell's Photography generously donated free professional pregnancy and family photos. Many many people came together to make this event special. Thank you to these organizations for sharing their resources: Family Focus Great Beginnings Care & Consulting CPASS Foundation Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago Kabod House International Blossoms Childcare & Early Learning Centre Healthy Birth Day, Inc. Start Early Illinois Action for Children Ujimaa Medics Chicago Be Strong Families SIDS of Illinois, Inc. Mommy's Gift to Me Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness Nabada Massage Birth to Five Illinois Meridian of Illinois Aetna Better Health of Illinois We're hoping to support this conference alternating locations between the West and South Sides of Chicagoland in the spring and fall each year. Please get in touch if you'd like to sponsor, present information, or plan with us. See you in the fall on the West Side!

As March begins, we join the international celebration of Women’s History Month to honor the achievements of women past and present. At UCAN, we are proud to be led by Christa Hamilton, the first woman (and first African American) to lead our organization. Her leadership serves as motivation for us all to create change and open doors for others. This month, we recognize the women who have shaped history, from civil rights pioneers to local leaders, as well as the resilient survivors and clients we serve. Their strength and determination continue to inspire us every day.

UCAN, in partnership with Superior Ambulance, hosted the second session of an EMT Training program, a hands-on program that will be a valuable and engaging experience for participants to equip them with essential skills for a career in medical and emergency response. Through interactive role-playing exercises and team-building activities, participants are developing key skills, including: ? Understanding & Empathy ? Active Listening ? Cultural Sensitivity ? Effective Communication (Verbal, Non-Verbal & Written) ? Adaptability & Problem-Solving The energy in the room on February 25 at our North Lawndale headquarters was high as participants tackled real-world scenarios, strengthening their ability to think on their feet and work as a team. ??????

Get ready for an uplifting evening as Light in the Night Presents: A Black History Celebration! ?? ??Stone Temple Church (3622 W. Douglas Blvd.) ?? Friday, February 28 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Experience the power of Black history through captivating performances, powerful guest speakers, and uplifting community connections. This is more than an event—it’s a tribute to resilience, leadership, and the rich cultural legacy that continues to shape our world. Come ready to celebrate, reflect, and fully immerse yourself in the experience! Spread the word, stand in the moment, and be part of a powerful evening honoring history and greatness. See you there! ? ?????????

Black History Month is an ideal time to note that UCAN takes pride in encouraging and supporting the faith-based efforts of our staff. To that end, “A Celebration of Faith in the Black Experience,” presented by our very own UCAN Inspirational Choir and Employee Resource Groups Sp1rit and BM360, was nothing short of amazing! Through powerful songs of worship, uplifting dances of praise, and a message of faith and hope, today's celebration of Black History Month highlighted the deep importance of faith in our community. The truly moving experience left our staff uplifted, inspired and connected in spirit. ?????????????? #UCAN #BlackHistoryMonth

UCAN, founded by St.Pauls United Church of Christ, remains committed to strengthening its faith-based efforts by deepening connections with community faith leaders. Today, we proudly hosted the Lakeside Chat with Mayor Brandon Johnson, bringing together 45 pastors from the 24th Ward. The conversation centered on the church’s essential role in shaping and supporting communities for sustained growth and positive development. #UCAN #Chicago #ChicagoCommunities #FaithWorks #FaithandCommunity

We are excited to invite you to Light in the Night Presents: A Black History Celebration at the historic Stone Temple Church (3622 W. Douglas Blvd.) on Friday, February 28, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This special event will honor the rich history, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders. It will feature inspiring performances, guest speakers, and community engagement. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather, celebrate, and reflect together. We hope you can join us for this meaningful evening. Please spread the word and bring your energy as we uplift and honor Black history and culture! ?????????

Sending sweet, best wishes was the order of the day for the men of UCAN's BM 360 employee resource group as they continued their tradition of providing chocolates galore (and a hot lunch at our Western Avenue office) with their colleagues at UCAN offices around the city. ??Happy Valentines Day?? #UCAN #ValentinesDay #BM360