UCAN builds strong youth and families through compassionate healing, education, and empowerment.  Since the Civil War, UCAN has served the most vulnerable children, youth, and families, and has grown over 145 years into a premier social service agency serving over 10,000 individuals annually. UCAN programs address the impact of trauma: with a consistent presence, meaningful programs, and unrivaled organizational diversity and cultural competence.   These trauma-informed programs include clinical and counseling services, support for pregnant or parenting teens, foster care placement, a therapeutic youth home, a therapeutic day school, transitional living programs, workforce development, youth leadership development, and violence prevention.  At the heart of it all, UCAN’s vision is that youth who have suffered trauma can become our future leaders.  

UCAN is a consistent and compassionate presence in the lives of those who are most at risk.  We start with the premise that communities with challenges possess strengths upon which they can build.  From this premise evolves an approach to community support that fosters collaboration with existing neighborhood resources to strengthen communities, one youth at a time.  UCAN’s community efforts provide leadership development, supportive jobs for youth, individual healing, and mentoring.  

UCAN's founding is rooted in spirituality.  In 1869, UCAN was founded by members of St. Pauls United Church of Christ (UCC) to provide a home for orphaned children of Civil War soldiers.  The UCC and its predecessors have long advocated for social justice, including the struggle for the abolition of slavery and being the first to ordain African-Americans, women, and openly gay persons as clergy.   

Diversity is a core UCAN value, reflected in our staff, our minority-led Board of Directors, and our clients.  It is vitally important that UCAN counteract the influence of discrimination on our communities, families and youth.

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UCAN (Chicago)

UCAN (Chicago)'s headquarters in Chicago, IL, United States

Christa A. Hamilton

Randy S. Sadler

Stephanie Franklin

Khalid Qazi

The IT Support and Program Management Team at UCAN ensures the seamless operation of technology systems and oversees the efficient execution of the organization's programs. This team provides critical IT support, including helpdesk assistance and technical documentation, ensuring all staff have access to necessary technological resources. Additionally, the team manages program planning, execution, and evaluation, working closely with other departments to ensure program goals are met and aligned with UCAN's mission of empowering and healing vulnerable youth and families.

IT Support and Program Management Team

The Leadership Team at UCAN is responsible for setting the strategic direction and vision of the organization, ensuring alignment with its mission to heal, educate, and empower vulnerable youth and families. This team oversees the implementation of trauma-informed programs, drives organizational diversity and cultural competence, and maintains high standards of quality and impact. Key members bring expertise in human resources, program support, information technology, and quality improvement, working together to foster collaboration, innovation, and effective community support initiatives.

Leadership Team

The Human Resources Team at UCAN (Chicago) is responsible for managing and enhancing the organization's workforce. This includes recruiting and onboarding new staff, administering employee benefits and wellness programs, ensuring compliance with employment laws, and maintaining HR information systems (HRIS). The team plays a crucial role in fostering a positive workplace culture that aligns with UCAN's values of diversity and compassionate support, ultimately contributing to the organization's mission to empower vulnerable youth and families.

Human Resources Team

The Business and Administrative Support team at UCAN is essential for ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the organization's myriad programs and services aimed at supporting vulnerable youth and families. This team is responsible for administrative tasks, data coordination, business service facilitation, and business analysis. They provide critical operational support and data-driven insights that help optimize program delivery and enhance overall organizational performance.

Business and Administrative Support

The Education and Community Services team at UCAN provides tailored educational support and community engagement initiatives to empower youth and families affected by trauma. Composed of educators and community coordinators, the team delivers specialized educational programs, promotes youth leadership, and fosters partnerships with local resources to strengthen and support diverse communities.

UCAN (Chicago)

Org chart

Teams

IT Support and Program Management Team

Leadership Team

Human Resources Team

Business and Administrative Support

Education and Community Services

Offices

UCAN (Chicago)

Org chart

Teams

IT Support and Program Management Team

Leadership Team

Human Resources Team

Business and Administrative Support

Education and Community Services

Offices

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