UCAN (Chicago)

UCAN, based in Chicago and founded in 1869, is a community service agency focused on creating safe spaces for youth, adults, and families. Originally established to support orphaned children of Civil War soldiers, UCAN has grown to address systemic inequities and foster resilience in vulnerable communities. The organization operates with an annual funding of $6 million and employs 322 staff members, reflecting a commitment to diversity through its minority-led Governing Board and workforce. UCAN offers a range of holistic support services, including trauma-informed care, individual counseling, and mentoring programs. It emphasizes youth development through leadership training and educational support, while also providing family and community resources such as crisis intervention and parenting assistance. Advocacy for social justice is a core component of UCAN's mission, promoting equity and countering discrimination in the communities it serves, particularly among at-risk youth and marginalized families in the Chicago area.