Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network

Founded in 1869 as a Civil War orphanage, the Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network (UCAN) acts as a sanctuary for youth who have suffered trauma and neglect. Today, UCAN is a recognized leader in trauma-informed treatment, violence prevention, and youth development in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois. In 2016, UCAN opened a state-of-the-art, flagship campus in the North Lawndale community in an effort to spur economic development and reduce violence. This award for general operating support enables UCAN to increase its investment in both finances and staff to strengthen the health of the organization and improve the quality of services it provides.

The Uhlich Children's Advantage Network (UCAN) was established in 1869 as a Civil War orphanage and still acts as a sanctuary for youth who have suffered trauma and neglect. Today, UCAN is a recognized leader in trauma-informed treatment, violence prevention, and youth development in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois. The organization aims to provide opportunities that change lives through effective programs, a consistent community presence, and unrivaled staff diversity and inclusion. In 2016, UCAN opened a state-of-the art, flagship campus in the North Lawndale community in an effort to spur economic development and reduce violence. This award for institutional support enables UCAN to increase its investment in the long-term financial health of the organization as well as in its employees.

The Uhlich Children's Advantage Network (UCAN) was established in 1869 as a Civil War orphanage and still acts a sanctuary for youth who have suffered trauma and neglect. Today, UCAN serves more than 10,000 youth and families each year across its thirty programs and eight Illinois sites. In 2016, UCAN opened a new, state-of-the art, flagship campus in the North Lawndale community in an effort to spur economic development and reduce violence. This award enables UCAN to increase its capacity to serve more youth, improve its programs, and coordinate youth initiatives and services across North Lawndale through a collaborative effort of multiple service providers called the Peace Hub.