Holiday Newsletter December 2011

STARS (Striving to Achieve Realistic Success)

I came to UCAN at the age of 18 in the ILA (Independent Living Arrangements) program. ILA is a great opportunity for youth in care who have received their high school diploma and have a positive and responsible character. Young people

in ILA have the chance to get an apartment of their choice with UCAN assistance of paying for bills and utilities for the period of time they are in care of UCAN.

I was nominated to the STARS program by a former case manager and interviewed a few times to land a spot in the program. Since August I have learned how to manage my emotions, be a team member, build my professional skills and network

with people. I have trained with UCAN staff and external professionals who have helped me to learn more and refine my skills. I currently work in the UCAN QI (Quality Improvement) department with data entry.

I have shadowed and met many professionals on our Exposure Outings who have shared advice to motivate me to stay focused and be successful. One outing with a lawyer (Azim Ramelize) inspired me to appreciate my life and the people around me.

He is a victim of gun violence, but this tragedy has made him a better person today. My goal after completing this internship is to have another job or remain working as UCAN staff and to enroll back into

Harold Washington College in take courses in Social Services. I applaud UCAN because they show and reach out to all of us because they care and want the best for their future leaders.

I also would like to thank them for giving me a chance to have a paid internship as a UCAN STAR. ~DeShelle McNair

Happy and Healthy Holidays to all who have supported the UCAN STARS. We have had a great five months in the program and look forward to learning, meeting and

accomplishing more than ever in the New Year.

2012 UCAN STARS Christopher Williams, DeShelle McNair, Stephanie Vazquez and Jasmine Allen wish you a happy and

healthy holiday season.

I have been in the system since I was an infant. I emanci-

pated out of the system on October 23, 2011. While in the system I experienced a lot of ups and downs. I was placed in

at least 10 foster homes, and I was in and out of group homes.

I was able to have my last DCFS placement in the UCAN TLP program (Transitional Living Program)

from the age of 18. I stayed in the program for about three years. It wasn’t easy

at first. I had trust issues at first but then I began to trust people. When I was getting ready to emancipate, I was

chosen to be in the STARS internship program. It has been great so far. I have done a ton of Exposure Outings. The one

that stuck with me is the Gallery of Guichard, which is owned by Andre Guichard in the Bronzeville neighborhood.

I also learned about stocks and bonds, thanks to Ariel Investments. I also learned about how a stock

company operates. While I am still in the STARS program I want to go to school for criminal justice. I would like to

possibly become a FBI agent or a US Marshal once I finish my degree.

I am twenty-one years old and the mother of twin daughters. My time with the STARS has been a very powerful experience. I love the exposure outings. I have met and talked with so many people

who want to see young people learn and better themselves. For the past five months, we have met with CEOs of corporations and their staff who support their

great work. We have lots of trainings about professionalism, etiquette, and goal setting. In the STARS program I work in the CCS (Clinical & Counseling Services) department where I am an office

Administrative Assistant. We discuss the future of UCAN and where we fit into the plan. It is great to be a part of an

organization that truly cares for the families and youth it serves. The STARS program has given me all sorts of knowledge and motivation. I can navigate through anything to accomplish my goals. The best thing I have learned from the program is to succeed and you succeed! It takes a lot of

hard work but choosing to be higher is the first step to success. I appreciate UCAN for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime.

~Jasmine Allen

For more information: www.ucanchicago.org

acevedoe@ucanchicago.org

312.738.5911

It was great when I was given the opportunity to be in the STARS program. The time that I have been in the STARS program has taught me how to

interact more professionally with others. UCAN has given me the opportunity to meet many new people and learn about what type of career

they have chosen to pursue and enjoy. One event which I found interesting was the strategic planning session with the Teen Parenting Service Program. I was able to voice my opinion to assist

UCAN to understand and improve services for the clients and for the employees. This meeting really helped me realize the hard work and

dedication the caseworkers put in to help the young people in UCAN programs.

My goals after the STARS program are to go back to school, get into a registered nursing program and graduate from college. I would like to still be

working and learning after the internship is over. I do appreciate UCAN for giving me this opportunity for a year, it has been great!

~Stephanie Vazquez

The STARS and young leaders (from PVM and H2C programs ) attended an Exposure

Outing at Ariel Investments with John Rogers. The group had a surprise guest.

Kevin Bailey, Senior Policy Advisory- Department of Finance from the White House, gave the leaders great advice on

realization and fulfillment of dreams.

Special thanks to the UCAN STARS supporters:

The Diermeier Family Foundation Ariel Investments

City of Chicago—DFSS Driehaus Captital Management

Gallery Guichard WH Trading Kraft Foods

Northern Trust Bank Primera Engineers The Private Bank Marriott Hotels MB Real Estate

US Cellular Zehren-Friedman Associates