From the Desk of the CEO….
We did it—together, we Raised the Roof for Kids!
I am thrilled and deeply grateful to announce that, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we have successfully closed our Raise the Roof for Kids campaign! This remarkable achievement has enabled us to add a third floor to our school, providing new classrooms, reducing class sizes, and creating expanded learning spaces for our students.
We could not have reached this milestone without the unwavering support of our community, and the dedication of our Board of Directors, volunteers, and sta , who worked so hard to bring this vision to life. Thank you for standing with us on this journey and please CELEBRATE your role in changing the lives of our students.
While the campaign has ended, our commitment to serving our community remains stronger than ever and we are exploring plans to determine how to continue making a big impact in the lives of our community. As we look ahead, we are excited to work together to achieve our vision of an empowered and thriving Hispanic community where all achieve their fullest potential.
In gratitude,
Laura Gutiérrez Chief Executive O cer
1.
Five Minutes, Five Questions with
Shary Perez,
Tell us about UCC’s Community Health and Research Department.
Caucasian: 70% Research Participation UCC Health Research Program Coordinator
The Community Health and Research Department, which was formally established in 2013, conducts community-engaged research to respond to the health-related disparities impacting our community. Latinos tend to have higher levels of health-related disparities and poorer health conditions, but they are not adequately represented in health research. Because of this lack of representation, research and recommendations for improving health outcomes are missing the perspectives of the Latino population. Our current projects include Health Systems Change Projects, Community Education, Health Promotion, Program Development, CommunityEngaged Research Studies, and Healthcare professional development.
Latinos: 7.6%
Why is it important that UCC partners with research institutions when they are conducting research?
Community-engaged research is important because it allows the community to take the lead, express what they need, and be part of the process of conducting research. In community-engaged research, researchers are required to collaborate directly with community members, which ensures research is more relevant, applicable, and sustainable. As true partners in community engaged research, community representatives are often credited as co-investigators and co-authors in the research and published research articles, elevating UCC as a credible and valuable community partner to the health research world.
You recently launched a weekly radio show on La Gran D (104.7 FM), tell us about the show.
Our new weekly radio show is part of a public health collaboration with the Minority Health Program of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. We aired our first episode of “La Hora de Salud” [The Health Hour] in September 2024. Our goal is to educate, inform, and engage our audience in various health topics impacting the Latino community of greater Milwaukee. This weekly radio show promotes health and wellness with a focus on addressing social determinants of health. Our episodes cover topics ranging from mental health and diabetes to antibiotic use, falls prevention and information on health insurance enrollment.
Listen to 104.7 FM Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.!
What are your favorite parts about your role at UCC?
My favorite parts of my role are the variety of topics I have the opportunity to study and focus on as well as the connections I’m able to build with our community. I enjoy serving as the link between our community and the research world because I am able to be involved and in the room to shape quality public health programs.
What is your favorite dish from Café el Sol?
The Alumni Spot: UCC Alumni Creating a Healthier Milwaukee!
This month, we proudly celebrate UCC alumni who are leading the way toward a healthier Milwaukee through their dedication and work in healthcare.
Anjelica, a Senior Recruiter at Aurora Health, plays a crucial role in connecting healthcare professionals with vital nursing positions. She finds fulfillment in advocating for individuals’ best interests and making a tangible di erence. “My favorite part has always been making a di erence in someone’s life through kindness and advocating for their best interests,” she shares.
Julie, a Health Clinic Assistant at UCC, acts as a vital link between UCC and the Sixteenth Street Clinic. Her decision to pursue a career in healthcare stems from a deep commitment to uplifting her community. “I chose a career in healthcare because I am passionate about promoting health and wellness within my community,” she says. “Being able to directly work with people and their families to support their well-being means a lot to me. I’m glad I can give back to UCC as they have given so much to me.”
Ximena, a Family Educator at the Sixteenth Street Clinic, focuses on community education in areas such as car seat safety and parenting skills. Reflecting on her role, she notes, “My favorite part is witnessing the transformation in parents and caregivers as they gain confidence and become determined to improve their children’s lives.”
These inspiring alumni embody the values they embraced at UCC and continue to impact Milwaukee’s neighborhoods through their passion for healthcare and unwavering commitment to community well-being.
The carne guisada, which we now call the Jose Olivieri Special in honor of our late, former board president.
(Ximena Vaca)
(Anjelica Sanchez)
We started the year celebrating Juanita’s 99th birthday at our Senior Center and basking in her timeless, youthful spirit!
APRIL
Valentine’s Day at UCC is all about spreading love and kindness, with our students at the
Our sta and students brought their best to the annual sta vs. student basketball showdown, showing o their competitive spirit.
Our team experienced a moment of wonder as we came together to witness the rare Solar Eclipse.
Graduation season was a time of delight and achievement, marking milestones at every level across our UCC schools.
Our
The campus was full of cheerful faces as learners returned for the first day of school, ready for new beginnings.
The Mother’s Day celebration had our seniors dancing with joy and sharing special moments together.
Our students learned firsthand about democracy, voting ‘Shorty’ as the name for our
During National Recovery Month, our Human Services Program led the way in celebrating recovery and sharing hope with our community.
DECEMBER
“Olympics”-style event kept students active and engaged, thanks to our wonderful volunteers.
Fall brought its beautiful colors and festive activities, filling our programs with seasonal charm and comfort.
UCC Schools’ new boxer dog mascot.
Día de los Muertos was a vibrant celebration of culture, art, and cherished traditions across the agency.
The season of giving lit up our preschool with holiday cheer, bringing joy to all.
students stayed active through the winter, participating in our indoor soccer league.
12th Annual Guitar Festival & Concert
Find out more at: Saturday, February 8, 2025 presents Featuring Concert- 7:00pm
Youth Competition- 8:00am presents
Iliana Matos Alberto Quintanilla &
Cut & Paste by Ellia Ana Hill
Café con Arte: January 23, 2025
On view through: February 21, 2025
Latino Arts Gallery
Behind the Lens: Taste the Culture UCC’s Hidden Latin Delight
Do you know about UCC’s hidden gem located in the lower level of our main building? Café el Sol is an intimate Puerto Rican and Mexican restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Friday to employees, clients, and the community. On Friday evenings Café el Sol o ers dinner and a show featuring a fish fry bu et and live Latin music. Between the delicious food, vibrant music, and the charming ambience, you may feel like you have been transported to an enchanting Latin escape while you dine.
The restaurant focuses on providing a gathering place for the community, and to expose non-Hispanics to an important part of the culture- the cuisine. They o er an everyday menu with a variety of Latin foods like Sizzling Fajitas al Gusto and Chuletas (pork chops). The restaurant also incorporates weekday Puerto Rican specials.
Café el Sol is also utilized by various organizations that rent space at UCC for meetings and other events. It also provides valuable services to several programs throughout the agency. This includes preparation of meals for the UCC Senior Center, o ered as part of the Department on Aging meal program. Café el Sol also services both the UCC Women’s and Men’s Residential Substance Use-Disorder Treatment Programs, by providing the meals to the clients living in the facilities.
Whether you have come before or not, it’s time to visit Café el Sol and enjoy some delicious food while supporting UCC.
1,200 – WOW!
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