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LUNCH & LEARN
UCC Guardians: The Teams Who Protect, Repair, and Care
Wherever you are on the UCC campus, one thing is for certain, you’ll see our dedicated security and maintenance sta at work. Their presence and attention to detail play a vital role in making sure our facilities are safe, functional, and welcoming for students, sta , clients, and visitors.
Our security team helps with everything from directing tra c during our busy drop-o and pickup times to supporting day-to-day safety across the agency. They assist with visitor protocols, help monitor facility activity, and work closely with other departments to ensure a safe environment.
A New School Year, A Shared Journey
As the new school year begins, there’s a special energy across the UCC campus: young learners walking into classrooms full of possibility, families reconnecting with familiar faces, and sta continuing the incredible work they do every day.
Our maintenance team plays an equally critical role, responding to facility needs quickly and e ciently. Each month, they complete upwards of 100 work orders, from minor repairs to major improvement projects. Their work ensures classrooms, o ces, and common areas are clean, safe, and functioning, which helps keep our agency running smoothly.
Together, our security and maintenance teams make UCC a safe and dependable place to learn, work, and grow. Their e orts often happen behind the scenes, but their impact is visible every day. We’re grateful for their dedication and proud to have such a capable, caring team supporting our entire community.
Back-to-school season always reminds me that education is a critically important shared journey. Our students succeed because of the teachers, parents, and supporters who believe in them.
This issue of our newsletter reflects the heartbeat of UCC: our people. From new art installations to alumni gatherings, and from family advocates to dedicated safety team members, our community is built by individuals who show up with intention, compassion, and commitment.
As we start this school year, let’s carry forward the hope, dedication, and spirit that define UCC.
With heartfelt thanks for all you do to lift up our community,
Laura Gutiérrez Chief Executive O cer
Be sure to check out UCC social media for back to school pics from our first day of this school year!
The Alumni Spot: Coming Home to UCC
At UCC, returning as an alumni, isn't just a visit; it's a full-circle moment. Over the past year, we've welcomed back many alumni who are now contributing their talents across the agency. For those who once walked our hallways as students, returning as professionals is a way to give back to the place they once called home.
Today, 35 alumni are part of our 500+ sta , serving in various departments and continuing the tradition of impact and leadership. Their work reinforces that UCC is not just a place you pass through, but a place that stays with you.
This summer, more than half of our Summer Recreation Group Leaders were proud UCC alumni. As mentors, they shared wisdom, modeled leadership, and helped plant the seeds of future success—another example of our
A special moment this past spring was welcoming Aeriel Lopez, Class of 2015, as Emcee for our UCC 55th Anniversary Celebration. Aeriel shared how UCC shaped her life and why she remains committed to giving back.
1.What are Family Advocates and how do they work with UCC families?
Did You Know?
Aeriel spoke warmly of her memories, from walking the halls where her mother's photo hangs on the Wall of Fame, to participating in sports and the Latino Arts Strings Program. These experiences inspired her love for culture, leadership, and civic engagement.
Now working for the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, Aeriel advocates for residents, supports community-rooted policy, and lifts up the next
We invite all UCC alumni to continue the tradition of reconnection and celebration by joining us at our 3rd Annual Alumni Connect: Homecoming on Thursday, October 9.
Because once you’re part of the UCC family, you’re always home.
UCC Murals Celebrate Community, Culture, and Youth
This fall, UCC is proud to highlight two powerful public art initiatives that celebrate cultural identity, community heritage, and the importance of education.
The first project made possible through support from the Milwaukee Arts Board, is the restoration of the beloved “Landmarks” mural, by renowned Milwaukee muralist Reynaldo Hernandez. This mural has inspired generations of students and families with its vivid celebration of unity, cultural pride, and educational empowerment. Hernandez, an icon in Milwaukee’s public art scene, returned to carefully restore the fading colors of his original work, preserving its integrity while ensuring it continues to welcome and uplift future generations.
Simultaneously, students at UCC Acosta Middle School have been deeply engaged in the creation of a new ceramic tile mural titled, “Gracias a Nuestros Antecedentes, Somos el Futuro” (Thanks to Our Ancestors, We Are the Future). A collaborative project with Latino Arts, Inc., La Familia de Arte, and Acosta students, led by art teacher Mr. Cruz, this mural lives on the south exterior wall of Acosta Middle School, facing Washington Avenue, serving as both a visual landmark and a cultural welcome to the school and neighborhood.
Family Advocates at UCC support families in our early childhood program with achieving stability, self-su ciency, and overall well-being. They help bridge the gap between home and school, ensuring families have the tools, confidence, and support to actively engage in their child’s education and development. This might include coaching parents on activities they can do with their child at home to reinforce school learnings, connecting parents to community resources like food assistance or employment assistance programs, and helping families develop routines to support family stability. Our work is guided by the belief that strong families build strong children and communities.
2. What is your role in the program?
I serve as the Family and Community Partnership Manager for the early childhood program.
Over the past few years, I’ve seen our team grow significantly not only in size but also in skill and collaboration. We’ve welcomed several new advocates who bring fresh perspectives and diverse strengths. This growth has allowed us to enhance our capacity to support families more holistically and consistently.
3. Why are Family Advocates important and how do they support students?
Family Advocates play a crucial role in supporting both families and students, especially in early childhood education settings like those at the United Community Center (UCC). Their presence ensures that families have the resources, relationships, and guidance needed to create a stable and supportive home environment, which directly impacts a child’s success in the classroom.
4. What are your favorite parts about being part of the Family Services team?
One of my favorite parts about being part of the Family Services team is the deep relationships we build with families. We have the opportunity to walk alongside parents during some of the most critical and vulnerable moments in their lives, celebrating successes, problem-solving challenges, and helping them feel seen, heard, and supported. We don’t just connect families to resources; we help them build skills, confidence, and long-term stability. Being able to witness a family achieve a goal they once thought was out of reach is incredibly rewarding.
5. What is your favorite dish from Café el Sol?
My favorite dish has to be the guacamole! It’s always so fresh, perfectly seasoned, and you can taste the love that goes into making it.
If you're 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift to UCC directly from your IRA! If you're 73 or older, it can also count toward your required minimum distribution.
This kind of gift, called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), can be a simple, meaningful way to support brighter futures for the families and students we serve. Talk to your financial advisor to see if a QCD is right for you. You may need UCC’s Tax ID: 39-1146191
Thank you for being part of the UCC community and for all the ways you make a di erence!
