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56 YEARS OF SUPPORT, BUILT TOGETHER!

Laying the Groundwork for Future Generations

This year, UCC celebrates 56 years of community impact, built by you. The needs of our community continue to grow and evolve, and we intend to be there every step of the way, building a stronger tomorrow, together. We are so grateful to our donors, volunteers, staff, Board of Directors, and community members who remain steadfast in our mission, fueling our ability to serve.

As you read through this report, we hope you will see the impact your generosity has made. From transformative stories and evidence of growth, to the smiling faces and stories shaped by your support, our community remains resilient, vibrant, and connected.

In 2025, we are especially thankful for all the efforts put towards expanding early learning options. Both our Burnham and Jackson Park campuses, are already building a stronger tomorrow for our littlest learners, providing high quality education and care that promotes lifelong learning.

Looking ahead into this next year, we hope you will join us in laying the groundwork for future generations of community members. Thank you for building community with us, block by block!

In gratitude,

Laura Gutiérrez CEO

Patty Whaley Board Chair

BUILDING COMMUNITY FOR THE GENERATIONS

Supporting every step of life’s journey, from six weeks to 106, we are here for every milestone, empowering individuals and families to thrive.

Our Vision

UCC’s Vision is an empowered and thriving Hispanic community where all achieve their fullest potential.

Our Mission

UCC’s Mission is to transform the lives of Hispanics, families and individuals of all ages by providing the highest quality comprehensive services in education, human services, health, community development and cultural arts.

Honoring Our Elders

Igniting a Love of Lifelong Learning

Renewing Lives Through Recovery

Empowering Healthy Communities

Connecting with Intention

Building Strong Foundations

Uplifting the Whole Family

Nurturing our Littlest Learners

Supporting Excellence in Academics

Fueling Young Leaders

Building on 56 years of Community Strength

DEMOGRAPHICS

18,000 individuals served in 2025

65% of all clients reside in 53204 or 53215 zip codes

COMMUNITY

650+ people supported on their recovery journey annually

120 seniors served daily at our Senior Center

95% of clients served are Hispanic

581 total employees 5 campuses covering 8 city blocks

334 homes purchased in 2025

Largest

Milwaukee County Department of Aging Meal Site and Family Care provider

EDUCATION

1,600+

$443,898,468 invested back into the community since the program’s inception via home sales through UCC’s First-time Homebuyer Program students enrolled in UCC schools

150 high school volunteers serve in the UCC Volunteer Corps $2.5M in cumulative merit-based college scholarships received across the High School Class of 2025 #1 Bruce-Guadalupe Community School ranked as the top performing Charter School in Milwaukee 96% 4-year high school graduation rate (compared to national Hispanic average of 83%)

MILANI’S STORY

Growing, Learning, and Thriving

Milani began attending UCC’s Early Learning Academy in August. This transition was new for her and her mother, as Milani had previously only been in her mother’s care. Like many children entering the Early Learning Academy for the first time, this new experience brought hesitation and fear. Milani struggled to adjust to the daily routine, often crying for her mom, not participating in activities, and feeling unsure in this new environment.

Milani’s teachers supported her with patience and care. Each day, they validated her feelings and reassured her through words of affirmation such as “you are safe here.” They gave Milani space when she needed it while also ensuring her needs were met. Every morning, she was greeted with a hug and reassuring words that helped her feel safe and welcomed.

UCC’s Early Learning Academy also partners with the Milwaukee County Birth-to-Three Program, which provides developmental screenings and personalized services for children who are identified as needing early intervention for developmental delays. At two years old, Milani was not yet speaking. In collaboration with her mother, our team helped connect Milani to this program so she could receive the support she needed. Milani now meets regularly with a speech therapist who works closely with her to build communication skills.

Within just a few months, Milani has made remarkable progress. She has become more independent and is learning new words every day, strengthening her confidence and her ability to express herself.

DREAMING BIG FOR OUR LITTLEST LEARNERS

Early Childhood Education Program

United Community Center (UCC) puts children on the path towards bright futures of lifelong learning and academic achievement. Our year-round programs, including Head Start and Early Head Start, nurture social, emotional, and intellectual growth for children from six weeks to four years old. Every Early Learning Academy supports the whole family through their Ready to Shine curriculum, ensuring students are progressing and are ready for the transition to K-5 kindergarten.

The majority of UCC’s early childhood academies have earned national accreditation from NAEYC, a benchmark met by only 10% of programs nationwide. This year, we opened our fifth Early Learning Academy in the Jackson Park neighborhood, expanding access to high-quality early childhood education for more young learners in our community, guaranteeing every child has the opportunity to build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

OUR

CENTERS:

637

children enrolled across five campuses, building strong foundations for academic and social success

501

children secured a source of healthcare by the end of enrollment

406

children are dual language learners, with 69% of students speaking Spanish as their primary language at enrollment

Ricardo Diaz Early Learning Academy

Early Learning Academy—Burnham

New! Opened in 2025!

Early Learning Academy—Guadalupe South

Early Learning Academy—Jackson Park New! Opened in 2025!

Bruce-Guadalupe Community School—Pre-School

DEVELOPING LIFELONG LEARNERS

UCC Schools

As independent public charter schools, chartered through University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, UCC Schools promote and ensure a positive, collaborative, and constructive environment focused on student outcomes achieved by high-quality classroom instruction and rigorous academics. UCC Schools provide a nurturing environment fostering cultural heritage and intellectual, social, and emotional development, while empowering all students to reach their fullest potential and excel in high school and beyond.

Bruce-Guadalupe Community School

(K-8th grade) earned a score of Significantly Exceeds Expectations

Acosta Middle School (6-8th grade) earned a score of Exceeds Expectations

Star ratings according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Report Card.

72% of our K4-3rd grade students are demonstrating proficiency in early literacy skills on the new statewide screener (a 20% improvement from last year’s screening results)

1,606 students enrolled in K4-8th grade

UCC schools have stronger attendance than statewide averages, closing the 2024-25 school year with 93% average schoolwide attendance

BUILDING COLLEGE AND CAREER-READY LEADERS

Pre-College Program

UCC’s Pre-College Program empowers middle, high school, and college students and their families with comprehensive support as they navigate the path to post-secondary education. Throughout a student’s journey at UCC Schools, we prepare them for the rigors of high school, support them during their secondary education, and facilitate entry into and success through college.

Our programming aims to increase high school graduation rates, postsecondary enrollment, and career readiness for Hispanics in Milwaukee to ultimately foster employment with family supporting wages and create a stronger Milwaukee community.

The UCC Pre-College Program serves more than 700 students across 25+ area high schools annually and an additional 150 students in college through UCC’s College Network

88% of the Class of 2025 seniors enrolled in college following graduation (nationally 32% of Hispanics enroll each year)

100% of graduating seniors who applied to college, secured at least one acceptance letter

NUTURING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Community Health Research & Athletics

UCC schools’ on-site health clinics, in collaboration with 16th Street Community Health Centers, remove barriers in accessing preventative and acute health care for students and their families. UCC’s Athletics Program engages youth and families in activities that promote fitness, teamwork, and lifelong healthy habits. From FIT KIDS for elementary students to a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, flag football, volleyball, and the Badges for Baseball program, participants develop athletic skills while reinforcing positive values. A flagship athletic activity is the UCC Boxing Program. Through rigorous training, participants gain not only boxing fundamentals but also confidence, perseverance, and a strong work ethic—essential skills for success in life.

The Community Health & Research Program partners with leading universities and local organizations to conduct community-based research and health prevention initiatives, specifically addressing health disparities and improving outcomes for Milwaukee’s Latino population. In 2025, 13 episodes of La Hora de Salud, a weekly radio show, addressing public health challenges facing the Hispanic community were aired on LaGranD 104.7 FM.

In 2025, more than 500 individuals were screened through our Diabetes Management Research Study in partnership with UW-Madison and U-Michigan. Out of those individuals screened, 140 qualified and enrolled to receive support

athletic programs offered to students in grades 3-8

965

individual students served at 16th Street Community Health Center school clinics, with 3,225 total visits

SUPPORTING CLIENTS THROUGH THEIR RECOVERY JOURNEY

Human Services

As a WI state certified provider of a mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program, UCC provides trauma-informed services with a client-centered and compassionate approach to help all reach their recovery and mental health goals.

Through our comprehensive Residential Treatment, we provide 24-hour, personalized care including counseling, medical case management, on-site childcare, transportation, medication-assisted treatment, and creative therapies. Flexible Outpatient and Day Treatment offers dynamic group and individual counseling, life skills education, and mental health support to strengthen each client’s journey towards recovery. We connect clients with essential health education and primary care through our Recovery Support Coordination, ensuring a seamless continuum of support. Clients can participate in our Peer Support Program which pairs individuals who have triumphed over addition with those actively seeking recovery, fostering peer-to-peer mentorship and hope.

Construction of our new men’s residential home is almost complete, reaching an additional 90 clients annually

445 clients in Recovery Support Coordination

An average length of stay in our residential treatment is 64 days

At UCC, Melissa found more than treatment; she found safety, stability, and a community that believed in her. Through daily classes focused on relapse prevention, life skills, and personal growth, she began building tools she didn’t even realize she was missing. She formed meaningful relationships, gained confidence in her recovery, and began

Today, Melissa is nearly 14 months into her recovery and continues to move forward with purpose. She has savings, supportive relationships, and, most importantly, hope. Melissa credits UCC with giving her the foundation she needed to reclaim her life. Through compassion, consistency, and unwavering belief, UCC helped her see what was possible and gave her the tools to make it real.

UPLIFTING OUR SENIORS

Aging and Disability Programs

At UCC, we believe every golden year should shine with joy, dignity, and community. Our Senior Center offers a vibrant, culturally sensitive space where older Latino adults enjoy nourishing meals, engaging activities, and socialization. The Adult Day Center and Community Care Family Care Program provide personalized, home-like support for frail elders and those with disabilities, ensuring compassionate care and respite. With specialized services like our bilingual Memory Clinic and affordable housing living options at Olga Village and US Bank Village, UCC creates a nurturing environment that empowers seniors to thrive and embrace each day with confidence. Transportation services to and from our centers helps seniors maintain independence and continue attending the Adult Day Center and Senior Center with reliable transportation.

With $300K in grant awards, replaced two Elderly transportation vehicles, bringing UCC’s fleet to 7 vehicles transporting clients to our programs daily

100% 27 weekly activities offered to seniors rated the knowledge and friendliness of the staff as Good or Very Good

CREATING SOLID FOUNDATIONS

First Time Homebuyer Program

Homeownership transforms lives, creates stability, and builds generational wealth. Through group seminars and one-on-one counseling, UCC helps more families and individuals achieve the dream of homeownership.

96% of first time homebuyers in UCC’s program earn less than Milwaukee’s average median income

900+ participants graduated from the First Time Homebuyer Program

275 down payment grants awarded

FROM RISING RENT TO LASTING STABILITY

Eduardo and Estefany’s Homeownership Journey

Eduardo and Estefany both work full time, Eduardo in construction and Estefany as a teacher, and were raising their two children in a rental home. In the summer of 2025, their landlord announced a major rent

Chair Patty Whaley Retired Zurn Elkay Water Solutions

Vice Chair Luis Arroyo Michael Best

Secretary

Ana Esper Regal Rexnord Corporation

Treasurer Mike Kopischkie Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.

Camilla Adelman Community Volunteer

Mary Beth Berkes Shorewood Group LLC

Peter Coffey Michael Best

Tom Ellis Community Volunteer

Raquel Filmanowicz VC 414

Danny Garcia-Velez MGIC

Jesús Gonzalez Rockwell Automation, Inc.

Elaine Griffin University School of Milwaukee

Julio Henriquez Wisconsin Center District

Alicia Kiser M3 Insurance

Sodi Nichols US Bank

Bill O’Toole Catholic Financial Life

Denisse Pachuca BMO

Tom Richtman Retired, US Bank

Molly Schweiger PNC

Angie Storm KPMG

Alexandra Urrutia-Comas Community Volunteer

Maclovio Vega Northwestern Mutual

Suzy York WEC Energy Group

Chief Executive Officer Laura Gutiérrez

JOIN OUR MISSION

Give, Volunteer, and Share to Help Us Build a Stronger Tomorrow

We are so grateful to our volunteers, supporters, and Board of Directors who have helped build opportunity in Milwaukee for 56 years! Together, they are a powerful network of advocacy and service, launching UCC forward in our vision of a thriving community where all achieve full potential.

You, too, can help us build a stronger tomorrow for our community!