WASHINGTON HIGHLANDS
UPO’s place-based strategy is integral to the community of Washington Highlands in Ward 8, which has the city’s highest concentration of poverty, a high rate of crime, and 3 times the citywide rate of unemployment. Our Community Needs Assessment led to UPO’s 2014 decision to form the Washington Highlands Community Advancement Network (WHCAN) initiative, which brings together stakeholders whose goal is to improve residents’ quality of life.
“[Together, we] not only better my residents’ lives, but also the overall health and wealth of my community. Since UPO’s partnership began, an early learning center was established, a playground was built, residents received employment, and [we built] partnerships with other organizations to provide the services that residents need. We have worked together to create programming such as onsite job training, resume writing, and interview preparation.” - Derrick Langley, President, Atlantic Gardens Tenant Association
UPO’s spectrum of neighborhood programs—in 14 locations—are the efforts of 5 UPO divisions:
Advocacy
UPO Workforce Institute
Office of Early Learning
Youth Services
Foster Grandparents Program
“UPO’s Advocacy division is definitely working to train leaders in our community to be engaged, empowered, and involved. I am so happy I participated in the Community Leadership Academy. I learned a lot, we created shared visions, and developed a strategic plan. I am ready to work with my community to make a difference.” - Margie Neal, resident and UPO Community Leadership Academy graduate
NEXT: • Implementing residents’ strategic goals through the Community Leadership Academy. • Helping to build the Parent-Teacher Organization in Hendley Elementary School. (Principal Sundai Riggins invited UPO to facilitate as part of WHCAN.) • Securing funding to implement additional projects in the neighborhood. 28
