CHICAGO— Today Mayor Brandon Johnson joined UCAN for the REACH 21 Milestone Celebration honoring the achievements of youth who participated in the REACH 21 violence prevention and intervention initiative which provides mentorship, behavioral health support, workforce development, education, and life coaching to young men ages 11–21.
Mayor Johnson delivered the event’s keynote address, reaffirming the Johnson administration’s commitment to ensuring every young Chicagoan has opportunities to grow and thrive.
“The greatest investments we can make in our city is support for young people before they face barriers that can limit their future,”said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Programs like REACH 21 demonstrate the power of mentorship, opportunity, and trusted community partnerships in helping young Chicagoans reach their full potential.
When we surround our young people with support and believe in their ability to succeed, we are building safer, stronger communities for generations to come.”
During the event held at Labourers for Christ Ministries, approximately 50 participants, family members, mentors, and community partners gathered to recognize program participants for reaching important milestones, including completing educational goals, securing employment, completing vocational training, improving attendance, celebrating birthdays, and completing probation requirements.
Five participants were also recognized for remaining committed to REACH 21 since the program’s launch in January 2025.
“Creating safer neighborhoods requires us to invest in prevention and provide young people with the tools, resources, and support systems they need to thrive,” said Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Emmanuel Andre.“REACH 21 reflects the kind of community-based partnership that makes a lasting impact—connecting young people with mentors, opportunities, and positive relationships that help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
We are proud to celebrate these young men and the progress they continue to make.”
UCAN serves as one of the City’s Community Reentry Support Centers, providing critical wraparound services to help returning residents successfully reintegrate into their communities.
“Violence prevention and reentry are often treated as separate conversations, but they’re connected by the same belief—when we invest in people early, surround them with positive relationships, and refuse to give up on their potential, we create safer communities,” said Joseph Mapp, Director of the Office of Re-Entry.“REACH 21 is a powerful example of what happens when a community chooses to invest in young people before crisis defines their future.
Every milestone we celebrate today reflects not only an individual achievement, but a stronger family, a stronger neighborhood, and ultimately, a stronger Chicago.”
The event included remarks from UCAN leadership, recognition from REACH 21 coaches, and an opportunity for participants, families, and mentors to celebrate the progress and achievements of Chicago’s young people.
For 150 years, UCAN has served Chicago communities by providing programs and services that support youth, families, and individuals.
Founded as an orphanage, the organization expanded its mission over time to address the evolving needs of Chicago residents.
Today, UCAN provides violence prevention, behavioral health services, youth programming, and community-based support, while also serving as one of the City’s Community Reentry Support Centers to help returning residents successfully reintegrate into their communities.