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Grassroots Powered
Since 2001.
Since 2001, UCCY has grown alongside our city because neighbors opened their doors and their hearts. From Hollybrook Homes to partnership sites through the City of Jacksonville Department of Parks & Recreation, community spaces became classrooms, studios, and safe havens—places where tutors meet learners, mentors meet teens, and families find a hand to hold.
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But the truest foundation has always been you. For more than two decades, 95% of the funds powering our youth development, adult capacity building, emergency support, and advocacy have come from individual donors and families in the very neighborhoods we serve. Your gifts keep the lights on after school, put trusted adults in the room, stock pantry shelves, and help households move from crisis to stability.
Thank you for believing in Jacksonville’s potential—and in one another. With your continued support, we’ll keep empowering lives and strengthening communities, one child, one family, one block at a time.
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Ready to help the next story begin? Donate, volunteer, or share our work today.
Our Roots
UCCY began after Dr. Regina Young completed training at the Search Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Challenged to bring an asset-based approach home, she partnered with faith-based and community leaders in Jacksonville to connect spiritual capital with social-service delivery. The first pilots launched at Hollybrook Homes Apartments—the Virtues Youth Program, Healthy Hollybrook (health maintenance), and Women’s Empowerment & Self-Sufficiency. For three years those pilots proved the model: meet people where they are, strengthen families, and mobilize neighbors to help neighbors. From there, UCCY expanded across Jacksonville and into additional communities, sharing core components with partners beyond the region.
Impact to Date
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Over more than two decades, UCCY has focused on prevention, opportunity, and belonging:
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15,000+ families reached through gang & delinquency prevention, parent empowerment, family preservation, and community advocacy.
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1,000+ participants completed our empowerment pathway and earned their high-school diplomas.
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Capacity-building support for 500+ churches and grassroots organizations.
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Afterschool and summer learning delivered to 21,500+ youth.
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Food pantry services, clothing, counseling, and referrals provided to 16,000+ neighbors.
This work has been fueled largely by the people we serve—most funding has come from individual donors and families within our own communities.
Looking Ahead
UCCY continues to build what Jacksonville builds with us: stronger families, safer neighborhoods, and thriving youth. Together, we’re empowering lives and strengthening communities—one child, one family, one block at a time.
Contact
We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities, both to provide service and receive support in our mission. Let's connect!
904-255-6780