Mission & Leadership
To provide programs to Hispanics and near south side residents of all ages in the areas of education, cultural arts, recreation, community development, and health and human services.
UCC assists individuals in achieving their potential by focusing on cultural heritage as a means of strengthening personal development and by promoting high academic standards in all of its educational programs.
Leading Through Learning
The foundation of our services at the United Community Center is education. While our school of more than 1,300 students is the primary example of how we serve through education, all of our programs involve an aspect of learning. We truly believe we can lead the community to a better life through education:
- Our students, ranging from 6 weeks old to college aged, are learning and developing new skills every day, from the basics of reading and writing to professional communication and etiquette.
- In our newest program, the UCC Childcare and Development Center, our littlest learners are finding joy in exploring so many new things, from walking and talking to coloring and writing.
- Our seniors are learning new skills and talents, including how to improve their health to live long, happy lives. This helps save healthcare costs as well.
- Our clients in Human Services are learning how to live free from addiction, to love themselves and to find peace and happiness without harmful substances.
The list goes on, but learning takes place every day on our campus in every room, and every office. We are all life-long learners. Each year we too continue to learn how to best serve all of the families who seek our help to achieve a better life, and we continue to learn from our many valuable partners in the community who can help with this mission.
Reaching Out to Milwaukee's South Side
Centro de la Comunidad Unida/United Community Center (UCC) provides programs to Hispanics and near south side residents of all ages in the areas of education, cultural arts, recreation, community development, and health and human services. UCC helps people achieve their potential by focusing on cultural heritage as a means of strengthening personal development.
Of the more than 18,000 people who benefited from our programs last year, more than 90 percent are racial or ethnic minorities and more than 40 percent live at or below the poverty level.
Steady, thoughtful program and facilities growth has been one of UCC's greatest accomplishments. While providing a dependable source of support for generations of south side families, UCC has carefully expanded its mission and capacity. Established in 1970 as a youth recreation center, UCC has developed many program components in response to important community needs.
Facts at a Glance
We serve more than 18,000 people annually throughout our programs, and more than 20,000 visitors—including clients, community members, Latino Arts customers, and other business and community leaders who collaborate on, partner with, and support our mission.
Whom Do We Serve?
- Age: 60% are under the age of 18
- Income Level: More than 75% of our 900 families are low-income
- Ethnicity: 91% Hispanic, 5% Caucasian, and 1% African-American
- Within Hispanic Ethnicity: 76% Mexican, 21% Puerto Rican, and 3% Other Hispanic
- Neighborhoods: 50% reside in either the 53204 or 53215 postal codes
- City: 85% reside in the City of Milwaukee
- County: 95% reside in Milwaukee County
Who Helps Us with Our Mission?
- More than 300 full-time staff and 35 part-time staff who manage, guide, and lead our programs and services
- More than 1,000 volunteers each year, from students to corporations who come for one day or on a weekly basis to help serve our clients
- Nearly 380 individual donors and 61 corporations and foundations who provide needed financial support
- Hundreds of partners and collaborators who join with us to produce and deliver creative and quality programs