Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Joins UCAN for REACH 21 Milestone Celebration, Honoring Achievements of Youth Engaged in Violence Prevention Programming

CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined UCAN today for the REACH 21 Milestone Celebration, honoring the accomplishments of young men who have participated in the violence prevention and intervention initiative. The program provides mentorship, behavioral health support, workforce development, education, and life coaching to boys and young men between the ages of 11 and 21.

In his keynote address at the event held at Labourers for Christ Ministries, Mayor Johnson reaffirmed his administration's commitment to providing opportunities for all young Chicagoans to thrive. He emphasized the importance of investing in youth before they face barriers that can limit their future.

"Programs like REACH 21 demonstrate the power of mentorship, opportunity, and trusted community partnerships in helping young Chicagoans reach their full potential," said Mayor Johnson. "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."

The event brought together approximately 50 participants, family members, mentors, and community partners to recognize program participants for reaching important milestones. These included completing educational goals, securing employment, completing vocational training, improving attendance, celebrating birthdays, and fulfilling probation requirements. Five participants were also recognized for remaining committed to REACH 21 since its launch in January 2025.

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Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Emmanuel Andre also spoke at the event and highlighted the importance of investing in prevention and providing young people with tools and resources to thrive. He praised REACH 21 as a community-based partnership that has made a lasting impact by connecting youth with mentors and opportunities.

UCAN serves as one of Chicago's Community Reentry Support Centers (CRSCs), offering critical wraparound services to help returning residents successfully reintegrate into their communities. Joseph Mapp, Director of the Office of Re-Entry, emphasized that violence prevention and reentry are interconnected issues that can be addressed by investing in people early on.

"REACH 21 is a powerful example of what happens when a community chooses to invest in young people before crisis defines their future," said Mapp. "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 also featured remarks from UCAN leadership and recognition from REACH 21 coaches. Participants, families, and mentors had the opportunity to celebrate the progress and achievements of Chicago's young people.

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UCAN has been serving Chicago communities for 150 years by providing programs and services that support youth, families, and individuals. Originally founded as an orphanage, the organization has expanded its mission over time to address the changing needs of Chicago residents. Today, UCAN offers violence prevention, behavioral health services, youth programming, and community-based support. It also serves as one of the City's Community Reentry Support Centers to help returning residents successfully reintegrate into their communities.

The REACH 21 Milestone Celebration was a testament to the positive impact that mentorship, opportunities, and community partnerships can have on young people. As Mayor Johnson stated in his address, investing in youth is one of the greatest investments we can make in our city's future.

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