Programs
Poverty is the root problem for the social ills afflicting communities of Waukegan, Zion and North Chicago. Residents feel hopeless about their situation and turn to drugs or other unhealthy outlets. They continue to work long hours in low paying jobs for their entire lives. Even worse; their children tend to follow the same path since education empowerment is not instilled in them as a core value.
According to CNNMoney.com statistics when comparing Waukegan IL to the “best cities to live in 2006” Waukegan residents scored a -24.4% on reading test scores whereas the state average was a 13.3%. Math scores were not much better Waukegan residents scored a -17.2% whereas the state scored a 16.9%. The UMMA Center’s mission is to improve the lives of underserved residents living in Lake County by offering opportunities of education and community development.
The UMMA Center offers the following core programs:
- Education Empowerment
- Basic Needs
- Community Outreach / Development Program
- Career /Workforce Development (coming soon)
These programs are designed to empower the community and to break the cycle of poverty once and for all.