About Us

Our Story

Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center (UNCC) was established as a nonprofit youth development organization on September 24, 2009, and officially opened its doors for public programming on January 19, 2010.

The Vision of Mrs. Janice Mitchell

The Center was the vision of Founder and first Executive Director, Mrs. Janice Mitchell. She often shared the story of her upbringing in the South and how mentors helped her achieve her educational goals, as her mother had only a 2nd grade education and her father was not active in her life. Determined to rise out of poverty and guided by her faith, she understood the responsibility to help others do the same. Her vision was for a safe space in southeast Urbana, Illinois, where underserved youth could access enriching opportunities outside of school hours. Mrs. Mitchell also recognized the importance of authentic community and family involvement in the lives of children to promote their success.

Community Roots and Ongoing Impact

Mrs. Mitchell was a longtime parent volunteer in the Urbana school system, creating programs such as Prairie Tracks, Parents Investing in Education (P.I.E.), Brothas & Sistas, Sistas & Me, Sankofa Summer Exposures, and the UHS Equity & Social Justice Club. She is also the inspiration behind the current Village Investment Promise (V.I.P.) Black parent support group in Urbana School District 116. Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center is a labor of love that grew from the support of family, friends, and community organizations. Today, the Center continues to thrive, typically serving between 60 and 80 youth each programming term, and providing access to the opportunities Mrs. Mitchell envisioned and created.