Unity Care Group

Unity Care Group
Type	Non-profit Organizations
Industry	Services
Founded	1992; 33 years ago
Founder	Andre Chapman
Headquarters	San Jose, CA
Key people	Andre Chapman (Founder & CEO); Sheila E. Mitchell (CEO); Gary Rummelhoff (CFO);
Website	unitycare.org

Unity Care Group is a non-profit organization that works to transform the lives of young people emerging from foster care.^[1] Unity Care provides safe and stable housing, caring connections, culturally proficient mental health services, and life skills that ensure they achieve their full potential.^[2] It is regarded as a nationally accredited, family-focused, culturally proficient, and strength-based youth development agency serving the underserved foster care population by way of counseling, skill building, transitional housing, and support services.^[3]

History[edit]

Unity Care Group was founded in 1992, by Andre Chapman, headquartered in San Jose, California. It acts as a youth development non-profit organization, serving young people in and emerging from foster care by providing life skills, mental health and housing services in Santa Clara, EI Dorado, Sacramento, San Mateo, San Francisco, Monterey, Nevada, Placer, and Alameda counties.^[4] The services and programs are based on the organization's five pillars of success including education, employment, housing, unconditional care, and well-being.^[5]

The organization established its first residential treatment home for boys in August 1993, followed by tremendous growth over two decades in its’ residential, community and mental health programs serving over 7500 youth and families each year. In 2018 at its 25-year mark, nine the organization spun off its community based programs to focus solely on expanding its supportive housing services and becoming a part of the PropelNext initiative of the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation.^[6] In 2019 the organization launched its new 5-Year strategic plan led by Stanford Alumni Consultants Team resulting in a new vision, mission and purpose of eradicating homeless for youth aging out of foster care.^[7]

In August 2022, the group appointed Shiela E. Mitchell as its new chief executive officer and launched its 5-year strategic plan.^[8]

Notable programs[edit]

The organization led the launch of the Pre-College Minority Engineering Program (PC-MEP), in April 1999, at San Jose State University.
In April 2002, Unity Care opened a computer center at San Jose Group Home in partnership with local officials, Santa Clara County, IBM, Hewlett Packard, and the City of San Jose.
In August 2003, the organization celebrated 10 years of its existence and received a commendation from the City of San Jose for its community service.
In April 2005, Unity Care launched RISE (Reaching Independence Through Sustainable Employment), a workforce investment program in Monterey County.
In April 2006, Unity Care in collaboration with the housing department of the City of San Jose, opened Unity Place I, a 12 units housing complex for former foster care youths.
In April 2007, the organization launched a program named Hip Hop 360. Launched as a creative arts program, it aimed at building self-esteem and enhancement of artistic expressions for middle and high school students.
On completion of 15 years in community service, Unity Care hosted an annual summer learning program that engaged the youth and their families through fun learning educational activities.
Several other programs launched by the organization include Resources Advocacy and Support Services (RASS), Parent Advocacy Services (PAS), Sleep Train Foster Kids, Imami Village School Linked Services, Traditional Housing Placement, and eBay Days of Color.
In August 2018 Unity Care celebrates its 25th anniversary at the 7th annual YouthLive! Gala with Stedman Graham as its Keynote speaker
In May 2020, Unity Care launched its covid19black health initiative in response to the pandemic
In September 2021, Unity Care completed its new 5-year strategic plan led by Stanford Alumni Consultants setting its new mission and new vision

Awards and recognitions[edit]

Credited with Unity Award by San Francisco 49ers (November 5, 2017)
Received Legacy Award by Bible way Christian Centre (February 24, 2017)
Credited as Non-Profit of The Year by 100 Black Men of Silicon Valley.
Awarded with the 55th Annual Freedom and Friendship Gala “Circle of Friends” Award by San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP.
Obtained the Partner of the Decade Awards from the San Jose Department of Housing.