Who We Are

United Human Services Centre (UHSC) is a not-for-profit organization under the umbrella of Nto-Otong Association (NFP). UHSC was established December 16, 2003 as a 501(c) (3) organization with programs that include weekly food pantry distribution, transportation services, counseling ministry, youth development, and urban/rural gardening initiative.

Through our Food Pantry, we distribute fresh and organic fruits, vegetables and hot meals every Tuesday to over 150 families in the inner cities of Chicago.

About UYFC

United Young Farmers Club (UYFC)

UYFC is a community of young adults and teenagers dedicated to growing vegetables, fruits, herbs and also learning about the many benefits of healthy living! UYFC operates through a 3-step program: Training, Growing and Feeding. Our young farmers grow fresh and natural fruits for the community we serve. This program also embraces immigrants and refugees, with our young farmers coming from diverse racial backgrounds. UYFC is a sub-division of UHSC.

Achievements

We earned 6 AWARDS in the 2015 County State Fair Exhibition
We are assisting other farmers in our community to grow their business and distribute healthy foods.
Won 1ST PLACE certificates at the County State Fair Exhibition in Tea brewing using Sage Herbs from our garden.
Selected to compete in a State-Level Agricultural Competition in Springfield, Illinois (2014)

How You Can Help

Summary

We are currently seeking devoted humanitarians and individuals to support our cause in eradicating hunger and poverty within our inner cities.

Your support can come in various capacities including:

Volunteering in our Food Pantry.
- We distribute food items four times every month, once a week. (Tuesday) to hundreds of families in need. Volunteers help in preparing food bags and boxes, registering recipients and ensuring the distribution of food in an orderly manner.
You can also make meaningful monetary donations and generous contributions to our cause.
If you also have a vocational/professional skill that might further aid our cause, we will be glad to hear from you.

Support Us

Currently, we are planning to implement an on-farm training institution located in Kankakee County, IL. This new initiative will address the needs of affordable fresh foods for low income family consumption in the urban Englewood & New City communities and job training for individuals in the rural Pembroke, IL area.

We also seek funds for acquiring a Hoop House, Sprinkling systems and raised beds for growing plants. Soil and compost, Fence. This will better serve the community as well as provide food and job opportunities.

Our Partners

Godwin Akpan

Founder & Executive Director

Godwin is the founder of UHSC and has headed the organization for more than a decade. He has directed several urban community agricultural projects and has also assisted individuals & families with food shortage issues and other domestic challenges within Chicago’s inner-cities.

godwin_akpan@uhservices.org

713-912-6106

Veronica Akpan

Founder Service Director

Veronica is a trained teacher and nurse volunteering her skills and experience at UHSC. She has worked with a series of charity organizations and pulls resources together to supervise the serving and distribution of food at the UHSC food pantry.

Vero.Akpan@yahoo.com

Efe Iyare

Volunteer

Efe volunteers for UHSC by managing both internal and external communications. He holds a Masters degree in Marketing Communications and he is passionate about social work and charities pertaining to kids and welfare of people.

efeiyare@gmail.com

Piyatida “Pook” Yongvanichakorn

Volunteer

Pook has a keen interest for art and design, a skill she contributes to UHSC. She first worked as a Graphics Designer in an advertising agency in Bangkok, Thailand, before venturing to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Marketing Communications. She is passionate about people and animals in need.

piyatida.y@hotmail.com