The United Community Center (UCC) has been successfully serving Milwaukee’s south side since 1970 due, in large part, to volunteers throughout the region that go above and beyond the call of duty to serve our agency. Each year, more than 1,000 community members and organizations share their generosity of spirit with us and therefore share in our victories. The thirteenth annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration will honor some of the most notable contributions onThursday, February 15 at 4:30 p.m. in the Latino Arts Auditorium and Gallery:

Youth Volunteer of the Year: Joshua Villa

Over the past year, Joshua has dedicated more than 75 hours of service as a mentor in our youth programs. He is an excellent role model and connects with the youth he mentors, helping them improve their academics and build self-confidence.

Athletic Coach of the Year: Marco Ayala

Marco has coached elementary and middle school volleyball and basketball teams for the past five years. He is committed to each team he coaches and engages players through his excitement for the game.

Individual Volunteer of the Year: Kris Apfeld

Kris has dedicated many volunteer hours to BGCS, helping students learn how to read and build their vocabulary, assisting in the summer school program and working as a math tutor in afterschool programs.

In-Kind Donor Volunteers of the Year: Badger Mutual Insurance Company

Badger Mutual has generously donated time and resources to UCC for many years, currently acting as the title sponsor of the Badger Mutual Youth Wall of Fame Award. They also worked with the BGCS art department to create artwork for their corporate headquarters and have continuously donated items to our senior clients.

Volunteer Group of the Year: Marquette University Police Department

In an effort to stress the importance of literacy, volunteers from the Marquette University Police Department have spent countless hours in our Reader Leader program and have donated books to our classrooms. Sergeant Glenn Berrios-Schroeder also participates as a mentor to our teens in our Youth Programs, sharing true life stories and shifting negative perceptions into positive ones.

Corporate Volunteer Group of the Year: Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo has continuously supported UCC by facilitating various projects with our senior center clients, assisting elementary students with homework and tutoring afterschool, hosting an annual book drive, and financially supporting our programs.

Elderly Programs Volunteer of the Year: Cesar Pabón

Once an Associate Director at UCC, Cesar Pabón now volunteers his time at the center, proving his commitment to the community. His most recent project is leading a Nutrition and Fitness education class for UCC seniors.

Latino Arts Strings Program Volunteer of the Year: Francisco Hernandez

Francisco is a passionate volunteer in the Latino Arts Strings Program. He is dedicated to helping the instructors and students get the most out of group and individual guitar lessons by providing feedback and musician tips.

Thank you to all of our volunteers for their contributions and efforts, and congratulations to our Volunteer of the Year Award Winners!