U-CARE (Urban Children Are Really Essential)
U-CARE
(Urban Children Are Really Essential) – The program
was developed to examine, compile, and implement best
practices with respect to reducing disproportionate
high school suspension rates for minority students,
disproportionate minority contact (DMC) rates, and other
aspects of Iowa's rural to urban transition. U-CARE
works closely with State of Iowa’s DMC Committee
and the DMC Resource Center. The program provides technical
assistance for communities that want to reduce disproportional
rates. In addition, staff is available to disseminate
best practice techniques through innovative presentations.
This program operates in the following cities (please
click for more information):
Des Moines Metro Area
Waterloo
Sioux City
Iowa City
For more information regarding this program please contact
Zachary Wilson, U-Care State Program Director, at zachary.wilson@urbandreams.org
About U-Care State Program Director
Zachary Wilson received a B.A and B.S. in Psychology
from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO in 2000.
He began his professional social work career in Jefferson
City, MO directing social programs for severely mentally
ill adults and children. In 2001, he moved to Norfolk,
VA and began managing a supportive housing program for
chronically homeless individuals infected with HIV/AIDS.
Within two years he was managing a satellite office
for a local AIDS Service Organization and supervising
direct client services. In 2005, he obtained his Masters
in Social Work with an emphasis in Community Development
from Norfolk State University. Soon after, he accepted
the U-CARE State Program Director position at Urban
Dreams and moved to Des Moines, IA. Currently, Zak participates
on the State of Iowa’s Disproportionate Minority
Contact (DMC) Committee and is actively involved in
several Iowa communities with local DMC reduction efforts.
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