About UCAN!

A legacy organization built by and for the community — two decades of trusted service across Southern NC, Northeastern SC & the Gullah Geechee Corridor.

Our Story

UCAN! was founded in 2003 by a group of visionary Black women in Brunswick County, NC. What began as a focus on out-of-school youth programming has since evolved into a broad socioeconomic advancement organization serving families across the region.

UCAN is deeply rooted in family and community. Leadership across more than two decades has included multiple generations of the same family line — a legacy-driven, community-embedded character that continues to shape how UCAN shows up for the people it serves.

Today, UCAN addresses the interconnected issues of economic disparity and social inequality by providing resources and opportunities for cultural preservation, socioeconomic advancement, and the cultivation of future leaders — not as siloed programs, but as one holistic mission.

Great-Grandmother Eliza Jean, Midwife — UCAN's roots in community care
"UCAN is more than an organization — it is a movement."

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

UCAN! champions the empowerment of marginalized communities by propelling economic growth, honoring cultural vibrancy, and fostering youth leadership development. Through dynamic initiatives that combat food insecurity, address health disparities, nurture entrepreneurship, and empower young leaders, we ignite unity and drive toward economic success.

Our mission is to address the interconnected issues of economic disparity and social inequality by providing resources and opportunities for cultural preservation, socioeconomic advancement, and the cultivation of future leaders.

Our Vision

UCAN envisions a future where minority groups achieve socioeconomic success through access to nutritious food, educational fulfillment, entrepreneur and business development, equitable health care and wellness, financial security, and secure housing.

Through empowerment, unity, and collective action, we seek to build inclusive, resilient communities that celebrate diversity, equity, and unity, driving lasting socioeconomic progress for all.

Our Service Area

UCAN serves Southern NC, Northeastern SC, and the wider Gullah Geechee Corridor, with Brunswick County and Columbus County, NC as our primary, core counties.

Leadership

An all-female, minority-led Board of Directors and multigenerational family leadership reflect authentic community ownership of UCAN's mission.

Sandra Bowers-Hewett Brooks, UCAN Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Sandra Bowers-Hewett Brooks, CNE, CDE, CNC

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

A lifelong Brunswick County native with over two decades of grassroots leadership, Sandra Bowers-Hewett Brooks founded UCAN in 2003 to transform underserved communities through economic innovation, cultural preservation, and strategic resource allocation. Under her stewardship, UCAN has generated more than $1.9 million in community impact across the Carolinas.

Sandra holds triple NANOE certifications (CNE, CDE, CNC), is a Certified Community Health Worker, Certified Doula, Certified Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach, Child Development Associate, and Certified AI Strategist & Engineer. She is a Cornell University Women's Entrepreneurship graduate and holds the North Carolina Family Support Credential (Duke University / NC Family Resource Coalition).

Awards & Recognition
President's Lifetime Achievement Award — The White House, 2024

President's Lifetime Achievement Award
The White House / AmeriCorps, 2024

Actor Danny Glover Power of Dream Award, 2026

Danny Glover Power of Dream Award
MCIF International, 2026

Global Caregiver Humanitarian Award — UN Accredited NGO MCIF, 2026

Global Caregiver Humanitarian Award
UN Accredited NGO MCIF, 2026

Credentials & Certifications
NANOE CNE, CDE, CNC Certifications

NANOE: CNE · CDE · CNC
2021

Certified AI Strategist and Engineer

Certified AI Strategist & Engineer

Cornell University Women's Entrepreneurship Certificate

Cornell University
Women's Entrepreneurship, 2020

Duke University NC Family Support Credential

Duke University
NC Family Support Credential, 2004

Child Development Associate Credential

Child Development Associate
CDA Credential, 2003

Fonstena Peck, UCAN External Director and Executive Branch Chair

Fonstena Peck

External Director & Executive Branch Chair

As Chair of UCAN's Executive Branch, Fonstena Peck works hand in hand with the CEO to provide strategic external leadership and governance oversight — advancing UCAN's mission and community impact across the region.

Board of Directors

Temecia Davenport, UCAN Board Chairperson and President

Temecia Davenport

Chairwoman / President
Regional Human Resources Business Partner; Mentor.

Kishawna Pace Bellamy, UCAN Board Director and Treasurer

Kishawna P. Bellamy

Board Director / Treasurer
Brunswick County Government Delinquent Tax Specialist; Co-Business Owner, Moving Company; Evangelist.

Sy'nora Brooks, UCAN Board Vice-President

Sy’nora Brooks

Vice-President / Jr. President
Jr. Board of Directors President; Healthcare Professional & Dental Hygienist; Business Owner – Instructor & Design.

Charla Fullwood, UCAN Board Director

Charla Fullwood

Board Director
Childcare Educator; Community College Student.

Danielle Evans-Hewett, UCAN Board Director and Secretary

Danielle Evans-Hewett

Board Director / Secretary — Child Care Center Administrator
Teacher of the Year 2021; Mentor; Co-Business Owner – Construction & Entertainment Production.

Breana Jenrette, UCAN Board Member

Breana Jenrette

Board Member
2025–2027 Board of Directors.

Jada Green, UCAN Board Member

Jada Green

Board Member
2025–2027 Board of Directors.

Staff & Community Engagement

Nora Brooks, UCAN Operations Director

Nora Brooks

Operations Director
Leading UCAN's day-to-day operations and community programming.

Sandra Brooks in lab coat with community partners and Dr. David Satcher

Sandra Brooks

Community Engagement
UCAN Executive Director Sandra Brooks with community partners and Dr. David Satcher, 16th U.S. Surgeon General.

Sandra Brooks engaging community leaders and stakeholders

Sandra Brooks

Community Leadership
Connecting health, education, and opportunity across southeastern North Carolina.

Notable Visitors & Community Partners

UCAN's reach extends to the highest levels — from national health leadership to community medicine.

Thomas Green with Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher

Thomas Green & Dr. David Satcher

Former U.S. Surgeon General (1998–2002)
Thomas Green alongside Dr. David Satcher, 16th U.S. Surgeon General, in recognition of UCAN's community health work.

Dr. Linda Gary of Mt. Carmel HELPS with Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher

Dr. Linda Gary & Dr. David Satcher

Former U.S. Surgeon General (1998–2002)
Dr. Linda Gary, Executive Director of Mt. Carmel HELPS, INC (Jacksonville, NC), with Dr. David Satcher — united in advancing health equity and community care.

Sandra Brooks and Marion Brooks with Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher

Sandra & Marion Brooks with Dr. David Satcher

Former U.S. Surgeon General (1998–2002)
UCAN Founder Sandra Bowers-Hewett Brooks and Marion Brooks with Dr. David Satcher, honoring UCAN's mission of health equity and community care.

Dr. Johnny Williams, President of Old North State Medical Foundation, speaking at a UCAN event

Dr. Johnny Williams

President, Old North State Medical Foundation (ONSMF)
Dr. Williams addresses the UCAN community, reinforcing the partnership between ONSMF and UCAN in advancing health equity across southeastern North Carolina.

How UCAN Operates

Board of Directors
Executive Director / CEO — Sandra Brooks
Executive Branch — Fonstena Peck, Chair
Fiscal Admin
Operations Admin
Program Coordinator
Advisory Council
Jr. Council (LEAyD)

Certifications & Memberships

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NANOE CNE / CDE / CNC

Certified Nonprofit Executive, Certified Development Executive, and Certified Nonprofit Consultant credentials held by CEO Sandra Brooks.

UCAN Food Hub Silver Tier Certification

Silver Tier Pantry Certification

Achieved Spring 2024 through the Healthy Food Access Pantry Training Program.

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NC Medicaid Provider

NC DHHS Medicaid Provider ID 40411127 — Healthy Opportunities Pilot Human Services Organization.