From the success of Urban Equities, Inc. (UEInc.), we have wholeheartedly embraced the unique opportunity that we have been given to give back to the communities which have supported us. Community Service is not only essential to our business; it is a direct link to our success.

In the past, to put a smile on the faces of kids, we have donated Christmas toys to both the Pediatric Units of St. Bernard Hospital and Provident Hospital of Cook County.

We also dedicate our efforts to local hiring initiatives by creating jobs for community residents.

Most recently, we have turned our attention to AIDS Awareness Programs. UEInc. recently discovered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HIV/ AIDS surveillance report 2002, the astonishing fact that African Americans account for over half of the new HIV diagnoses reported in the United States. Of that number, 72% of new diagnoses reported by women are black women, and nearly half of all new diagnoses reported by men are black men. AIDS/HIV is an epidemic in the United States, with particularly alarming impacts in the African American communities. It must be attacked ferociously by all.

To help, UEInc. is sponsoring the 2004 “Greek Step Show Challenge” in conjunction with The Coalition For Improved Education in South Shore (CEISS). Through CEISS’s 10th annual Juneteenth Celebration, UEInc. will assemble greek fraternity and sorority organizations that will compete for prizes. Moreover, UEInc. will present a cash prize to a selected AIDS/HIV education & research organization in the name of the first place winner. This collective effort, spear-headed by UEInc., is geared towards eradicating this awful disease.