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Our Mission

The Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center (UECC) is a non-profit organization located in the suburbs of Philadelphia in Jenkintown, PA.  Founded in 1980, UECC is a focal point of Ukrainian-American cultural life in the Delaware Valley.  The objective of the UECC is to preserve and promote awareness of Ukrainian heritage throughout the community. The UECC houses over 30 community, educational, scholarly and professional organizations and a Ukrainian Library.  Educational programs range from a nursery school to a twelve-year Saturday School that provides instruction in Ukrainian language, literature, history, geography, music and culture.

The Mission of the UECC is to establish and maintain the facilities; promote, support, conduct and maintain social services and educational programs; and act and function exclusively for charitable and educational goals.

History of the UECC

The year 2020 marks our 40th year anniversary.

We are proud to have positively touched and affected many lives since 1980. We thank the countless supporters and volunteers who have, through the years, financially and physically supported our programs, events and our work for the Ukrainian community.

 

We promise to continue working on our purpose of serving the Ukrainian community in the Greater Philadelphia Area. 

1970's
1980's
1990's
2000's
2010's

Fall 1979

Parents Committee of the Ukrainian Saturday School initiated search for a permanent home.

 

Cedar Elementary School, was found by Mrs. Roma Salak and Mrs. Yaryna Telepko (Realtor)

 

December 15, 1979

Dr. Alexander Chernyk spearheaded the project

October 19, 1980

First UECC Board of Directors elected; Daniel Maxymuik Esq. appointed UECC's solicitor, serving for 20 years on a pro bono basis.

 

September 19, 1981

Official UECC dedication ceremony with Archbishop Metropolitan Stefan Sulyk providing the blessing

 

October 1981

16 Ukrainian organizations joined the UECC

 

1982 - 1983

Lottery for Building Renovation/Expansion raised $112,000 – organized by Board Member Christine Kulchyckyj

 

December 11, 1982

1st UECC Christmas Bazaar held with art exhibits of local artists

 

1983

VISTA Social Services Federal Grant awarded for $65,000 due to the efforts of Vera Andryczyk, Orysia Hewka, Martha Tatunchak and Maria Kondrat

Ukrainian American Senior Citizens Association formed as a program of the UECC.  Social services of UECC obtained contract with Montgomery County Department of Aging to provide hot lunches for our seniors

UECC joined United Way

1984

First UECC Newsletter organized by Dr. L. Onyshkevych and V. Andryczyk

1985

Courses in folk arts offered at UECC

Mrs. Orysia Hewka appointed Executive Director by UECC Board

 

October 1985

Dr. A. Chernyk “Roast” held to benefit UECC.

5th UECC Banquet - $300K Mortgage Burned

 

1985 - 1987

Construction of new wing and atrium began at a cost of $850,000.00 USFCU contributed $154,000.00 for renovating the Main Hall

1986

Social Services Bureau expanded to 1325 West Lindley Ave.in Philadelphia – the branch continued to operate until 1994

 

February 22, 1986

Sen. M. Joseph Rocks (PA-R) honored as Man of the Year at 6th UECC Banquet. He helped secure a $50,000 grant for UECC Social Services.

 

​February 15, 1987

UECC & Ukrainian Community Committee took part in “We the People 200, Inc.”

Constitutional Bicentennial at Balch Institute presented an exhibit of Ukrainian heritage and customs

 

February 22, 1987

UECC formally incorporated and received nonprofit status

June 24, 1987

Celebration of the Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine in the Capital Building Rotunda in Harrisburg, PA - UECC & Philadelphia Organizations

September 17, 1988

Ribbon Cutting and blessing of New Wing dedicated by Dr. Chernyk

Spring 1989

1st Phonathon held, organized by B. Zacharczuk to pay down UECC building expansion loan

October 1989

Borys Zacharczuk elected president.

February 24, 1990

Dr. A. Chernyk was honored for bringing many organizations to the Center

September 1990

Spearheaded by the UECC, “Ridna Shkola” and “Nasha Ukrainska Shkola” CYM united into one school “Nasha Ukrainska Ridna Shkola;” Alexander Lushnycky, Ph D. elected as 1st principal

1990 - 1991

Organized 1st performers from free Ukraine: Vika Rock group, Cultural Exchange, Leontovych String Quartet, etc

1991

Ukrainian Library (Plast - Chortopolokhy) became program of the UECC

September 1991

11th UECC Banquet, Sen. Greenleaf named “Man of the Year.”

His efforts brought UECC a second $25,000 grant for Building Renovations.

October 13, 1991

UECC and other Ukrainian Organizations took part in “Neighbors in the New World,” annual “Columbus Day” Parade

December 1991

Philadelphia Electric Co. building proclaimed “Ukraine is Independent” on its rooftop lighted sign. The project was initiated by P. Sawchak and executed by Mrs. O. Hewka under the direction of Borys Zacharczuk.

May 2, 1992

1st Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk visits Philadelphia and the UECC

August 24, 1992

1st Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence celebrated at UECC

March 16, 1993

UECC presents distinguished Service Award to Eudokia Dyczko Blawacka (Ukrainian Radio program from ‘52 - ‘92) at the 13th UECC

1994

B. Zacharczuk initiates UECC Radio program at station WNWR 1540 AM

February 26, 1994

UECC honors UNA at Centennial Anniversary – Supreme President Ulana Diachuk honored at UECC's Banquet

Fall 1994

UECC organized a protest against the defamation of Ukrainians in a CBS “60 Minutes” documentary called “Ugly Faces of Freedom.”  A monetary penalty was paid by CBS

1996

UECC second newsletter – Quarterly was published with editors: Dzwinka Zacharczuk and Petrusia Sawchak

The Metropolitan Ballet Academy/School under the direction of Ms. Lisa Collins opened at the UECC.

March 9, 1996

16th Annual Banquet honored Dr. Julian Kulas and Pres. B. Zacharczuk.

Second Mortgage of $500,000. was burned at the banquet

1996 - 1998

UECC TV Programs produced and aired weekly Produced by B.Zacharczuk

1997

The first contribution from Ann and James Ganley, non-Ukrainians from St. Louis, Missouri who became very generous donors to UECC, contributing more than $85,000.00 over a number of years

First One Hour TV program in conjunction with “KONTAKT” directed by B. Zacharczuk was aired​

April 5, 1997

UECC honored Editor Zenon Snylyk of “Svoboda” at their 17th Annual Banquet with special exhibits by the state of Pennsylvania and the PA Dept. of Agriculture

July 25, 1997

UECC featured Ukrainian Culture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of the Community Outreach program (1500 people attended)

October 1997