2026: the year of the horse

According to my social media algorithm, 2025 was the year of the snake, which explains why it felt so heavy and burdensome. We faced significant challenges last year, including the federal government shutdown, state budget cuts, and threats to longstanding policies and systems supporting working families. Now, we're shedding and letting go of things that no longer serve us. Just as snakes shed their skin to remove old, damaged layers and make way for a fresh, healthy outer layer, we have the opportunity to shed friendships, relationships, and attachments that no longer align with us.

This year, 2026, is the year of the horse symbolizing strength, momentum, opportunity, and alignment. We are moving forward with purpose, ready to rise into the versions of ourselves we've always aspired to be. This is the year for bold initiatives and audacious dreams, creating new pathways to success that align with our energy, passions, and desire for growth and personal and professional development.

As the nation’s oldest urban community action network, OUCAN will remain at the forefront of reducing poverty, stabilizing families, and advancing economic mobility. While needs vary by region, urban communities share common challenges such as housing instability, access to affordable childcare, and workforce barriers.

In the year of the horse, OUCAN will:



• Connect local expertise across the state to enable agencies to learn from one another rather than reinventing solutions.

• Amplify urban perspectives in statewide policy and systems conversations.

• Improve training and quality in service delivery across urban communities.

• Build shared capacities that individual agencies can replicate and implement.

When one urban CAA improves outcomes, OUCAN helps ensure all urban communities benefit. This is our year! Let’s go, OUCAN!

To watch a brief video about OUCAN's impact and mission, and to learn how you can become further involved, click this link.