As you may know, UCP opened a brokerage on December 1, 2010. We call the brokerage “Connections”. Connections is a Support Services Brokerage that provides case management, person-centered planning, and offers resources and education to adults with a developmental disability that live independently in the community. 

Connections has been growing at an amazing rate. As of May 1st, we had enrolled 107 of the 120 people we will be working with in total. Some of our new customers have already begun working with new providers to receive life skills training and support, and we’ve helped a number of customers become eligible for Medicaid services and additional funding. Recently, we also passed our first licensing certification review—great job, Connections employees!

We’re very excited about our newly-formed Policy Board. Anne Zaccardi (from the Arc Skills Training Program) is the Board Chairperson, and Susan Cushman (UCP's Family Support Director) is the Board's Secretary.  We also welcomed Susan’s daughter, Marie Blanchard, to the Board. Marie grew up in UCP’s Family Support Department. The Policy Board will develop their mission, bylaws, and work with our staff and our customers to set the course for this program as a whole.

Look for more exciting news from Connections in the months to come.