UCP Family Support

UCP OREGON'S FAMILY SUPPORT DEPARTMENT

UCP Oregon's Family Support Department has been operating since 1984. The department currently supports hundreds of families in Oregon who are raising kids with cerebral palsy or a closely-related disability.

The department is there at every stage, from the initial diagnosis, to the time when the child is ready to start their adult life.

Along the way, we'll offer hope, a sense of connection, education and information, and fun.

Our services include:

Information and referral.
Support groups.
Fun events.
Workshops and trainings.
Equipment exchanges.
Connection with other families who are in a similar situation.

Who Is Eligible?

Any family who is raising a child who experiences cerebral palsy, or a closely-related condition, in Oregon and SW Washington.
If you are unsure if you or your family qualify, feel free to contact our team to learn if we might be a fit for you.

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES:

Connection and Community Building Events

UCP Oregon’s Family Support Department works to lift up families raising a child with cerebral palsy or another disability by building community and creating meaningful ways to connect—through dedicated events for parents and caregivers, fun, family-friendly gatherings, and shared experiences for children with cerebral palsy.

Recent events have included:

Other past events have included:

UCP OREGON EVENT PAGE

GAB “Gimme A Break” Support Groups

We are excited to announce that our “GAB” (Gimme-A-Break) Support Groups, which have been on hiatus for a while, will be starting up again soon!

We’ve been working to enhance and expand these groups so that even more families can benefit from the support and connection they offer.

There will be an in-person Portland group and a Zoom group both occurring monthly.

SUPPORT GROUP PAGE

WORKSHOPS

Learn, share and connect at UCP Oregon's classes and workshops, most of which are held online to ensure accessibility for all.

WORKSHOP PAGE

Zetsoch Fund Grants

UCP is currently one of the administrators of funds from the Zetosch Fund.

The Fund was established in 1976 to provide grants to organizations to support the purchase of adaptive equipment and direct services to help children with disabilities become successful in school.

Assistance may involve the purchase of equipment which will enhance the student’s ability to actively pursue their education (including but not limited to wheelchairs, mounting systems, augmentative communication, software, keyboards, iPads, tablets and computer equipment).

Children may be awarded no more than $1,500 in assistance per year.

Download the Application and Info

EMAIL GRACE TO LEARN MORE

OVERNIGHT BREAKS

If you need a break from caregiving for a child who experiences cerebral palsy, UCP Oregon's "Respitality" services might be just the thing for you.

You can get a free overnight stay at one of our participating hotels. If you need to take a shorter break, we can provide you with a gift certificate to a restaurant, spa, movie theater, etc.

We can also provide an offset towards the cost of childcare.

THE BILL PORTER MEMORIAL FUND

UCP Oregon created the Bill Porter Memorial Fund in 2018. Funds are typically dispersed each year in the spring.

Anyone who is currently enrolled in UCP's services, including our Family Support Department, are eligible to apply.

Applicants are encouraged to be creative and inventive when deciding how to use funds—the funds can be spent on almost anything that will improve their quality of life. Here are a few examples:

Home modifications.
Assistive technology.
Adaptive equipment.
Travel.
Classes and therapy.
Fitness memberships, such as at local swimming pools.

BILL PORTER MEMORIAL FUND

FAMILY SUPPORT Conference

We offer a multi-day conference every two years, designed especially for families who are raising children with cerebral palsy.

You'll get the chance to learn from other parents, other adults and children who experience disabilities, medical professionals, and disability-related vendors.

As one attendee wrote, “I have learned more about CP within this conference than I have since my son was born. I can’t WAIT for the next conference!”

CONFERENCE PAGE

Connect with Family Support

If you're new to UCP's Family Support Department, and would like to know how we can support your child and family, please fill out this form.

* Indicates required field

Your Name *

First

Last

Your Email *

Address *

Line 1

Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Country

Phone Number *

Child's Name *

First

Last

Child's Age *

Child's Diagnosis *

Please share some information about your needs, or what’s happening now, so that we can determine which of our services and offerings may assist you best. *

Do you have any questions, or is there anything else you'd like to tell us? (Optional) *

Submit

MEET UCP'S NEW FAMILY SUPPORT COORDINATOR

UCP's Family Support Coordinator, Grace Tunning, started in her new role on Monday, November 4th.

Grace has worked at UCP for three years, working as an Assessment and Quality Coordinator for one of UCP's two brokerages (UCP Mentors).

She brings with her:

12+ years of experience working with families.
A Master’s degree in Child Development.
A commitment to helping children thrive.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GRACE

find out more!

Call UCP's Family Support Coordinator (Grace Tunning) at 503-777-4166, or email her below.

EMAIL GRACE

UCP OREGON'S ​FAMILY SUPPORT DEPARTMENT