UCP Oregon's Family Support Department has been operating since 1984. The department currently supports 900+ 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:
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
- A conference
- Equipment exchanges
- Connection with other families who are in a similar situation
SUMMER 2024 ANNOUNCEMENT:
As you may know, UCP Oregon’s Family Support Director, Katherine Ball, recently moved on to pursue new opportunities. We appreciate her years of service and wish her well in her future endeavors.
UCP Oregon will be recruiting to fill the Family Support Director position soon.
In the meantime, though, UCP's fabulous employees are here to help you!
As you may know, UCP Oregon’s Family Support Director, Katherine Ball, recently moved on to pursue new opportunities. We appreciate her years of service and wish her well in her future endeavors.
UCP Oregon will be recruiting to fill the Family Support Director position soon.
In the meantime, though, UCP's fabulous employees are here to help you!
- Please direct general Family Support questions to Ann Coffey, UCP Oregon’s Executive Director.
- To receive a “Newly Diagnosed” Packet, please contact Mackenzie Snell.
- For Zetosch Grant inquiries, please contact Anna Williams.
- Several of UCP Oregon’s events will be affected including “Gimme A Break” (UCP’s Family Support Group); the Walk, Roll ‘n’ Run; and Family Support Workshops. Stay tuned!
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES:
NEW DIAGNOSIS SUPPORT |
Did your child recently receive a diagnosis of cerebral palsy?
We'll send you a packet of useful information, including a book all about cerebral palsy. We can also refer you to medical practitioners and vendors. |
FUN EVENTS |
In a typical year, UCP Oregon hosts several special events for the families in our Support Department.
These events are super fun! Plus you'll be able to connect with other families who experience CP. Recent one-day events have included:
In 2023, we held two multi-day events:
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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. |
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!” |
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. |
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:
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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, please feel free to contact our team.
