UCP Family Support

UCP OREGON'S FAMILY SUPPORT DEPARTMENT

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:

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

NOVEMBER, 2024:
MEET UCP'S NEW FAMILY SUPPORT COORDINATOR

UCP is excited to introduce our new Family Support Coordinator, Grace Tunning. She 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

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.

REQUEST A "NEW DIAGNOSIS PACKET"

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ONLINE Support Groups

The UCP Oregon Support Group is held online the second Thursday of every month.

We highly recommend it. You'll be able to meet other families, brainstorm, share successes, and get emotional support.

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

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:

OMSI Play Lab
Participating in the Junior Rose Parade
Family Support Picnics
All Abilities Skate Nights at Oaks Park Roller Rink
Meet the Baby Goats Event
iFly Indoor Parachuting Event
A day at the zoo
Swimming

In 2023, we held two multi-day events:

Dads Only Cabin Weekend Dads Only Weekend
Camp Prime Time

UCP OREGON EVENT PAGE

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.

RESPITALITY PAGE

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

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.

EMAIL GRACE TO LEARN MORE

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

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.

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