🎨 Attention, customers and employees of UCP Oregon! 🎨
Are you an artist? We'd love to share your work this summer! This July, we'll be hosting the UCP Art Show at our office. DETAILS:
Interested? Contact Kelly by July 1st to participate! 
June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate, reflect, and stand with our LGBTQIA+ community. At UCP Oregon, we honor the diverse identities and experiences within our community, including those of our clients, families, and staff. This month (and always!), we're proud to recognize the strength and resilience of LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those living with disabilities. We celebrate you. Looking to join the celebrations? Here are some local events happening around Portland:
Pride is more than a month—it's a commitment to inclusion, visibility, and love. We stand with you this June and every day. Happy Pride! 🌈 
Hello, UCP Community. Many of you know Wilma Smeeton. She has announced her retirement after being part of UCP Oregon for an astonishing 32 years! Over the years, Wilma worked in a variety of roles, including Assistant Team Leader and Personal Assistant in UCP's Supported Living Department. Wilma, thanks for your many years of service at UCP, and best wishes in your new endeavors. We’ll miss you! 🩵 
MANDALA SELF CARE WORKSHOP
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of people of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent. But did you know why May was chosen? Two significant milestones anchor the month: (1) the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and (2) the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869—an achievement made possible in large part by Chinese immigrant labor. May wasn't permanently designated as AAPI Heritage Month until 1992—more than a hundred years later. Here in Portland, the AAPI community is an essential part of both UCP's and Portland's community. About 8% of Portland residents identify as Asian, making the AAPI community one of Portland's largest and most vibrant. Looking for a great read? A New York nonprofit called ACANY put together a wonderful spotlight on AAPI disability advocates whose leadership and lived experience are shaping a more equitable world. 
The 2026 Bill Porter Memorial Fund Is Now Closed—Thank You! The application period for the 2026 Bill Porter Memorial Fund (BPMF) closed this week, and we are thrilled to share that we received 84 applications. The BPMF is an annual grant program that provides financial assistance to UCP Oregon customers and Family Support participants—helping cover costs that might otherwise be out of reach. Each year, a review team carefully evaluates every request to make the most of available funding. With 84 deserving requests to consider, the team has a tough job ahead. We'll be sharing a timeline for final award decisions soon. Stay tuned! 
We're hiring a Brokerage Director for UCP Connections.
This is a senior leadership role overseeing one of UCP Oregon's two Support Services Brokerages—guiding a dedicated team of Personal Agents, managing daily operations, and helping shape the future of person-centered brokerage services in our community. If you're passionate about self-determination, experienced in human services leadership, and ready to help a strong team keep getting better, we'd love to hear from you. 
Salem parents—this one's for you!
Join us this Saturday for GAB, a free support group for parents and caregivers in UCP's Family Support Department who are raising children with disabilities. It's a small, relaxed group where you can share, listen, and connect with other parents who truly get it.
The 2026 Bill Porter Memorial Fund is Now Open! Woo hoo! The 2026 Bill Porter Memorial Fund (BPMF) is officially open for applications! The fund supports UCP Oregon customers in pursuing opportunities that enhance their quality of life. Previous recipients have used their BPMF awards for:
Where Can I Learn More? Who Can Apply?
When Can I Apply?
How Can I Apply?
What Happens Next?
Have Questions?
March 6th is Employee Appreciation Day, and we want to take a moment to say thank you. The people who make up UCP Oregon bring care, skill, and dedication to their work every single day—across every program and department. This past year brought a lot of changes and new challenges. Through all of it, our team kept showing up for the people and families we support, and for each other. We're so proud of you. Thank you for everything you do. —UCP Oregon’s Leadership Team |