Hello from UCP's Family Support Department!

We're excited to tell you that our new Family Support Coordinator, Grace Tunning, has been hard at work. She started on November 4th.

So far, Grace is loving her job. She says, "It has been a joy these past couple weeks learning all the incredible ways the Family Support Department has impacted and supported the children and families in our community for so many years. I am honored to carry on this important work and tradition!"

Contact Grace:

Are you a family who uses UCP's Family Support services? If so, you should have received an email from Grace today with more information.

If you didn't receive the email from Grace today, you can contact Grace below, and she'll add you to our Family Support email list. Thanks!

UCP Oregon is hiring!
 
We’re on the lookout for an Operations Coordinator for our Employment Solutions team. If you're all about social justice, organizing, problem-solving, and supporting others, this could be your dream job. Plus, you'll get to work partly from home on a hybrid work schedule.
 
Your role will be to keep the team’s operations running smoothly—think project management, billing support, and data management, with plenty of collaboration with our awesome team. Plus, you’ll help adults experiencing disabilities pursue their career goals and passions!

Dear UCP Community,
 
My name is Grace Tunning. I’d like to introduce myself as UCP Oregon's new Family Support Coordinator.
 
I’ve been with UCP Oregon for three years, working as an Assessment and Quality Coordinator for one of UCP's two brokerages (UCP Mentors).
 
I bring with me:

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

I am eager to transition into this new position on Monday, November 4th.
 
As you may know, UCP Oregon's Family Support Department currently supports over 900 families who are raising children with cerebral palsy or related disabilities. UCP's Family Support Department provides assistance from diagnosis to adulthood, including:

• Information and referrals.
• Support groups.
• Connection opportunities.
• Workshops.
• Fun events.
• And a bi-annual conference.

 
As UCP's Family Support Coordinator, I am looking for ways to collaborate and more effectively meet the needs of children and families. I am eager to work together to enhance access to the resources and services in our community.
 
Whether through joint events, shared resources, referral networks, promoting opportunities, or collaborative programs, our partnerships can help us all achieve our objectives and ultimately improve the lives of those we serve.
 
If you have question or concerns, or would like more information about UCP Oregon's Family Support Department, I’m here to help. Please reach out to me directly via email  or at 971-888-2927.
 
I look forward to connecting with each of you. Thank you for the
work that you do!

 
Warm regards,

Grace Tunning
Family Support Coordinator, UCP Oregon

​Hi, UCP Community!
 
We thought it would be fun to check in with UCP’s Anna Williams, after 11 months on the job as UCP Oregon’s Accounting Specialist.
 
As many of you will remember, Anna joined UCP in 2023, replacing Janet Fromdahl, who had been at UCP Oregon for 10 years.
 
Here’s what Anna has to say after 11 months on the job.

It's October, and you know what that means... fall leaves, cooler weather, and NDEAM!
 
NDEAM stands for “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” It’s a time to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and to promote inclusive hiring practices.
 
While NDEAM comes around every October, at UCP Oregon, we're committed to creating access and opportunity all year long!
 
That’s why we created our Employment Solutions division almost 20 years ago! Since then, we’ve assisted hundreds of job-seekers and employers in the Portland area.
 
Are you a job seeker with disabilities? We offer a huge range of customized services, including:

• Resume building.
• Job search support.
• Interview preparation and assistance.
• On-the-job coaching and support.
• Skills training.

 
Are you an employer who has hard-to-fill positions? Or are you hoping to make a difference with very little time commitment? We offer a range of services including:

• Job seekers selected to perfectly suit your company’s needs.
• The chance to make an impact by donating an hour or two of your time.

 
Whether you're a job-seeker or an employer, Employment Solutions is here to help you make meaningful connections. Reach out to us today to learn more!

UCP Oregon is incredibly pleased to introduce you to our new Receptionist, Haleigh McBain (they/them).
 
After UCP’s previous Receptionist moved to UCP's Employment Solutions division, we looked far and wide to find a perfect fit for the Receptionist position. And we found that person in Haleigh McBain.
 
Haleigh brings a great deal of related experience to UCP. Haleigh says, “I have worked in summer camps. I also worked as a registered behavioral technician at a clinic in Portland, and moved to a position in their administrative department the following year. I really enjoy working alongside adults and families of children with disabilities, providing personalized support and advocacy.”
 
Haleigh also spent a number of years as a barista managing cafes in Seattle and Portland.
 
Haleigh grew up in Kirkland, Washington, and moved to Portland in 2020. Haleigh says, “I love the outdoors: especially swimming, hiking, and camping! I also really enjoy live music and I am currently taking calligraphy class.”
 
Haleigh adds, “Everyone has been very welcoming and helpful! I am very excited to be working for UCP!”

UCP Oregon is excited to introduce Jude Mertes, UCP’s new Office Manager.
Jude (they/them) started at UCP on August 19th, replacing Mackenzie Snell, who had been at UCP for 16 years.

Jude is a recent transplant to Oregon, and has only been in Portland for about a year.
Jude says, “I was raised in Alaska. I have a degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I’m an animal lover by nature, and I worked at a veterinary hospital for six years prior to my move to Oregon. I also volunteered at an organization called 40 Below Reptiles, where I helped care for, rescue, birth, and raise Green Anacondas, pythons, and a sweet albino alligator named Max.”

Jude says, “I love books, music, baking, and tabletop games, and, if prompted, I will discuss any of these things for hours at a time!”

Jude adds, “I love crafting. I have a 3d resin printer, and I craft with hand-poured resin. I am currently trying (and mostly succeeding, albeit slowly) to learn how to crochet. Ask me about snake ownership if you like fun stories about trying to get a reptile to listen to you. And ask me about history if you like long-winded stories about military stratagem or boats!”
​
Welcome to UCP, Jude! We’re so glad you’re here.