 At UCP Oregon, advocacy is more than just a word—it’s a commitment we embrace every day.
Whether we’re speaking up for (and with) our customers at the Oregon State Capitol or partnering with other organizations to defend vital services, we believe that every voice deserves to be heard—loudly, clearly, and often. If you're wondering what's happening on the national advocacy front, we hope you'll read this brief newsletter from our Executive Director, Ann Coffey.  As you know, it’s BPMF season here at UCP Oregon. Last month, we opened our Bill Porter Memorial Fund for 2025. We received 115 applications in total. Woo hoo! Also cool: we heard from a former BPMF recipient, Kelcie. Kelcie sent us the fantastic photo you see below. She also shared her BPMF recipient story. In Kelcie’s words… I grew up in the country, and I occasionally fished but never caught anything until 2022. I was twenty-four when I applied for the Bill Porter Memorial Fund for the second time, but this time the reason I was applying for financial assistance with my airfare to Alaska was to visit some friends that I hadn’t seen in nine years. Thanks for the fabulous photo and story, Kelcie! PS: Have YOU received BPMF funds in the past? You can share your story or pics with us here.   It’s April 1st—and that means it’s Autism Acceptance Month.
At UCP Oregon, we believe in listening to autistic voices, honoring lived experience, and creating real inclusion—not just awareness. We’re proud to support autistic kids, adults, and families every day of the year. We’re glad you’re here.💛 PS: We asked a UCP employee (who’s also the parent of a child who experiences autism) to share a few favorite resources. See below. She also recommends searching the hashtag #ActuallyAutistic to hear directly from autistic people in their own words. Resources:
 The Bill Porter Memorial Fund is now officially closed for 2025!
A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to apply. We were absolutely thrilled by the turnout—we received 115 applications in total. Wow! So, what happens next?
And don’t worry—we’ll be notifying everyone who applied, whether or not they’re selected to receive funding. We truly wish we could fund every single request. Thanks again to everyone who applied.  💚Happy Spring! Happy National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day! 💚
Today—March 25th—we’re joining people across the country to celebrate National CP Awareness Day! Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood, but it’s also about so much more than a diagnosis. It’s a vibrant, diverse community of kids, adults, families, caregivers, and allies who are redefining what inclusion, opportunity, and independence look like every day. Here at UCP Oregon, we’re celebrating all the amazing folks with CP who are part of our community! Plus our Family Support Department is getting in the spirit today with a fun bowling outing, where kiddos and families will be decked out in green to celebrate. 💚 Want to know how YOU can support CP awareness?💚
 UCP Oregon's 2025 Bill Porter Memorial Fund application period is closing soon! Don’t miss your chance to apply--the deadline is March 31st, 2025. This unique fund helps UCP Oregon customers pursue their goals, from home renovations to tech, travel, education, wellness, and more. Apply now! PS: Spread the word—help us reach as many eligible UCP Oregon customers as possible!  A recent Executive Order is bringing changes that will impact the disability community, and we know many people have questions. We're here to break down what this means for the individuals and families we serve.
In this update, you’ll find:
Read the full update here. Stay informed and connected—your voice matters!  Hey UCP Oregon friends!
Wow, what a busy month! At UCP Oregon, we’re celebrating: · Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. · National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day (March 25th). · UCP Oregon’s Bill Porter Memorial Fund 2025 Application Period (March 1-31st). We’re also celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). The 2025 theme for DDAM is “We’re Here All Year.” Because people with disabilities aren’t just part of the community in March—they’re here, making a difference, every single day. DDAM started in 1987, when President Reagan officially declared March as a time to raise awareness about inclusion and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. We’ve come a long way since then, but there’s still more to do! This year’s DDAM theme was chosen by people with disabilities to send a clear message: they are part of the community every single day, not just in March. It’s a reminder that inclusion, accessibility, and belonging should happen all year long. At UCP Oregon, we see that in action every day—people with disabilities working, creating, advocating, and living their lives just like everyone else. And when we make our communities more accessible, everyone benefits. We’d love for you to be part of this month’s celebration! Share a story, a photo, or a moment that highlights inclusion in action. Let’s show the world what real belonging looks like. #DDAwareness #ddawareness2025 #DDAwarenessMonth  Happy almost spring! And happy Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month!
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood. Seventeen million people experience CP worldwide; in the United States, around 1 million people experience CP. UCP Oregon has been supporting folks who experience CP since 1955. We’re proud to be part of this community and to offer the resources and advocacy that help people with CP live life on their own terms. 💚 Want to support CP awareness?💚
PS: On March 25th, our Family Support Department will be celebrating a fun bowling outing, where kiddos and families will be decked out in green to show their support. Check your email, because an invitation went out earlier this week!  UCP Oregon Community, As many of you know, UCP Oregon is currently wading through tides of information related to the President’s recent Executive Orders. One Executive Order relates to Medicaid. As a non-profit, it is not UCP Oregon’s role to represent political opinions. Rather, our role is to focus on legislation and the potential impact to our mission, values and the communities we serve. However, these Executive Orders, if implemented, will have a large impact on the entire UCP Oregon Community. Medicaid provides essential healthcare for millions of people, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Right now, Medicaid is at risk, and we need your help to protect it. Luckily, a simple voicemail can make a difference! Call 1-866-426-2631 to be connected to your members of Congress. It only takes a minute. NOTES:
Every call helps show that Medicaid is vital to our community. Thank you for taking action! Sincerely, Ann Coffey Executive Director UCP Oregon how it works:
Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [Your City and ZIP Code]. I’m calling to ask you to protect Medicaid. Medicaid is critical for people with disabilities, families, and seniors. Medicaid saves lives. Please oppose any cuts or changes to Medicaid. Thank you! |