UCP News

COVID-19: AN UPDATE

5/18/2020

FROM THE DESK OF ANN COFFEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Here we are, two months into a world with COVID-19.

Like you, UCP Oregon has experienced many changes, some good, and some incredibly difficult. What remains true is that we are working as hard as ever to take care of each other, our customers, families, community partners, and extended UCP family.

Our customers are our best role models during this time of uncertainty. They're the real experts at navigating barriers, exceptions, and challenges. They already know how to wade deep into unknown waters, deal with uncertainty, and find coping mechanisms.

Our employees are, as always, rising to any challenge, whether it's finding personal protective gear and emergency supplies, or finding ways to help customers socialize at a distance. It is clear that we ALL take the business of providing human services seriously.

Reopening:

As the state and some counties “reopen," we will continue under our current Pandemic Plan until new guidance has been developed.
We'll resume traditional operations when public health risks surrounding COVID-19 have stabilized. This likely means that a vaccine is available, and/or widely available testing and effective contact tracing are yielding sound information.
As an agency, we will make decisions that serve the safety of our customers and employees as well as the community at large. Maintaining quality services and focusing on quality of life will be our "north star."

One day, one customer, one step at a time.

Sincerely,

Ann Coffey, Executive Director

See All of Our COVID-19 News Stories Here

Our Work Continues

5/12/2020

We're working as hard as ever to ensure the health, safety, and happiness of our customers and employees.

Here's a snapshot of the last few weeks:

We have secured almost $45,000 to cover the costs of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) and household and medical supplies for our customers, families, and employees.

These funds came from:

The Oregon Community Foundation (grant application)
SAIF (grant application)
A reimbursement from the State of Oregon for some UCP Connections Brokerage supplies
Advised Funds (grant application)

We have also partnered with a few local provider agencies to acquire a few deals. And, as needed, our Executive Director, Ann, makes weekly trips in her truck to pick up and distribute orders.

And we have, so far, been able to keep our employees "whole."

We still need your help, though... more than ever! Thanks for your support!

Donate Money

Donate Household Items or Masks

A WONDERFUL STORY

5/6/2020

We want to share a wonderful story. Last Friday, our Family Support Director (Katherine) woke up to a frantic phone call from a mom who is raising a child with cerebral palsy. He has a trach and vent, but they didn't have enough supplies to get them through the weekend.

Katherine jumped into instant action. She was able to share a week's worth of medical supplies from her family's personal stash.

Then she connected the mom to a new supply company, a new nursing agency, several other resources... and, of course, to UCP's Family Support Department!

Now mom and son could have a stress-free weekend and look forward to more support, connection and supplies. As Katherine says, "I love my job! I love my life!"

BOARD MEMBER TO LEAD WEBINARS

4/30/2020

UCP is excited to announce that one of our Board Members, Michael Steen, is leading a webinar series for people with disabilities, their families and support staff.

Finding ways to be physically active during Oregon’s “stay at home order” can be fun and provide an opportunity to try something new. Join Michael for a 3-part webinar adventure to explore and try new and fun ways to keep moving at home.

MOVEMENT MATTERS:

An Exploration into Physical Activity Resources for Oregonians with Disabilities

Thursday May 7, 12-1pm PST
Adventure 1: National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability and Adaptive Sports NW

Monday May 11, 12-1pm PST
Adventure 2: Move it! Oregon’s Specialty Athletic Trainings and OSU Extensive Services

Wednesday May 13, 12-1pm PST
Adventure 3: Dance! Yoga! Something for everyone--plus, national and state online resources

You can join via OSAC’s Facebook page or join the webinars via Zoom.

Phone: 1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 857 3520 5706

UPDATE FROM A UCP MOM

4/24/2020

One of our UCP Moms, Monique, checked in, saying that her family has survived "3 out of 4 quarantine birthdays." Congrats, Monique!

Let us know how YOU are making the best of things during this time together-- or apart.

Getting Some Fresh Air

4/20/2020

Like many Oregonians, Robert loves to be outside.

Robert and his UCP Personal Assistant are working hard to ensure they get outside to grab a breath of socially-distanced air whenever possible!

Ellie Tries Out Distance Learning

4/16/2020

Are you or your children doing distance learning?

Here is a UCP customer, Ellie, experiencing her first time distance learning with her teacher and class.

Some Cool Shades

4/10/2020

UCP Oregon is staying super busy in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis, doing what we do best--supporting the people we serve!

Here's a UCP Foundations customer, Jackie, going out to the mailbox and enjoying some socially-distanced sunshine in her cool shades.

Skate Night Rescheduled

4/9/2020

In order to protect the safety of our families and staff, we have rescheduled the Family Skate Night for July 12th, from 5-7pm.

Hope to see you there!

Learn More

Bill Porter Porter, Delayed ALAS

4/8/2020

As you might know, this week was the scheduled launch of the Bill Porter PORTER, which Deschutes Brewery created exclusively for UCP to raise funds and awareness for UCP's Bill Porter Memorial Fund.

Alas, the downtown Deschutes pub (like so many businesses in Oregon) is closed for now.

We still want to take the time to say THANK YOU to Deschutes, though.

We look forward to gathering at the Deschutes Brewery... hopefully sooner than later!

Learn More About the Bill Porter Memorial Fund

<<Previous