Hello, UCP community! We're excited to officially welcome Chelly Perez-Lopez as the new Director of UCP Connections. We'd also like to thank Tara Coen for her leadership and dedication to UCP Oregon, and wish her all the best in her next chapter. Many of you already know Chelly, who has been part of the UCP Oregon team since 2013. They began in our Supported Living program before moving into our brokerages, first as a Personal Agent at UCP Connections and later as a Lead Personal Agent at UCP Mentors. Before joining UCP Oregon, Chelly worked as a Case Manager for the State of Oregon. They hold a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Chelly is dedicated to furthering UCP Oregon's values, with a strong commitment to community inclusion and empowerment. Outside of work, Chelly enjoys spending time outdoors, crafting, and trying new things. Please join us in congratulating Chelly on their new role! Chelly officially begins as Director of UCP Connections on August 1, 2026. 
🌶️ Do you love chili? Do you love cooking competitions? Want to help raise money for a fellow disability advocacy group here in Oregon?🌶️
If the answer is yes, you might enjoy an event hosted by Advocates for Disability Supports this August! Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser Event:
More Info:
July is Disability Pride Month—and this year marks 36 years since the ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990. That fight didn't end in 1990, and it's not finished now. Pride, to us, means the customers we support living independently, working, and pursuing their goals. Pride means being an essential part of the community. Pride means that every disability story and experience is valid and important--no matter what it looks like. Here's to the people who came before, and the work still ahead. Here's to all of us! 
UCP Oregon is now hiring for its next Executive Director.
As you may know, UCP's Ann Coffey retired after more than 20 years at UCP Oregon. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of UCP Oregon, and is responsible for advancing UCP Oregon's mission, and overseeing operations, strengthening financial sustainability, expanding community partnerships, leading advocacy efforts, and fostering a continuing culture of transparency, collaboration, accountability, and inclusion. The search is being conducted in partnership with Motus Recruiting and Staffing. Full position details and application instructions are available through their website. 
Thank you so much to everyone who applied. This year, we received 84 applications. Our review team had a tough time choosing between so many deserving requests! Recipients have been notified, and award checks will be on their way very soon. PS: Want to help us grow the fund for next year? If you've ever received BPMF funds, we'd love to hear how you used them—your story could inspire the donors who make it all possible. 
🎨 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. |