UCP News

Free Money For UCP, Via Amazon "Smiles"

8/10/2020

Like most folks, I (Corrie, the writer of this post) have been doing a lot of online shopping this year.

The comforting thing is that I know that every one of my Amazon purchases is raising free money for UCP.

My Amazon purchases have raised almost almost $28 for UCP. (UCP's overall total is almost $1,200.)

If you, too, want to raise free money for UCP every time you shop on Amazon, here what you need to know...

The program is called Amazon Smiles. It's incredibly easy to set up.

Simply visit the "AmazonSmile" webpage and choose UCP Oregon as your non-profit.
This is the tricky part: after that, every time you shop on Amazon, make sure use the AmazonSmile page instead of the regular Amazon page.
That's it! Free money for UCP.

SET IT UP NOW

POWERFUL ACTIVISM FROM AN 8-YEAR-OLD

8/4/2020

Last week, UCP Oregon and the nation celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Did you know that an 8-year-old girl who experienced cerebral palsy helped get this bill passed?

Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins crawled up the 83 stone steps that lead to the U.S. Capitol. "I’ll take all night if I have to," she said.

Joining her on her journey were some 60 other activists who also cast aside their mobility devices, all with a goal of demonstrating the everyday barriers experienced by people with disabilities.

Jennifer is still a disability rights activist today. Learn more about her story here.

COVID-19 UPDATE

7/24/2020

COVID-19 is certainly proving to be a marathon!

UCP Oregon is committed to responding to COVID-19 in a way that keeps customers, employees, and the community safe.

At this time, there are no plans in the works to change our current strategies (keeping the office closed and limiting face-to-face supports as possible).

If needed, we will make some adjustments in specific service areas to be responsive to customer needs. But, rest assured, that these adjustments will be made cautiously and thoughtfully.

As always, we thank our employees. All of them are working under unprecedented conditions, especially those that are providing in-person supports. Many folks have experienced changes to their roles and duties, and are having far less social interaction with team members. They are handling these changes with grace and grit.

A shout-out to our customers as well. Many folks have their supports changed or paused. We're grateful for their flexibility and resilience.

We'll get through this, together. One day and one step at a time.

HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE ADA!

7/24/2020

Happy 30th Anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!

The ADA ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.

The ADA came about after years of mobilization by disabled activists.

FAMILY CONFERENCE POSTPONED

6/22/2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, UCP has decided to postpone the Family Conference until 2021.

We look forward to seeing you then!

MAKING RADICAL, BRAVE CHOICES

6/2/2020

To UCP Employees, Customers, and Community Partners:

UCP stands against racism, and stands behind justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many other Black women and men who have lost their lives.

UCP’s mission is to lift up, support and advocate for and with people with disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in our community. Many of the people we support and employ are also Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and as such at greater risk of violence and harm.

UCP believes all humans should feel safe and supported by our organization. We will not tolerate inequality, injustice, or exclusivity of any kind in our community. The time is now to assure that extends specifically to the Black people we support and work alongside.

There is so much more to say, so much more to do, individually and as a community.

As Adrienne Maree Brown says,

All the big things that we are longing for are made up of a lot of small, personal, radical, brave choices.

We can do it. Together.

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

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