 June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate, reflect, and stand with our LGBTQIA2S+ 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 LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, especially those living with disabilities. Your stories matter, and we're here to support and uplift you. Looking to join in 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.  UCP Oregon believes that art is for everyone. That’s why our Family Support Coordinator, Grace, recently launched the UCP Art Club—a new opportunity for families served by our Family Support Department to explore creativity together. The UCP Art Club was designed to be a welcoming space where kids of all abilities and skill levels can dive into art, while their parents connect with other caregivers. Our first Art Club gathering took place earlier this year, and was filled with creativity, connection, and fun. PS: A huge thank you to our generous host, CHAP (Children's Healing Art Project), for making this creative experience possible.  Got plans for Sunday, June 22nd? If not—you do now! The Hollywood Theatre is hosting a second screening of a powerful, locally made documentary about disability and identity. The film (We are the Most Beautiful People) was created by three incredible filmmakers who all experience disability in different ways. UCP Oregon is proud to be one of the project’s sponsors. Several UCP customers and employees were able to attend the first Portland area screening. That screening sold out in a single day! So here's your next chance to see the film: Sunday, June 22nd at 2pm at the Hollywood Theatre. We believe in amplifying the voices of people with disabilities—and this film does exactly that. As Zian Chavez, the film’s producer, puts it: “Our groundbreaking film challenges societal norms, exploring the profound themes of ableism, racism, intersectionality, and the distinction between Disability Rights and Disability Justice. This is the first film uniting a minority—the largest minority—Persons with Disabilities, that spans the globe.” EVENT DETAILS:
 “Making AAC Work This Summer – A Q&A for Parents”
Presented by Dr. Natalie Andzik Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 6:00–7:30 PM (Online via Zoom) Wondering how to keep your child using their AAC device this summer—or how to get started? Join us for an engaging, parent-focused Q&A with Dr. Natalie Andzik, a national expert on AAC and complex communication needs. Dr. Andzik will share real-world tips and answer your questions about making AAC part of everyday routines and summer activities.  Hi, UCP Oregon families!
Did you know that we’ve created a survey to hear directly from families like yours? We’re currently planning how to spend the UCP Oregon Family Support budget for next year. We want to make sure we’re budgeting for the events and services that are most important to your family. But in order to do so, we need to hear from you! Please take the time to share your thoughts today. This is your chance to influence what comes next for Family Support! The survey will close on May 31, 2025.  We’re excited to announce UCP Oregon’s first-ever Photo Contest—and we want you to be part of it!
We’re looking for authentic, vibrant photos that celebrate the UCP community. The winning entries will be featured in our new Strategic Plan, as well as on our website, social media, and other marketing materials. Who can enter?
Deadline:
Prizes:
Want all the details? Click here to read the full announcement.  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. |