 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!  We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 Bill Porter Memorial Fund (BPMF) is officially open for applications! The fund, created in honor of Oregonian Bill Porter, supports UCP Oregon's customers in pursuing opportunities that enhance their quality of life. Previous recipients have used their BPMF awards for:
Where Can I Learn More?
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 We’re thrilled to announce that UCP Oregon has once again earned a "Gold" Transparency status from Candid for 2024!
We know that our donors and supporters have many choices when it comes to their giving. That’s why we work hard to achieve this recognition every year—sharing detailed information about our mission, programs, finances, and impact to ensure we remain transparent and accountable. This "Gold" status is a reflection of UCP's commitment to building trust and creating a world that values all people equally. Thank you for being part of our journey and for making this achievement possible!  Hi, UCP Oregon Families!
Are you looking for a chance to connect, share stories, and enjoy some coffee? Join us for a Coffee Date! These gatherings are an opportunity for you to meet UCP’s new Family Support Coordinator, Grace. She’d love to learn about your experiences, hear your feedback and ideas, and chat about how we can support your family. Coffee Dates are also a great chance to chat with other families from UCP Oregon's Family Support Department, share experiences, and maybe even make a new friend! Notes:
PS: If you’d like Grace to host a coffee date on a more convenient date or in a more convenient location, please let us know. SLIDESHOW:Awww, look at those smiles! UCP Oregon’s 2024 Toy Giveaway was AMAZING! The event was held on December 21st and 22nd, 2024, and was open to all families who use UCP Oregon’s Family Support Services. A total of 110 kids received toys. For the first time ever, we were able to offer adaptive toys, thanks to a partnership with Go Baby Go Oregon. Twenty-four of UCP’s families chose this option, and they’ll be receiving the specially adapted toy of their choice in January. Gigantic thanks to Go Baby Go (and especially UCP Board Member Bethany Sloane) for making this possible! We also wish to thank:
VIDEO: From the Desk of Ann Coffey, Executive Director
Dear UCP Oregon Community, What a year! There has been so much growth and change. It’s been thrilling, challenging, interesting, and engaging, and I am so grateful that we were together. High fives all around! I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of this community—customers, employees, families, board members, donors, and supporters. To the employees who are working through the holidays to ensure that our customers have many joyful moments, we are especially grateful. When you have time, please take a moment to reflect. What have we shared? What have we learned? How will we show up to provide excellent supports to customers? How will we support one another? Thank you again for all that you do. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season, and a new year filled with health, hope, and happiness. Sincerely, Ann Coffey Executive Director UCP Oregon |