Update (9/3/26): UCP has adjusted the Employment Solutions closure date from October 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026. We have updated the text below to reflect this, and all other information below remains accurate. UCP Oregon has made the difficult decision to close our Supported Employment program, known as Employment Solutions, effective October 31, 2026. Since 2006, Employment Solutions and its staff have helped people with disabilities pursue their employment goals, build careers, and find meaningful employment in their communities. We are deeply grateful to the current Employment Solutions team—and to everyone who has contributed to this work over the past 20 years—for the skill, dedication, creativity, and care they have brought to UCP and the people we serve. Our Employment Solutions team is working directly with customers to share information about the closure and discuss next steps. Supporting Our Customers Through This Change As part of planning for this change, UCP explored transition options with Supported Employment providers in our community. Ultimately, we chose to work with Relay Resources because of our shared commitment to serving people with disabilities across a wide range of support needs, and Relay's ability to provide the full range of Supported Employment services our customers may need. Customers who would like to transition their Supported Employment services to Relay will have the opportunity to do so. Some UCP employees have accepted positions with Relay, giving customers the opportunity to continue working with familiar staff where possible. Customers continue to have the right to choose their service provider and may explore other options with their Personal Agent or Service Coordinator. UCP will continue providing Employment Solutions services to current customers while individual service transfers are approved and completed, with services ending October 31, 2026. We know this is a significant change for the UCP community, and particularly for our Employment Solutions staff and customers. We are committed to supporting them thoughtfully through this transition and will share additional information in the weeks ahead. Sincerely, Suzannah Newman, Acting Co-Executive Director, and Human Resources Director Jerry Hoffert, Acting Co-Executive Director, and Finance Director 
We’re excited to announce a special event: Dine Out for UCP!
Join us on Tuesday, October 13th, at McMenamins Wilsonville Old Church & Pub for a fun night out that gives back to UCP Oregon. 50% of your bill will benefit UCP Oregon’s Family Support Department, with proceeds supporting our Respitality Program. Respitality gives parents and caregivers raising a child with a disability the opportunity to take a well-deserved break, with support for hotel stays, restaurant meals, fun activities, and more. Bring your family and friends, enjoy a great meal, and help support UCP families at the same time!
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! 🩵 |