Have you registered yet for UCP Oregon’s 2023 Toy Giveaway?
 
This event is open to all families who use UCP Oregon’s Family Support Services.
 
Circa now, almost 50% of the toy pick-up spots are filled, so make sure to RSVP ASAP.

The event will be held on December 21 and 22, 2023 at the UCP Office, from 10am-4pm.

​Learn more about the event here.

Dear UCP Oregon Community,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of UCP’s 2023 Family Support Toy Giveaway. Unforeseen challenges have compelled us to make this difficult decision.
​
This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the disappointment it will bring to the Family Support community, especially during the holiday season.

We look forward to holding the Toy Giveaway again in December of 2024. In the meantime, please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

We are grateful for your understanding and patience.


Sincerely,

Ann Coffey,
Executive Director
UCP Oregon

From Ann Coffey, UCP Oregon’s Executive Director
 
Last weekend (November 3-4, 2023), UCP Oregon held our 19th Family Support Conference.
 
The conference theme was “Reunited,” and that’s exactly what happened—dozens of people (parents, families, caregivers, professionals, and vendors) gathered together. They learned. They connected. They brainstormed and problem solved. They shared their joys and successes.
 
Katherine Ball, UCP’s Family Support Director, coordinated the entire event. As Katherine shared in the conference program, “Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and let the magic of being ‘Reunited’ happen! This is your chance to visit old friends and make some new, too. You’ll be able to meaningfully discuss the issues we face every day with folks who understand.”
 
Our Keynote Speaker was Lauren Lowery, a trauma-informed life coach. Lauren assists families of children experiencing disabilities and medical issues to “get out of survival mode and start living a life that is better than they imagined.”
 
The conference included two days of workshops, on topics such as:

• Entitled to What? How Organizations and Communities Benefit from Inclusion
• Radical Wellness for Caregivers
• Hiring Staff: How to Find, Hire, and Retain Great Caregivers
• Ableism
• Complex Access & Communication: An Approach for Emerging Communicators
• IEP’s
• Life Planning
• And so many other topics!

 
There was a teen/young adult panel; a parent panel; a sibling panel; and moderated sessions for moms and dads.
 
Although it’s said that “many hands make light work,” the following people deserve a huge shout out for their dedication and ongoing effort:

• Katherine Ball, UCP Oregon’s Family Support Director & the Fearless Leader for this event.
• The members of the Family Support Task Force.
• The volunteers, speakers, vendors, families, and attendees.
• And numerous others who had their hand in the event’s success. There are just too many to list. THANK YOU TO ALL!

ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE?

We'll be showing the documentary in the main ballroom at 4pm on Friday, November 3rd. See you then!

We're excited to announce that we've made it even easier to register for UCP Oregon’s 19th Family Support Conference! Now you can register via Eventbrite. Woo hoo!

Are you a member of UCP Family Support Department? Have you been eagerly awaiting our next OMSI Play Lab?

We're excited to announce our next Play Lab date:

• October 7, 2023 from 10-11am

The theme is "Be a Naturalist." Participants will be able to explore the natural world and the clues that animals leave behind. Participants will meet insects and practice skills like categorization and observations

Each Play Lab includes an hour-long, hands-on, family-centered STEM program, followed by unstructured play time at OMSI.

Every participating family will receive a free year-long family membership to OMSI!

NOTES:

• Participating children must be aged birth to 6 years old.
• There is a cut-off of 20 people per Play Lab. If our July 29th date gets filled, we will add a second summer Play Lab date. 
• ​To save your spot, please send an email to Katherine, listing the names of everyone who will be attending with you.