 Dear UCP Oregon Community,
Can you believe it's already December? UCP Oregon has been hard at work preparing for the 2023 UCP Oregon Toy Giveaway. The Toy Giveaway is one of our most cherished annual traditions. Dozens of families from our Family Support Department are able to choose a free toy for their child/children. This year, we need lots of volunteers to help at the Toy Giveaway! We're asking for YOU to sign up for a volunteer shift. We have something for everyone:
Sign up here. And thank you so much for your help. This event is only possible because of amazing volunteers like you!  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:
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:
that's a wrap... thanks to everyone who helped make the 19th family support conference amazing!11/4/2023
 Wow! We can't believe it's already over!
A GIGANTIC THANK YOU to everyone who made UCP Oregon’s 19th Family Support conference possible:
 Wow! What a great conference!
We are so grateful to everyone who helped make the UCP Oregon's 19th Family Support Conference amazing. Did you attend? Please share your favorite photos, using the link below!  We can't wait to see you at the 19th UCP Oregon Family Support Conference!
We'll have print-outs of the schedule waiting for you at Registration, but if you'd like to download the schedule now, see below. This is cool! At our upcoming Family Support Conference (which will be held November 3-4), we'll be showing a documentary called Including Us: Exceptional Teens at The Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The documentary is a rare insider's look backstage at the building of Hairspray for the 2019 season of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It focuses on four teenagers who experience disabilities who were hired as professional actors for the ten-month run. Included in the cast were two teens that are in UCP Oregon’s Family Support Program. The documentary has not yet been released to the public. UCP has been given special permission for this one-time viewing. NOTE: Photo credit to photographer Jenny Graham. 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:
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:
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