 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.  “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 had so much fun at this week’s bowling party! Thank you to everyone who joined us—our families (plus Family Support Coordinator, Grace Tunning) came together for an afternoon of strikes, spares, and smiles. It was wonderful to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun. We’re looking forward to many more fun events this year in Family Support—stay tuned!  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!  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: Great news! We still have openings for our Family Support Toy Giveaway, which will be held on Saturday & Sunday, December 21st & 22nd.
This event is only open to families who use services from our Family Support Department. Event Details:
Accessible Toys This year, we are hoping to offer some switch-adapted toys, adapted books, or other modified, accessible toys. If an accessible toy would allow your child to engage in play more independently, please let us know when you RSVP, or email Grace Tunning, UCP's Family Support Coordinator. While we may not be able to fully meet every request this year, we're asking and gathering feedback so we can be better prepared for next year. We hope to provide even more accessible toy options in the future! We Are Also Looking for a Few More Volunteers! Thank you so much to everyone who has already signed up to volunteer at the event. If you or your family are interested in volunteering, please click here to view available volunteer shifts. We're excited to share the season with you! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out Grace Tunning, UCP's Family Support Coordinator. Awww! Check out the amazing photos (above) and video (below) from UCP's Cinnamon Bear Cruise, held on December 7, 2024.
Thanks to our incredible donors, this festive holiday event was free, and open to all families in UCP Oregon’s Family Support Department. Twenty-four families (including 42 kiddos) set sail on the Portland Spirit. They got to meet the famous Cinnamon Bear, and enjoyed live entertainment and holiday treats. Grace Tunning, UCP’s new Family Support Coordinator, shared her experience: “Coordinating this event and being part of such a special holiday tradition was truly an honor. I loved meeting so many families and kiddos and witnessing the joy and celebration aboard the cruise. This community is truly wonderful, and I’m so grateful to be part of it!” A huge thank you to:
Here’s to more moments of joy and connection in the new year. ❤️  Great news! UCP Oregon was able to snag a few more tickets for the 2024 Cinnamon Bear Cruise! 🎄🐻 These tickets are exclusively for families who use our Family Support services. If that’s you, check your email for details or register below! PS: We've had a bit of trouble with our email system, so if you didn’t receive an invitation, please reach out to Grace Tunning, our Family Support Coordinator. |