UCP Oregon
  • HOME
    • Mission & History
    • UCP'S Leadership >
      • UCP'S Directors
      • UCP'S Board
    • Annual Reports
    • Contact Us
  • SERVICES
    • Brokerage >
      • Brokerage Services
    • Supported Employment >
      • For Job-Seekers
      • For Employers
      • Be "Ability Aware"
    • Supported Living
    • Children's Services
    • Family Support
    • Bill Porter Memorial Fund: For Applicants
  • CAREERS
    • Why You'll Love UCP
    • Careers FAQ
  • NEWS
  • EVENTS
    • 2023 Family Conference >
      • Hotel Information
      • Workshops
      • Speaker Bios
    • Family Support Group
    • Family Support Workshops
    • OMSI Play Labs
    • Walk, Roll 'n' Run
    • Skate Nights
  • WAYS TO GIVE
    • Donate
    • Bill Porter Memorial Fund: For Donors
    • Raise Money While Shopping
    • Planned Giving
    • Corporate Partnership
    • Other Ways to Help
    • Give Parents a Break
    • For Readers of Portland Business Journal 2022 >
      • Learn More About UCP Oregon
  • This is Our Voice
    • Share Your Story
    • Be a Legislative Advocate
    • Formal Complaint

Reserve your spot for the October 2023 Play Lab

9/8/2023

 
Picture
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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR AWESOME KEYNOTE SPEAKER

9/8/2023

 
Picture
Have you registered to attend UCP Oregon's 2023 Family Support Conference?

If so, you'll be excited to learn more about our Keynote Speaker, Lauren Lowery.

​Lauren started her own journey as a special needs mom over 6 years ago when her son was diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome.

Fast forward a few years, Lauren is now an International Coaching Federation certified and trauma-informed life coach, here to help families of children experiencing disabilities and medical issues get out of survival mode and start living a life that is even better than they imagined.

She is also the host of the "
Overcome the Overwhelm for Special Needs Moms" podcast.

Drawing from her personal experiences as a special needs mom herself, Lauren brings a unique understanding and empathy to her coaching practice, creating a safe and supportive space for her clients while also helping them make significant, lasting changes.
 
Lauren specializes in helping parents navigate the challenges of raising children with disabilities while juggling their own well-being. With a focus on burnout and stress management, she equips her clients with the tools and strategies needed to break free from survival mode and thrive in their roles as caregivers.
 

As an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified professional, Lauren's coaching approach is rooted in evidence-based techniques and a deep commitment to her clients' growth and fulfillment. Through her guidance, parents discover that they may not be able to control or change their circumstances, but they can choose how they respond and show up to them.
 
Based in Oklahoma, Lauren finds inspiration from her close-knit family, which includes her two children, husband, and a menagerie of horses and cattle. She believes that by supporting mothers of children with special needs, she can create a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond individual families, fostering a community of resilience and hope.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2023 FAMILY SUPPORT CONFERENCE

9/7/2023

 
Picture
We're excited to announce that registration is open for UCP Oregon’s 19th Family Support Conference!

​It will be held November 3-4, 2023 in Wilsonville, Oregon.

The Family Support Conference has been bringing our community together since 1995. It's designed for:
  • Families who are raising children with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) of any kind.
  • Adults who experience I/DD disabilities.
  • Medical, therapeutic, and educational professionals. 

Our 2023 theme is "REUNITED." 

Worried about costs? Your County Caseworker or Personal Agent may be able to pay for your Conference registration. 

UCP is also able to offer a limited number of scholarships, as well as a limited number of spots in our childcare room.

Find out more--and register to attend--on the event page link below. ​We can't wait to see you!
Learn More Here

Photos from the 2023 Dads Only Weekend

8/21/2023

 
Wow! What a fun weekend! Last weekend, several of the dads from UCP Oregon's Family Support Department attended our first ever “For Dads Only” Cabin Weekend!
 
This was a chance for UCP dads to have a weekend away to relax and regroup. They played disc golf, did a 2.5 mile hike, went for mountain bike rides, and sat by a campfire. UCP supplied tons of snacks and beverages.

There were a couple of wasp stings. Ouch! But they survived and connected, and, to quote one dad,


“It was honestly perfect for me! The park was GREAT! Thank you so much for making things like this happen for us! It’s something we would not have planned for ourselves. And thanks for the drinks and snacks!”

They spent two night at the beautiful L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. A gigantic thank you to the "Explore Cabins and Yurts program" at Oregon State Parks for gifting the cabin stays!

And another giant thank you to Katherine Ball, UCP's Family Support Director, for organizing the trip!

WISHLIST GRANTED!

8/4/2023

 
Picture
We’d like to share some great “behind-the-scenes” news.

UCP applied for—and received—funds via the federal government’s Employee Retention Credit (ERC).

After we received the funds, we asked all of our departments to create a “wish list” of wants and needs.

Below are some of the items from those wishlists that we’ll be funding in the coming months:
  • A contribution to the Bill Porter Memorial Fund, which supports UCP customers who have needs that aren’t supported by formal funding streams.
  • Bonuses for all employees.
  • A continued investment in UCP’s E.Q.U.A.L. Committee activities. (The E.Q.U.A.L. Committee’s mission is to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within our organization and our broader communities.)
  • Support of additional Family Support activities.
  • Leadership coaching, team building, and strategic planning support for UCP Oregon’s Leadership Team.
  • Funding for a gathering for all of UCP’s customers.
  • Funding for a celebration with all of UCP’s employees.

We’d like to thank Esther Large (UCP’s Finance Director) and John Hancock (a long-term member of UCP’s Board of Directors), for their work related to the ERC funds!

​We’d also like to thank the entire UCP Board of Directors for their ongoing commitment to supporting UCP’s workforce and our delivery of quality services.

UCP OREGON'S FAMILY SUPPORT DEPARTMENT WENT TO CAMP PRIME TIME

7/2/2023

 
This is so cool!
 
Last weekend, several UCP Oregon families were able to spend a weekend at an amazing campground in Yakima, Washington—for free!
 
Camp Prime Time is a nonprofit, and it focuses on children who experience disabilities or who are seriously ill.
 
UCP campers had their choice of activities, including an accessible pontoon boat ride, a ride on an antique wagon, accessible horseback riding, and an accessible bonfire with a marshmallow roast. There was even a wheelchair-accessible treehouse!
 
A gigantic thank you to Katherine Lee Ball, Director of UCP Oregon’s Family Support Department, for applying for UCP to attend and organizing the whole trip!

And thanks to a UCP Family Support member, Stephanie, for sharing many of these awesome photos!

KEEP VOTING FOR UCP!

6/18/2023

 
Picture
​Eeek! We're falling a bit behind!

Please remember to keep voting for UCP Oregon every day until July 5th, in Advantis Credit Union's completion to win a $10,000 grant.

If we win the grant, we'll be able to give 50 families from UCP's Family Support Department a night of respite at a hotel of their choice.

One night away can make a huge difference in the lives of parents who are raising kids with disabilities, many who are caregivers 24/7.

PS: Gigantic thanks to the awesome local Advantis Credit Union for offering this grant!

VOTE FOR UCP

UCP'S FIRST EVER "DADS ONLY" CABIN WEEKEND

6/13/2023

 
Picture
We are excited to announce that UCP Oregon’s Family Support Department is hosting its first “For Dads Only” Cabin Weekend!
 
This is a chance for UCP dads to connect with other UCP dads, and have a weekend away to relax and regroup. You’ll be able to have conversations with other dads who “get it.”
 
The dads will be staying two night at the beautiful L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. The park is 34 miles west of Portland, and features hiking trails, two disc golf courses, mountain bike trails, and more.
 
UCP has been gifted two nights of stays in five different cabins. There could be room for up to fifteen UCP dads to stay the night!

PS: A gigantic thank you to the "Explore Cabins and Yurts program" at Oregon State Parks for gifting the cabin stays!
LEARN MORE AND RSVP

Printable Tracker (Remember to vote for UCP)

6/12/2023

 
Picture
​Thanks to everyone who starting voting for UCP in the Advantis Credit Union competition to win a $10,000 grant!

As of this moment, we're in second place, which would qualify us for a grant! But we have to keep voting
 daily through July 5th.

To help you remember, we created a fun Printable Voting Tracker.


  • Simply print the tracker out, and mark off each day that you vote.
  • Here's the voting link.

​PS: If UCP wins, we'll be able to give overnight hotel stays to 50 families in our Family Support Department who are raising kids with disabilitites.

​Some of these parents are "on duty" 24/7, so an overnight 
break can change lives.
VOTE FOR UCP NOW!
DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE TRACKER

VOTE FOR UCP TO WIN $10,000

6/11/2023

 
Picture
Wow! This is so cool!

UCP Oregon’s Family Support Department could win a $10,000 grant! But we need your help to win! 

​Please vote for UCP Oregon (once a day if possible), from June 12th to July 5th using the button below! 

​
If we win, we'll be able to give overnight hotel stays to 50 families who are raising kids with disabilitites. Some of these parents are "on duty" 24/7, so an overnight break can change lives.

PPS: Gigantic thanks to the awesome local Advantis Credit Union for offering this grant!
Picture
DOWNLOAD A FUN VOTING TRACKING SHEET
<<Previous

    NEWS Archives

    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    July 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    October 2015
    August 2015
    November 2014
    August 2014

    Categories

    All
    AbilityAware
    Advocacy
    Bill Porter
    Board
    Brokerage
    Building Blocks
    CAREERS
    Children's Services
    Choices
    Community Inclusion
    Conference
    COVID19
    Customers
    Customer Survey
    Diversity/DEI
    Donations
    Employees
    Employment Solutions
    Events
    Family Support
    Fierce Love
    Foundations
    Friends Breakfast
    From The Desk Series
    Fundraisers
    Helpful Links
    How To Help
    Jobs
    Leadership
    Mental Health
    NEWS
    Our Voice
    Stories
    Supported Employment
    Supported Living
    UCP Connections
    UCP Foundations
    UCP Leadership
    UCP Mentors
    Volunteer
    WRR

UCP Oregon is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
©2023, All rights reserved.


Privacy Policy
UCP Oregon
305 NE 102nd Avenue, Suite 100
Portland, OR 97220

​Phone: 503-777-4166
​Fax: 503-771-8048
Email Us
Photo used under Creative Commons from Jason McHuff
  • HOME
    • Mission & History
    • UCP'S Leadership >
      • UCP'S Directors
      • UCP'S Board
    • Annual Reports
    • Contact Us
  • SERVICES
    • Brokerage >
      • Brokerage Services
    • Supported Employment >
      • For Job-Seekers
      • For Employers
      • Be "Ability Aware"
    • Supported Living
    • Children's Services
    • Family Support
    • Bill Porter Memorial Fund: For Applicants
  • CAREERS
    • Why You'll Love UCP
    • Careers FAQ
  • NEWS
  • EVENTS
    • 2023 Family Conference >
      • Hotel Information
      • Workshops
      • Speaker Bios
    • Family Support Group
    • Family Support Workshops
    • OMSI Play Labs
    • Walk, Roll 'n' Run
    • Skate Nights
  • WAYS TO GIVE
    • Donate
    • Bill Porter Memorial Fund: For Donors
    • Raise Money While Shopping
    • Planned Giving
    • Corporate Partnership
    • Other Ways to Help
    • Give Parents a Break
    • For Readers of Portland Business Journal 2022 >
      • Learn More About UCP Oregon
  • This is Our Voice
    • Share Your Story
    • Be a Legislative Advocate
    • Formal Complaint