Category: Family Support

FAMILY CONFERENCE POSTPONED

6/22/2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, UCP has decided to postpone the Family Conference until 2021.

We look forward to seeing you then!

We want to share a wonderful story. Last Friday, our Family Support Director (Katherine) woke up to a frantic phone call from a mom who is raising a child with cerebral palsy. He has a trach and vent, but they didn't have enough supplies to get them through the weekend.

Katherine jumped into instant action. She was able to share a week's worth of medical supplies from her family's personal stash.

Then she connected the mom to a new supply company, a new nursing agency, several other resources... and, of course, to UCP's Family Support Department!

Now mom and son could have a stress-free weekend and look forward to more support, connection and supplies. As Katherine says, "I love my job! I love my life!"

UPDATE FROM A UCP MOM

4/24/2020

One of our UCP Moms, Monique, checked in, saying that her family has survived "3 out of 4 quarantine birthdays." Congrats, Monique!

Let us know how YOU are making the best of things during this time together-- or apart.

Skate Night Rescheduled

4/9/2020

In order to protect the safety of our families and staff, we have rescheduled the Family Skate Night for July 12th, from 5-7pm.

Hope to see you there!

Learn More

Conference Keynote Speaker Announced

3/12/2020

We're excited to announce the Keynote Speaker for the 2020 UCP Family Conference.

Steve Ferreira was born in Taipei, Taiwan in 1988. He was the second born of twins and due to birth trauma he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after birth. He and his twin sister, Emily, were adopted and they moved with their family to the Seattle area in 1990.

In 2013, Steve, in continuing his advocacy for people with disabilities, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Arc of King County. The Arc was founded in 1936 and is the oldest non-profit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Greater Puget Sound area and throughout the United States.

Steve spoke over 500 times at regional high schools, colleges, churches, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, graduations and numerous other venues. In November of 2011, Steve decided to form Beyond Disabilities, a nonprofit, with the mission “to inform individuals and communities around the world that if you are disabled, you are just like everyone else… just living life in a different way.”

Learn More About the Conference

Save the Date for the 2020 Family Conference

3/10/2020

October 16-17, 2020
Registration opens March 28th

Are you saving the date for the 2020 UCP Family Conference?

UCP’s Family Support Conference brings together families who are raising children with a disability, adults experiencing disabilities, as well as the medical, therapeutic, and educational professionals who work with them. This is the only conference of its kind in the Northwest.

The two-day gathering includes workshops and speakers that focus on new research in the area of intellectual and developmental disabilities, new surgical and therapeutic techniques, as well as alternative therapies and educational innovations.

The 250 plus attendees have the opportunity to visit vendors presenting services, resources and equipment.

Learn More

What's Your Reason?

9/12/2019

As you may know, we've been asking people to share their stories about what UCP means to them. Here's one of those stories!

PS: YOU can share YOUR story about what UCP means to you here.

Hi, I’m Jan. My older brother, Jerry Pattee, was born with cerebral palsy. With the right supports, Jerry was able to live a wonderful and full life. He worked for various telephone companies; he married and raised two children; he bought his own home. My brother also spent the majority of his life participating in disability committees and non-profit boards (like UCP's) to build a better future for others living with disabilities.

I can truly say my entire life has been in the “world of CP”!

I have worked in UCP's Family Support Department for eleven years. My daughter, Kristen, has been the UCP Receptionist for the last three years. Three of my grandchildren volunteer at Family Support events and the Walk, Roll 'n' Run every year. Participating in UCP Oregon is a family affair for us.

That’s my reason for supporting The Walk, Roll, ‘n’ Run. What's yours?

Learn More About the WRR

What Is Family Support?

9/11/2019

By Katherine Ball, UCP's new Family Support Director

UCP's 2019 Walk Roll ‘n Run event is only a few days away!

You've probably heard that this event funds my department, Family Support. But do you know what the Family Support Department does?

Meet Katherine

9/11/2019

Have you met our new UCP Family Support Director, Katherine yet? If not, make sure to watch this video--you'll learn all about her and also find out why our upcoming Walk, Roll ‘n’ Run is so important.

Check it out!

GoodbYe To Susan

7/31/2019

Today is Susan Cushman's last day as UCP Oregon's Family Support Director. She's been in the job since 2006, and is retiring to spend more time in her art studio.

Over the years, Susan has been an immensely positive force in the world of UCP--especially for the families and children we support. She is an artist, an activist, a mother, a wife, a daughter, and strong community member.

As Ann Coffey, UCP's Executive Director says,

Susan approached the Family Support Director position with an open heart, a helping hand, and a creative way of expressing compassion and authenticity.

I have had the pleasure of working with Susan for over 13 years. She has taught me more than words can say. I am so excited for her, and yet it’s like losing a part of your family.

If you know Susan, now’s the time to thank her and share well wishes. Thank you so much, Susan. You have made such a difference!

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