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ANNOUNCING OUR FALL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

6/18/2022

 
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Parenting a kiddo who experiences disabilities can be difficult.

Planning for that kiddo’s financial future can be even tricker!

That’s why UCP Oregon is pleased to be hosting a 2022 “Special Needs Planning Workshop Series.”

These workshops are being presented by the Abeona Group, and are sponsored by UCP Oregon’s ​Family Support Department.
 
The workshops include:
  • September: Life Care Planning Workshop.
  • October: Special Needs Trusts & Able Accounts Workshop.
  • November: Government Benefits Workshop
 
These workshops are open to anyone who is parenting a child who experiences any developmental disability—not just cerebral palsy.
Learn More Here

Parade Pics!

6/9/2022

 
We had so much fun at the the 2022 Junior Rose Parade!

A huge thank you goes out to our Family Support Director, Katherine Ball, for organizing the event. Those balloons were so cool!

And another thanks to Lillieth Cusick Grand for taking (and sharing!) so many great photos.

And thanks to everyone who attended or watched!

IT'S PARADE TIME!

6/8/2022

 
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Woo hoo! It's parade time!

UCP's Family Support Director, Katherine, and her son, Nicholas, are headed off to the 2022 Junior Rose Parade assembly point right this second!

This event is open to everyone who loves UCP Oregon--customers, friends, family members, and employees.

If you want to join our parade group, meet us at the assembly area (between NE 52nd and NE 56th and NE Sacramento and NE Tillamook). Katherine is hoping everyone will be there by 11:45am.

If you can't make it in time to join our group, feel free to watch the parade and yell "woo hoo" as we pass!
​
We can't wait to see you!!!

JOIN US: MOVIE SCREENING

5/20/2022

 
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Are you a caregiver of a child who experiences disabilities? Do you feel invisible?

You're not the only one!

That's why UCP Oregon's Family Support Department is pleased to host an online screening of a fabulous  new documentary, entitled “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers and Why It Matters.”
 
The event will be held on May 23rd at 4pm, via Zoom. After you register, you will be sent the link.

Our Family Support Director, Katherine Ball, will be on hand during and after the event to talk, share and provide emotional support.
Register for the Event

Join Us at the Parade!

5/11/2022

 
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Do you love parades?

We're excited to tell you that UCP's Family Support Department will be participating in the 2022 Junior Rose Parade.


And we want EVERYONE who loves UCP Oregon--that's customers, families, friends, and employees--to join us!

The event will be held on June 8, 2022 from 1-3pm in the Hollywood District.
We should have more details soon.

​But if you already know you want to participate, you can sign up by contacting our Family Support Director below.
EMAIL KATHERINE TO LEARN MORE
PS: You can learn more about the Junior Rose Parade here.

From the Desk of Katherine, 2022

3/11/2022

 
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Hi! I’m UCP Oregon’s Family Support Director, Katherine Ball.
 
Did you know that my department supports approximately 845 families?
 
During an average month, I directly work with 100 families. I am available to them via email, phone, social media, and in person as needed.
 
I often speak with parents who are dealing with a new diagnosis of cerebral palsy. I send them a “Welcome Packet” with self-care tips, books and resources. I remain in contact with parents, providing resources, information, and a shoulder to lean on as needed.
 
I also:
  • Coordinate several events a month, including a “Gimme A Break” Family Support Group and various other trainings and events.
  • Write 4-6 grants a year to acquire funds for the Family Support Department. 
  • Administer the Zetosch Fund through the Oregon Community Foundation. (The Fund assists low-income, school-aged children in Oregon who experience disabilities to acquire adaptive equipment that will help their education.)
  • Attend outside meetings and trainings to stay current on the world of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).
  • Lead a Family Support Task Force Committee for the UCP Board.
  • Manage a UCP Family Support Facebook page, sharing resources, trainings, articles, and information.
  • Procure and share local event tickets (Blazers, zoo, etc.) for the families in my department.
Learn More About Family Support

Thanks to All Our Toy Giveaway Helpers

12/22/2021

 
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Angelica Butler and her family are very excited about their toys!
Well, that's a wrap! The 2021 UCP Family Support Annual Toy Giveaway was AWESOME!

We served 69 families and gave away over 200 toys. Woo hoo!

We'd like to send a gigantic thank you to UCP's Family Support Director, Katherine Ball. Katherine ran the entire event, start to finish--soliciting for toys, picking up toys, setting up the booth, and working both days.

Alas, due to some unforeseen events, Katherine had fewer volunteers than expected. She even had to put the gigantic UCP pop-up tent by herself; as she says, "I wish I had a video of it. It would have been a hilarious elf moment!"

Thank you so much for all your hard work, Katherine!

PS: All of the toys that couldn't be picked up at the Toy Giveaway were mailed out in time for them to arrive by Christmas Eve.

Katherine would like to say "thank you" to the following folks:

  • "Isabel Puleo-Young, a Personal Agent with UCP's newest brokerage (UCP Mentors) picked up half of the toys for us on Friday. She also volunteered at the Toy Giveaway itself. It was a nice way to get to know a new UCP employee."​
 
  • "Lisa Carter, a Personal Agent with UCP's original brokerage (UCP Connections) sent her sister-in-law, Maria, to help with the Toy Giveaway. Maria is visiting from Argentina for the holidays. I loved hearing that she came from summer in Argentina into Portland winter. She loves the cold weather."
​
  • "Jeni Davis, a UCP Board Member and Owner/Executive Director at New Horizons NW was with me all day on Sunday. She volunteered for last year’s toy drive as well. She is always a pleasure to spend time with."

Greetings from the 2021 Toy Drive

12/19/2021

 
Greetings from Day Two of UCP Oregon's Toy Giveaway!

It's rainy and cold, but our Holiday Elves are feeling festive and ready to give away some awesome toys!

NOTE: This is a two-day even for families who are raising children who experience cerebral palsy or a related disability. Families pre-registered to receive free toys.

Special thanks to our shivering Chief Elf, Katherine Ball (Family Support Director).

IT'S ALMOST TOY TIME!

12/14/2021

 
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Happy Tuesday! This is just a quick reminder that the 2021 Annual Toy Giveaway is this weekend.

Are you registered? The event is this Saturday and Sunday (December 18 & 19th), from 10am-4pm. It will be a drive-thru event in the UCP parking lot.


The event is for families who are raising children who experience cerebral palsy or a related disability. We'll have lots of toys to give away, holiday music, and some festive helpers! 
  • You must RSVP to participate.
  • Each family will get a 15 minute time slot.
  • Since it might rain, we're also planning to set up tent roofs to keep you dry as you get out of your car.

​We can't wait to see you.
RSVP

2021 Toy Giveaway Drive-Thru

12/1/2021

 
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​Happy December from UCP Oregon's Family Support Department!

We're excited to announce the 2021 Annual Toy Giveaway. The event will be held on December 18 & 19th, 10am-4pm. It will be a drive-thru event in the UCP parking lot.

The event is for families who are raising children who experience cerebral palsy or a related disability.

You must RSVP to participate.

Each family will get a 15 minute time slot. We'll have lots of toys to give away, and some festive helpers!

​We can't wait to see you.
RSVP Today!
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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 >
        • Brokerage Videos
    • 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
    • Family Support Workshops
    • Family Support Group
    • Walk, Roll 'n' Run
    • Skate Night
    • Family Conference
  • WAYS TO GIVE
    • Donate
    • Raise Money While Shopping
    • Planned Giving
    • Corporate Partnership
    • Other Ways to Help
    • Give Parents a Break
    • Bill Porter Memorial Fund: For Donors >
      • Bill Porter Honor Roll
    • For Readers of Portland Business Journal >
      • Learn More About Us
  • This is Our Voice
    • Share Your Story
    • Be a Legislative Advocate
    • Formal Complaint
  • Share Your UCP Story