Congratulations to Amy Gorrell!
Amy was recently promoted to a new position at UCP Oregon, that of “Direct Support and Quality Assurance Manager.” Amy Gorrell has been with UCP since 2015, serving most recently as an Assistant Team Leader in UCP’s Supported Living Department, which is known as “UCP Foundations.” Before that, Amy served as a Support Specialist, and also worked one-on-one as a Personal Assistant. In her new position, Amy will be supervising UCP’s team of Substitute Support Professionals. Amy will also provide documentation support and training for UCP’s Supported Living Team. Amy will also coordinate UCP’s emergency pager system. About her new job, Amy says, “I’m very excited to work with our amazing team of Substitute Support Specialists. I’ve loved working with the Foundations Team these past 9 years, and I’m so happy I get the opportunity to contribute to the team in this new capacity.” Amy started in her new job on June 23rd. Make sure to congratulate Amy the next time you see her! John Goff is the Community Services Director, and oversees UCP Oregon's Supported Living Department (also known as UCP Foundations) and Children's Services Department (also known as UCP Building Blocks). YEAR-END UPDATE, FROM THE DESK OF JOHN GOFF, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
Hello, UCP Family! It is always an honor to share the successes and stories of the Community Services (CS) Department, but not without first recognizing the collective energy of all UCP customers, employees, Board members, and partners. When I think of the past year, I am reminded of the familiar phrase that it truly “Takes a Village,” and I must say that I am grateful to have been a part of this one for close to 10 years! So, what of the year 2022? I wish I had space to list every situation and scenario navigated, but I can say with certainty and admiration that everyone in the department showed up in a very big way to support one another. In no order of priority, the CS Department:
I am very proud of all the accomplishments and work from the Community Services Department, and I look forward to another great year in 2023 filled with opportunity, continued advocacy, and growth. EDITOR’S NOTE: Lena is a “Personal Assistant” in our Supported Living Department, which means that she works one-on-one a customer (Anita), helping Anita live independently in her own home. Recently, we asked our staff to share stories of their everyday work lives, and Lena wrote the following. Thanks, Lena! By Lena Ruminski, Personal Assistant
Though I have worked for UCP for almost four years, I never knew the kind of joy I could bring someone until this last September when I started working with Anita. While Anita is a woman of few words (unless asked questions), there is one sure way to know that she is enjoying herself: her eyes. The first time I experienced her unique expression of joy was when I introduced her to one of the best things about fall: Starbucks’ seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte. While Anita is a mocha gal herself, I convinced her to try the PSL and upon first sip, she was sold. She looked up at me after her first taste—and her blue eyes were two huge saucers as she exclaimed, “That’s good!” And for the rest of her beverage, after every sip, her wide eyes returned. After we finished up, we started our walk back to her apartment. I started walking fast (and pushing her wheelchair quickly, too) because I was getting chilly. I heard her say “This is fun!” So, I picked up the pace to give her a bit more of a thrill. As I prepared to get her back inside her house, I stopped and turned to her. I saw those wide eyes again as she said, “Can we do that again?!?” Needless to say, we have been regulars at the Starbucks every Saturday shift for our weekly PSL fix.
UCP Oregon launched the Bill Porter Memorial Fund in 2018 in an effort to remove barriers and support meaningful lives for people experiencing disabilities.
In 2019, the Fund accepted its first round of applicants. Below are some of their stories. (You can also read more stories here.)
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