Hello from UCP's Family Support Department!

We're excited to tell you that our new Family Support Coordinator, Grace Tunning, has been hard at work. She started on November 4th.

So far, Grace is loving her job. She says, "It has been a joy these past couple weeks learning all the incredible ways the Family Support Department has impacted and supported the children and families in our community for so many years. I am honored to carry on this important work and tradition!"

Contact Grace:

Are you a family who uses UCP's Family Support services? If so, you should have received an email from Grace today with more information.

If you didn't receive the email from Grace today, you can contact Grace below, and she'll add you to our Family Support email list. Thanks!

Today is a special day for everyone who experiences or cares about people who experience intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD).
 
It’s the 25th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in a case called Olmstead v. L.C.

On June 22, 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is a form of unlawful discrimination under the ADA. This landmark decision requires states to provide services in the most integrated settings, promoting community participation for all.

UCP Oregon also celebrates our involvement in the historic Lane v. Brown case, filed in 2012. The lawsuit challenged Oregon's use of segregated, sheltered workshops that paid sub-minimum wages to people who experience I/DD.
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The Lane v. Brown case was settled in 2015, and led to significant changes, including the closure of all sheltered workshops in Oregon by 2020 and the provision of competitive, integrated employment opportunities for thousands of individuals.

Cheers to 25 years of progress!

Dear UCP Oregon Community,

Do you know someone who might be a great fit for UCP's Board of Directors? If so, we're excited to hear from you!

But, first, a bit more information.

UCP's Board of Directors is made up of a dedicated group of individuals. ​Some board members use UCP's services or are parents of children who use UCP's services. Many board members are leaders in the business and non-profit community.

Each member has been selected because they share a passion for our mission and values. They also have the skills, time and integrity necessary to support our work, and to serve as a representative for the organization in the broader community. ​

Jessie Ulrich joined UCP Oregon’s Board in the fall of 2023.

Jessie is a Certified Public Accountant at Moss Adams LLP, a longtime supporter of UCP Oregon. Jessie says, “I have a great respect for UCP Oregon, especially the community that UCP Oregon serves.”

She brings to the Board a broad range of experience in tax compliance, tax planning, and tax consulting.

Jessie is the mother of three young children.

Many of you know UCP's fantastic Finance Director, Esther Large, and her fearless sidekick, Janet Fromdahl.

On January 2, 2024, after 20+ and 10+ years (respectively), Esther and Janet are retiring.

Many of you know UCP's fantastic Finance Director, Esther Large, and her fearless sidekick, Janet Fromdahl. After 20+ and 10+ years at UCP (respectively), Esther and Janet are retiring.

WRITE THEM A NOTE BELOW!

We thought it would be fun to collect everyone's best wishes and memories into a document to share with Esther and Janet. If you'd like to participate, fill out the form below.

PS: If you'd like to learn more about Esther and Janet, click here. If you'd like to learn more about UCP's new Finance Director, click here.

We had so much fun at our 2023 Cinnamon Bear Cruise.

Almost 100 families from UCP Oregon's Family Support Department were able to participate! These families are raising children who experience cerebral palsy or a closely related disability.

On December 2, 2023, they gathered together, with UCP's Holiday Elf in Chief (UCP's Executive Director, Ann Coffey) on the Portland Spirit.

They enjoyed a festive boat ride down the Willamette River, partaking in a delicious meal as a cast of fanciful characters entertained the children with holiday-themed storytelling, music and magic.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

PS: It's not too late to sponsor a child, a family... or even several families! Donate below.