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. 

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We’re thrilled to introduce you to our new Finance Director, Jerry Hoffert!
 
As you may know, Esther Large, who served as UCP’s Finance Director for 20+ years, is retiring in December of 2023. Also retiring is Janet Fromdahl, who has been UCP’s Payroll/Accounts Payable Clerk since 2013. We'll be sharing more about Esther and Janet's time at UCP in a future post.

UCP Oregon conducted a thorough and competitive recruitment process to fill the Finance Director position.

Jerry brings 20+ years of strategic leadership experience in non-profit finance and grant financial management. He also has a Master of Business Administration from George Fox University, with a focus on management and leadership.
 
Some of Jerry’s experience includes:

• Chief Financial and Grants Officer (National Association for the Dually Diagnosed).
• Chief Financial Officer (Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc.).
• Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Albertina Kerr Centers).
• Assistant Controller (Morrison Child and Family Services).

 
Some of you may already know Jerry; he is the former President of UCP Oregon’s Board of Directors. Jerry has also served on the board of Family Promise of Metro East.
 
Jerry began in his new position in early October, and will have several months of overlap with Esther and Janet. He is currently settling into his new position, and is also leading the hiring process for hiring a new Payroll/Accounts Payable Clerk.
                                      
Congratulations, Jerry! We’re excited to work with you in your new capacity at UCP.

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.