​Hi, UCP Community!
 
We thought it would be fun to check in with UCP’s Anna Williams, after 11 months on the job as UCP Oregon’s Accounting Specialist.
 
As many of you will remember, Anna joined UCP in 2023, replacing Janet Fromdahl, who had been at UCP Oregon for 10 years.
 
Here’s what Anna has to say after 11 months on the job.

UCP Oregon is incredibly pleased to introduce you to our new Receptionist, Haleigh McBain (they/them).
 
After UCP’s previous Receptionist moved to UCP's Employment Solutions division, we looked far and wide to find a perfect fit for the Receptionist position. And we found that person in Haleigh McBain.
 
Haleigh brings a great deal of related experience to UCP. Haleigh says, “I have worked in summer camps. I also worked as a registered behavioral technician at a clinic in Portland, and moved to a position in their administrative department the following year. I really enjoy working alongside adults and families of children with disabilities, providing personalized support and advocacy.”
 
Haleigh also spent a number of years as a barista managing cafes in Seattle and Portland.
 
Haleigh grew up in Kirkland, Washington, and moved to Portland in 2020. Haleigh says, “I love the outdoors: especially swimming, hiking, and camping! I also really enjoy live music and I am currently taking calligraphy class.”
 
Haleigh adds, “Everyone has been very welcoming and helpful! I am very excited to be working for UCP!”

UCP Oregon is excited to introduce Jude Mertes, UCP’s new Office Manager.
Jude (they/them) started at UCP on August 19th, replacing Mackenzie Snell, who had been at UCP for 16 years.

Jude is a recent transplant to Oregon, and has only been in Portland for about a year.
Jude says, “I was raised in Alaska. I have a degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I’m an animal lover by nature, and I worked at a veterinary hospital for six years prior to my move to Oregon. I also volunteered at an organization called 40 Below Reptiles, where I helped care for, rescue, birth, and raise Green Anacondas, pythons, and a sweet albino alligator named Max.”

Jude says, “I love books, music, baking, and tabletop games, and, if prompted, I will discuss any of these things for hours at a time!”

Jude adds, “I love crafting. I have a 3d resin printer, and I craft with hand-poured resin. I am currently trying (and mostly succeeding, albeit slowly) to learn how to crochet. Ask me about snake ownership if you like fun stories about trying to get a reptile to listen to you. And ask me about history if you like long-winded stories about military stratagem or boats!”
​
Welcome to UCP, Jude! We’re so glad you’re here.

​This week (September 8-14), we celebrate the incredible Direct Support Professionals who are the heart and soul of UCP Oregon.
 
Direct Support Professionals (also known as “DSPs”) are known at UCP by many names, such as Support Specialists, Substitute Support Specialists, Personal Assistants, and Job Coaches.
 
Direct Support Professionals provide essential support to individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve their goals, participate in the community, and live fulfilling lives.
 
We thank all of UCP’s Direct Support Professionals for their dedication, compassion, and hard work. They make a difference in so many lives, and we are grateful for each and every one of them!
 
PS: If you are a customer, family member, or supporter of UCP, please take a moment to recognize and thank UCP’s amazing DSPs for all they do!

Happy September! And happy third birthday to UCP Mentors!
 
UCP Oregon has been offering brokerage services (under the name of “UCP Connections”) since 2010.
 
At the height of the COVID pandemic in 2021, we took on the challenge of launching a second brokerage, which we named “UCP Mentors.” Establishing a new brokerage during such a turbulent time was no small feat, but it was a crucial step. Our goal was to ensure that over 600 brokerage customers, previously served by a closing brokerage, continued to receive the quality support they deserved.
 
And here we are—three years later. We’re proud to report that UCP Mentors is thriving.
 
Today, and always, we wish to extend a gigantic thank you to:

• The amazing employees of UCP Mentors.
• Sasha Vidales, UCP Mentors Director.
• Sarah Noack, Brokerage Services Director.
• And—of course—the customers of UCP Mentors.

 
PS: UCP Connections is still thriving. Next year, Connections will be celebrating their 15th birthday!

​On July 28th, UCP Oregon turns 69 years old!
 
Since our founding in 1955, UCP Oregon has been a beacon of hope, support and advocacy.
 
Our origins include offering some of the first paid employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in Oregon. Currently, we support thousands of adults, children and families who experience any kind of developmental or intellectual disability (I/DD) across the metro Portland area, with family support across the state.
 
Next year, we turn 70 years old! We are excited about the celebration that lays ahead.
 
UCP Oregon wishes to extend a gigantic thank you to the incredible employees, customers, and supporters who have contributed to our mission over the years. Your commitment and passion have truly changed lives.
 
PS: Want to learn more about UCP Oregon’s history? Click here.

Happy birthday to the “Americans with Disabilities Act” (ADA)!
 
We’re proud to tell you that the national UCP organization (United Cerebral Palsy) played a big role in getting the ADA passed.
 
Here, in their words, is what they did:

1. Coalition Building: UCP worked closely with other disability rights organizations to build a strong coalition that could effectively lobby for the ADA. This collaboration helped to unify the message and strengthen the push for legislative action.
2. Testimonies and Lobbying: Representatives from UCP provided testimonies before Congress, sharing stories and data to illustrate the discrimination faced by people with disabilities. Their lobbying efforts were crucial in gaining support from lawmakers.
3. Public Campaigns: UCP engaged in public campaigns to mobilize grassroots support for the ADA. They educated the public and policymakers about the importance of the legislation and how it would improve the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities.
4. Drafting and Policy Input: UCP, along with other disability advocacy groups, contributed to the drafting of the ADA. They provided valuable input on the language and provisions of the bill to ensure it would be effective in addressing the issues faced by people with disabilities.

 
And it worked! The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed on July 26, 1990.
 
It has been described as “the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities.” It prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, public services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.
 
Today, UCP Oregon celebrates the ADA and the progress our nation has made towards a more inclusive society. But there is still work to be done. Join us in our fight to ensure full equality and accessibility for everyone!

Hello, UCP Community.
 
We have some sad news. UCP Oregon’s fabulous Office Manager, Mackenzie Snell, is moving on after an incredible 16 years at UCP.
 
Many of you know Mackenzie. You’ve likely spoken to her on the phone, or met her in person. Mackenzie has always ensured that everyone at UCP feels valued and welcomed.
 
Behind the scenes, Mackenzie has been the rock that many folks at UCP relied on. She coordinated UCP’s technology, interfacing with our IT consultants, and updating and distributing equipment. She handled a number of of important administrative tasks.  She supervised UCP’s petty cash, ordered supplies, and so much more.
 
As Suzannah Newman, HR Director says, “Over the years, so many employees have reached out to sing Mackenzie’s praises. She is one of the first faces that employees, customers and the general public see when they walk in the door, and her commitment to excellent customer services shines through. Mackenzie also helps to keep agency operations running smoothly and efficiently. Mackenzie frequently saves the day! My team will not be the same without her.”
 
We'll miss Mackenzie dearly, but we're also super excited for her next adventure. Mackenzie has shared that she will be working as an Office Manager at a small law firm near her home.
 
Mackenzie says, “I will miss everyone at UCP! I’m so grateful I got to experience the close relationships I have made over the years with my amazing co-workers and our wonderful customers. I will always support UCP’s mission and cherish my time with you all.”
 
Thank you, Mackenzie, for everything you've done. You've made a huge impact, and we'll never forget it.
 
PS: Want to send your best wishes to Mackenzie? You can email her below.

This July, UCP Oregon is proud to join the global celebration of Disability Pride Month.
 
Disability Pride Month is a time to honor the history, achievements, and culture of the disability community.
 
It's a time to embrace and celebrate our unique identities and to amplify the voices of people with disabilities.
 
Join UCP Oregon in celebrating 2024 Disability Pride Month! Together, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone is valued and respected.
 
Curious about the History of Disability Pride Month?
 
Disability Pride Month originated in July 1990, coinciding with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
 
In 2024, numerous events are scheduled to celebrate Disability Pride Month across various cities.

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!