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​YEAR-END UPDATE, FROM THE DESK OF JOHN GOFF

1/26/2023

 
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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:
  • Worked with incredibly flexible customers to evaluate safety concerns while reentering the community as businesses began to open their doors again.
  • Supported customer education and a thoughtful response to the Omicron and variant surges
  • Assisted with scheduling vaccines for customers in the ever-changing variant landscape
  • Supported one another like family following the loss of loved ones
  • Hired, trained and onboarded a ton of positions, including new managers who have all been rocking their various roles and responsibilities
  • Customers went back to work or started new jobs
  • Celebrated many customer successes including one individual who now creates and monitors his own household budget
  • Customers returned to their Special Olympic teams to resume training
  • Worked together to identify department strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities
  • Completed and participated in agency-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion trainings
  • Consistently demonstrated their commitment to CS customers and each other

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.

Happy National Family Caregivers Month 2022

11/1/2022

 
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Did you know that November is "National Family Caregivers" Month (NFCM)?

It's a time to honor America's family caregivers, raise awareness about caregiving issues, and (hopefully!) increase support nationwide for caregivers.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S."

Interestingly, DHS also points out that nearly half of all family caregivers in America are over the age 50.

So, this November, please make sure to say an extra big "thank you" to the family caregivers in your life.

And if you are the caregiver in your family, UCP Oregon wants to thank you for your hard work. We see you, and we appreciate you.

PS: Family caregivers, don't forget to visit our "This Is Our Voice" webpage to share your experiences and stories.
This Is Our Voice

LENA'S STORY

12/17/2021

 
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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 Receives a Grant, and Shares the Love

12/15/2021

 
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It's rainy and cold here in Oregon, but we're excited because we have some great news for you!

UCP Oregon was awarded a grant from the Oregon Department of Human Services, which we're using to highlight and celebrate the hard work of our Direct Support Professionals.

We created a "Share the Love" story project, where our direct support staff could share stories about their work life--the fun stuff, the hard stuff, and even the funny parts. Every person who submitted a story was awarded a $100 Visa gift card.

We received so many fabulous stories. We'll be sharing several of them here (see the link below) and on Facebook over the next few weeks, so make sure to check back in.
 
PS: Thank you so much to everyone who submitted a story!

*DSP's are employees who provide direct support to customers, such as Personal Assistants, Support Specialists, Support Coordinators, Personal Coordinators, Assistant Team Leaders, Substitute Support Professionals, Children’s Support Professionals, Job Coaches, and Employment Specialists.
Read the Stories We've Shared So Far

Thanks, Volume 2

2/18/2021

 
We’d like to share some more stories from the storm.


One of UCP Oregon’s Supported Living Team Leaders, Codi Parmelee, did fantastic work, driving staff to and from shifts. Thanks, Codi!


A Personal Agent from UCP’s Brokerage, Jeff Gilbert, braved the storm with our technology consultant, Jeff Couttouw, to get our servers up, with assistance from the Brokerage Director, Sarah Noack. Thanks, guys!


And so many other folks worked extra hours and dealt with treacherous driving conditions. We are so grateful for every one of you. Thank you!

Have You Seen it?

2/10/2021

 
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You probably already know all about  Supported Living Department, which assists folks to live in their own homes.

What you might not know is that this department has its own name: "UCP Foundations."

And, now, it has its own logo, too! Check it out! 


LEARN MORE ABOUT UCP FOUNDATIONS

Getting Some Fresh Air

4/20/2020

 
Like many Oregonians, Robert loves to be outside.

Robert and his UCP Personal Assistant are working hard to ensure they get outside to grab a breath of socially-distanced air whenever possible!

Some Cool Shades

4/10/2020

 
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UCP Oregon is staying super busy in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis, doing what we do best--supporting the people we serve!

Here's a UCP Foundations customer, Jackie, going out to the mailbox and enjoying some socially-distanced sunshine in her cool shades.

Sad News

8/21/2019

 
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We are sad to announce that one of UCP's Supported Living customers, Don Harris, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of August 14th at Providence Portland Hospital due to cancer and a secondary infection.

As Katie Polanshek, one of UCP's Supported Living managers writes, ​​"Don was a kind-hearted, resilient man with a zest for life and a great sense of humor. His joyful spirit was contagious and he will be missed by many."

Read More

a koin 6 tour

8/3/2017

 
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John is one of UCP's Supported Living customers. The other day, he was lucky enough to enjoy a wonderful tour of KOIN 6. 

​Thanks, KOIN 6, for showing John around! It looks like he had a great time! 

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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
    • 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 Conference
    • Family Support Group
    • Family Support Workshops
    • OMSI Play Labs
    • Walk, Roll 'n' Run
    • Skate Nights
  • WAYS TO GIVE
    • Donate
    • Bill Porter Memorial Fund: For Donors
    • Raise Money While Shopping
    • Planned Giving
    • Corporate Partnership
    • Other Ways to Help
    • Give Parents a Break
    • For Readers of Portland Business Journal 2022 >
      • Learn More About UCP Oregon
  • This is Our Voice
    • Share Your Story
    • Be a Legislative Advocate
    • Formal Complaint