MANDALA SELF CARE WORKSHOP
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of people of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent. But did you know why May was chosen? Two significant milestones anchor the month: (1) the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and (2) the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869—an achievement made possible in large part by Chinese immigrant labor. May wasn't permanently designated as AAPI Heritage Month until 1992—more than a hundred years later. Here in Portland, the AAPI community is an essential part of both UCP's and Portland's community. About 8% of Portland residents identify as Asian, making the AAPI community one of Portland's largest and most vibrant. Looking for a great read? A New York nonprofit called ACANY put together a wonderful spotlight on AAPI disability advocates whose leadership and lived experience are shaping a more equitable world. 
The 2026 Bill Porter Memorial Fund Is Now Closed—Thank You! The application period for the 2026 Bill Porter Memorial Fund (BPMF) closed this week, and we are thrilled to share that we received 84 applications. The BPMF is an annual grant program that provides financial assistance to UCP Oregon customers and Family Support participants—helping cover costs that might otherwise be out of reach. Each year, a review team carefully evaluates every request to make the most of available funding. With 84 deserving requests to consider, the team has a tough job ahead. We'll be sharing a timeline for final award decisions soon. Stay tuned! 
We're hiring a Brokerage Director for UCP Connections.
This is a senior leadership role overseeing one of UCP Oregon's two Support Services Brokerages—guiding a dedicated team of Personal Agents, managing daily operations, and helping shape the future of person-centered brokerage services in our community. If you're passionate about self-determination, experienced in human services leadership, and ready to help a strong team keep getting better, we'd love to hear from you. 
Salem parents—this one's for you!
Join us this Saturday for GAB, a free support group for parents and caregivers in UCP's Family Support Department who are raising children with disabilities. It's a small, relaxed group where you can share, listen, and connect with other parents who truly get it.
The 2026 Bill Porter Memorial Fund is Now Open! Woo hoo! The 2026 Bill Porter Memorial Fund (BPMF) is officially open for applications! The fund supports UCP Oregon customers in pursuing opportunities that enhance their quality of life. Previous recipients have used their BPMF awards for:
Where Can I Learn More? Who Can Apply?
When Can I Apply?
How Can I Apply?
What Happens Next?
Have Questions?
March 6th is Employee Appreciation Day, and we want to take a moment to say thank you. The people who make up UCP Oregon bring care, skill, and dedication to their work every single day—across every program and department. This past year brought a lot of changes and new challenges. Through all of it, our team kept showing up for the people and families we support, and for each other. We're so proud of you. Thank you for everything you do. —UCP Oregon’s Leadership Team 
Hey, UCP Oregon friends! March is a busy one for us—it's Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and later this month we'll have an exciting announcement about our Bill Porter Memorial Fund (stay tuned!). But first: let's talk about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This year's national theme is "We're Here: Then, Now, Always." It's a simple but powerful message: people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have always been part of our communities. They're here--advocating, working, volunteering, creating, leading, and living. Not just in March. Every single day. DDAM started in 1987, when President Reagan officially declared March a time to raise awareness about inclusion and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Nearly 40 years later, there's so much to celebrate—and still so much worth fighting for. At UCP Oregon, we see that every day. Our job is to keep pushing—for open doors, and fewer barriers in the way. Want to be part of this month's celebration?
UCP Oregon announces that Executive Director Ann Coffey will retire effective January 30, 2026, concluding a distinguished career dedicated to advancing opportunity, independence, and inclusion for people with disabilities across Oregon. During her many years with UCP Oregon, Ann provided steady leadership, helped guide significant organizational growth, and played an important role in shaping services and advocacy within Oregon’s intellectual and developmental disabilities community. Reflecting on her journey, Ann shared, “The work we’ve done together—the growth, the advocacy, the courage, the change—has been the honor of my professional life.” UCP’s Board of Directors is currently developing a thoughtful transition plan and will share additional updates as they become available. Our programs and operations will continue without interruption. We are deeply grateful for Ann’s extraordinary service and leadership, and we wish her the very best in retirement. 
Hello, UCP Community.
Our Family Support Department is excited to share an upcoming community event. Brian Trapp, director of Disability Studies at the University of Oregon, would like to invite members of the UCP community to Broadway Books on Thursday, January 29th at 6pm to talk about his novel, Range of Motion. Brian says, “Range of Motion is about the secret language of siblings and the resilience of special needs families. It’s partly based on my experience growing up with my twin brother, who had cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities and was also a funny, playful, and complex person. I’ll be in conversation with PSU Professor Gabriel Urza, author of the novel Silver State. I’ll talk about growing up in a special needs family, writing caregiving and disability, and how to think about people like my brother in more profound ways. I think this is an important story for caregivers, parents, sibs, and disabled people alike.” |