UCP’s Vision Statement is “communities that embrace every individual’s abilities.” That premise is also the essence of UCP’s Community Participation Supports (CPS) service. CPS provides adults with disabilities the opportunity to explore and embrace more of what life has to offer.

Michael E., who is diagnosed with Autism, intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), insomnia, and severe myopia, is just one individual whose world has been greatly expanded thanks to CPS. Following Michael’s graduation from Redland High School in 2019, he turned to UCP’s CPS program so he could continue to have opportunities to socialize with peers and be a part of his community.

What’s a routine day like for him now?

Michael thrives on routine, which includes greeting his friends and staff when he arrives at the program each morning and then sitting down to his ritual blueberry muffin. Next, it’s time to get moving! The CPS programs regularly incorporate some form of movement into everyone’s day: whether it’s a walking group, chair yoga, or cardio drumming (Michael’s favorite)! Michael’s routine also includes volunteering with CPS friends at New Life Community Church once a week.  His lanky 6’2” frame and long arms make Michael the perfect person to clean in many of the high spaces that the other volunteers can’t reach.

Michael also enjoys spending time in the community with fellow participants, which also allows him to work on his daily social skills. Recently they made a trip to a local dairy farm to learn about their operations.

When Michael isn’t at his CPS program, he enjoys spending time with his Habilitation Specialist, Jen W. who is employed through UCP’s Home and Community Services. The one-on-one time allows his Habilitation Specialist to focus on skills development that has been specifically designed to meet Michael’s unique needs.

“UCP services can work for everyone,” says Samantha Lepri, UCP Home and Community Manager. “We just have to modify our approaches to make them fit the needs of each individual. It’s part of what makes UCP—and Home and Community in particular—such an amazing source of support. We may be teaching one individual how to pay a Comcast bill, and another how to use an air fryer, while the next person we may be taking to a new place or to try a new experience.”