Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at UCP Central PA!

On this Mother’s Day, we honor the extraordinary mothers who show up every day — not just as caregivers, but as advocates, mentors, and champions for their children and community.

 

“Being a mother of someone supported by UCP fills me with gratitude and hope. It means being part of a compassionate community that celebrates every small victory and cherishes each step forward. The moments of progress – no matter how small – shine as powerful reminders that hope is not just a feeling, but the foundation of everything UCP stands for.” -Amanda B.

“I’ve been with UCP for nearly 20 years. Both of my sons have received services from UCP during that time, including early intervention, family support, respite, and now residential services for Danny, who is 24. Each step along the way, UCP made Danny’s transition to a two-person home as smooth as possible—for him and for our family. Soon we began to see signs of progress. Danny started learning daily living skills like hygiene and cleaning up after himself. He started making his own choices. He started going out into the community and enjoying himself. And the best thing of all – Danny is happy. He’s living his best life and learning how to be independent. He is completely comfortable in his new home, and now he has fewer and fewer meltdowns and behaviors. It’s just so great to see his infectious smile more and more.” -Karen B.

“I have watched Kenyay grow and flourish in so many ways, from working and learning how to be in a work environment, to being able to hold everyday, meaningful conversations out in the community with complete strangers. All those things they told me he would never be able to do. He is finding his own voice and using it more and more to let me know what he really wants. Briefly put, UCP has helped Kenyay be able to live HIS life without the limits, “they” told me his diagnosis came with!”
-Dee B.

“I know I’m going to continue to need help. I’m going to continue to need the support and guidance I’ve come to rely on from UCP. And Gabby will one day in the not-too-distant future benefit from the innovative transition services UCP offers… whatever that may look like for her.” -Sara A.

“Because of my experiences at UCP, I’ve grown into a stronger, more patient, and more informed mom to my 15‑year‑old daughter, Grace who is hard of hearing and has an intellectual disability. This community has helped my family believe deeply in what’s possible for her future. It has given us hope, confidence, and a sense of belonging. As Mother’s Day approaches, I’m reminded how deeply this mission is tied to my own journey. It is an honor to serve a mission I am blessed to live every day, one that enriches my experience as a mother and deepens the empathy I bring to every family I meet.” -Suzanne J.