At the heart of the recent UCP Staff Retreat was the basic premise that UCP is committed—individually and collectively—to making a meaningful difference in the lives of each person or family we support. In her opening remarks, CEO Janeen Latin expressed her gratitude “for the heart you bring to this work every day—for your compassion,…
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,…
Tim scheduled Barry’s initial “meet and greet” with the Nepal family in their home in mid-September of 2024. Everything went so smoothly that by September 30, Barry had moved in. Just five months later, Barry has settled into his new home nicely. Diagnosed with Autism, intellectual disabilities and diabetes, Barry lived on his own in…
Sara Nye is an engaging 21-year-old young lady with a zest for life. Home-schooled by her mom, she is on schedule to receive a Pennsylvania Department of Education Diploma in October 2025. She is also an ardent self-advocate, as well as an advocate for others living with Down syndrome. Sara has been actively involved with…
For most of us, technology is a matter of convenience. It makes many of life’s routine functions or demands easier or quicker to do. But for someone with a particular diagnosis or disability, the impact is often far greater: ASSISTIVE technology makes impossible things POSSIBLE. That’s why the month of November has been designated Assistive…
That’s the theme of this year’s NDEAM-related efforts and initiatives. It is also a goal UCP has been working toward since we first began offering supported employment services in 2015. Each October we take the opportunity to recognize UCP’s supported employees as well as the employers who hire them and who understand the value these…
An occupation is what you are PAID to do. A calling is what you are MADE to do. When it comes to the role of UCP Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs, it’s actually a mix of both. Throughout the month of September, and especially during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, we highlight the dedicated, innovative…
The best DSPs care for the health and welfare of individuals as a whole. Often times, that means getting creative in finding ways to support them and help them grow. A recent example of that creativity was on display at the latest “Dance Club” session for residential staff and participants. That’s when former DSP and…
In the world of Human Services, there is a lot of talk about “person-centered” planning, what that means, and what it looks like. At UCP Central PA, no matter what division you work for or the nature of your position, the end goal of ALL UCP employees is that every person we support will experience…
UCP began offering residential services for individuals with disabilities in the 1980s, with the opening of three community homes in Cumberland County. We believe that given the opportunity and the appropriate supports to live independently and become involved in their local communities, individuals of all abilities will enjoy a more engaged, productive, and fulfilling life.…
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