Each year, UCP Executive Leadership works with Training and Development Manager Rebecca Beamer to plan a day-long retreat for staff from all six service divisions. The retreat provides a forum to connect in person, show appreciation for each other, and focus on the unmistakable impact of the work they do. Throughout the day, staff were alternately encouraged to collaborate with—and compete against—each other.

UCP Board Chair David Burns kicked off the event with a warm welcome to staff and a timely reminder that the work they do today is a reflection of the efforts of our forefathers 250 years ago – to seek independence for all. In quoting from the Declaration of Independence, David said, “Everyone in this room embraces the vision that ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (and women) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’” He continued, “Please remember that each of you play a significant role in fulfilling the vision of our Founding Fathers. You support the vision that ALL MEANS ALL.”

David’s remarks were followed by UCP President and CEO Janeen Latin, who engaged everyone in an interactive exercise that underscored the connection between people, passion, and purpose. No matter whether you support individuals, families, teams—or the systems that make the rest of it possible—she stressed that “EVERY PERSON in this room plays a role in changing lives.”  To prove the point, Janeen asked everyone to reflect on a moment when they knew their work mattered… and to share it with the group. She then led everyone present in a highly competitive game of UCP Kahoot, with bragging rights going to winner UCP Agency with Choice Selinsgrove!

Staff selected their preferred breakout sessions from a broad range of topics, including impactful communication, trauma-informed care, augmentative and alternative communications, nutrition, compassion fatigue, and financial planning. There were also personal success stories (Mission Impact Moments) shared by the participants themselves. The speakers were interspersed among the presentations and breakout groups and included:

Early Intervention and Family Support Services’ participants, Bridgette C and her daughter Annaleigh

UCP Pathways Academy graduate, and current participant in UCP’s Employment Services and Home and Community Services, Chance D

UCP Agency with Choice participant Austin O

The midday vendor fair featured four self-employed UCP participants displaying and selling their homemade creations, giving staff the opportunity to interact with and support the individuals’ entrepreneurial efforts. Among their handiwork were watercolors, oil paintings, photography, drawing/sketching, and knitting/crocheting.