APRIL 2017 - In This Issue:
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SAYING GOODBYE TO THE TIE!
Jeff Cooper, UCP President & CEO, retires

With the impending April 30 retirement of 16-year President and CEO Jeffrey W. Cooper, UCP Central PA turns the page on a chapter of substantial growth, not only in our geographic footprint but also in the scope and innovation of our program and service offerings. 

During Jeff's tenure, UCP increased its presence from 6 counties to 17. Our program locations grew from 9 to 44. And we experienced a dramatic increase in revenue: from $5 million to $33 million. But these numbers represent much more than simple statistics. They are a snapshot of the countless ways Jeff's leadership has empowered UCP to enrich the lives of the people we serve.

In particular, we recognize and applaud Jeff's tireless and  transformative work in the area of disability advocacy. He has relentlessly and successfully pushed for greater funding and
Jeff Cooper with inaugural award recipient, Jeff Brubaker. 
 greater access to employment opportunities, education, and residential housing for people of all abilities.

He also led the charge to raise awareness of and focus on the importance of fitness and nutrition in the lives of people with disabilities. The UCP LifeFit Fitness and Nutrition program is one of Jeff's creations that will have a lasting impact for generations of individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.

One of Jeff's proudest accomplishments is the fact that under his leadership UCP, jointly with Temple University School of Medicine, was awarded four research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The work made possible by these grants has led to greater understanding of and enhanced knowledge about the importance of healthy lifestyles for people with disabilities.

In recognition of Jeff's efforts in this area, UCP has developed the Jeffrey W. Cooper Healthy Lifestyles Award, to be given annually to a person who exemplifies a healthy lifestyle. It is fitting that the inaugural award was presented to UCP LifeFit consumer Jeffrey Brubaker at the UCP Annual Meeting in December 2016. 

Please join us in wishing Jeff all the best in his well-deserved retirement!
VICTORY WITHOUT LIMITS
Dana Schick admires her gold medal (photo courtesy Special Olympics)
Reaching for the stars

This year's Special Olympics World Games in Austria were especially exciting for Central Pennsylvanians. Last month, local athlete and UCP consumer, Dana Shick, co- owner of Alpaca Fiber Designs, competed and medaled in speed skating, a sport she has loved for the past five years. Traveling to the International Special Olympics is a dream for any of the 3,000 participating athletes, but this trip was especially meaningful for Dana since her ancestors are from Austria.

Learn more about Dana's journey and ways you can support her business, in an updated story from UCP Life Without Limits newsletter.
HIGHMARK WALK
It's Time To Lace Up!

UCP is pleased to return on  Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 9:00am  for the 9th straight year as one of more than 40 local nonprofits selected to participate in the annual  Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community
Highmark Blue Shield underwrites the cost of the walk so that 100 percent of the money raised by our walkers goes directly to support UCP programs!

It's fun for the whole family!  Join us for the 5K Walk or the one-mile Fun Walk. The walk route is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and leashed dogs are welcome
 
Register  today to help bring others one step closer to life without limits. Have questions or need help with registration? Contact  Anna Spiess , Community Relations Coordinator: 717.737.3477 x121

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We have a place for Y-O-U!!

"Those who can, do. Those can do more, volunteer."   Whether you serve as a UCP Board or Committee volunteer, help out at one of our programs, or play a part in making one or more of our special events a success. Your decision to donate your time and talents has helped change lives. As w e celebrate National Volunteer month in April, we are honored to count you among our UCP family.

Interested in volunteering for UCP? Here are three key areas where you can help:

Governance
UCP is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and four committees that provide oversight over key aspects of our organization: Operations & Finance, Human Resources, Programs & Services, and Community Relations & Development.

Programs
Childhood Program needs include: in-house field trips, in-class readers, arts and crafts, musical activities, Art Show volunteers, outdoor maintenance, and gardening

Adult Day Program needs include: arts and crafts, musical activities, fitness activities, community outings, companionship, outdoor maintenance

Special Events
UCP Magic Night Dinner/Dance and Gala
Walk for a Healthy Community
UCP/Senators Sports Auction
UCP SchmidtKramer Golf Tournament
Holiday Gift Wrap

For volunteer opportunities, contact Anna Spiess, Community Relations Coordinator: 717.737.3477 x121
Upcoming Events



Celebrate the Arts
April 28
6:00PM
Capital Area Children's Center
A celebration of music, art & dance
Art, auction and visual displays
throughout the building
Sports Auction
June 17
8:45 AM
Carousel Pavilion, City Island, Harrisburg

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It is the shared mission of UCP Central PA and the UCP Foundation of Central PA to assist infants, children, youth, and adults, with disabilities and their families, achieve their goals of development, growth, independence, and full citizenship.