Emily at home, sitting for photos

Emily B: Living a Full Life

As we made our way across town to run an errand, the conversation came easy between UCP participant Emily and her support staff Sheri. Emily talked about her recent back issues, her job search, her music preferences, and even personal safety.

Emily has a quick wit and a keen sense of humor, which was on full display. At one point, Sheri asked her "Emily, who would you call if you got locked out of your apartment?" Without a second's hesitation, Emily responded "Ghostbusters!!"

Cool times in the community.

The staff of UCP's Community Participation Supports (CPS) spend countless hours researching, planning, coordinating, and scheduling community-based activities that engage participants, reflect their interests, provide opportunities to see or try something new, or simply experience joy.

When a picture is worth 1,000 words.

Mark from Camp Hill West CPS reacts to the always invigorating combination of sunshine and sliding boards.

At the same time in the same park, CPS participants and friends, Kenny and Billy, were thankful for the opportunity to catch up.

Rep Fleming with CPS participants Jodi S and Rick K

Shout Out to Rep Fleming!

We were thrilled to host Rep. Justin Fleming at the Harrisburg East CPS site on March 14. UCP President/CEO Janeen Latin and CPS Supervisor Alexis McFall gave Rep. Fleming a tour and showed him what a "day in the life" of a CPS participant looks like. Rep. Fleming was enthusiastic and engaged... which he shared in his March newsletter to constituents, saying:

"Last week, I stopped by UCP Central PA Community Participation Supports Harrisburg East in Lower Paxton Township. I had a great time hanging out and chatting! I'm looking forward to going bowling with them sometime soon!"

UPDATE: The gang is looking forward to hitting the lanes with you as well!

For Danny B, Autism is...

"communicating my choices in my own way."

April is Autism Acceptance Month

As recently as 2009, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 1 in 150 children in America had Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The latest CDC research (2023) shows that 1 in 36 children are now diagnosed with autism...

an increase from 1 in 44 children just two years ago.

Where one falls along the spectrum varies from person to person, as does their strengths and weaknesses, abilities and needs. At UCP, we understand that awareness and accessibility don't necessarily translate into acceptance. We encourage our community of supporters to help us challenge the status quo... and to embrace and ACCEPT each participant for the unique individuals they are.

See Governor's Proclamation

YOUR STEPS MATTER!

PLEASE JOIN US...

MAY 18 // 9AM // HACC Campus

Walk for a Healthy Community

presented by Highmark

There will be NO BANNERS to help direct walkers to their selected charity this year. Look for a bunch of UCP-colored balloons outside our tent instead.

For some added incentive... RAISE $100 or sign up a TEAM OF 10 by MAY 11 for a chance to win: