Harriet Long's Journey of Strength and Resilience
Harriet Long joined the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) at UCP of Central Arizona (UCP) in March 2004. Her journey with UCP began when she and her significant other, Doug, heard about the opening of the Laura Dozer Center, announced by Tom Brenneman, the former Arizona Diamondback ball game announcer. Since then, UCP of Central Arizona has been instrumental in helping Harriet grow stronger.
Her Journey
Born with Cerebral Palsy, Harriet has faced and overcome numerous challenges throughout her life. Despite not receiving her first real electric scooter until the 7th grade, it gave her newfound independence. Harriet grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana, as one of 13 children and moved to the Valley of the Sun with her family when she was almost 11. She excelled academically in the Creighton School District and graduated with honors from Camelback High School in the top 5% of her class.Transportation challenges prevented her from attending college, but Harriet’s determination never wavered. She fought to stay verbally communicative and to remain in Camelback High School, overcoming significant barriers. With the help of a dedicated biology teacher and ADA improvements in 1986, Harriet continued to thrive academically, earning an A in the class.
Inspiration and Support
Harriet draws inspiration from God, her aunt Sandra, an LPN, her uncle Chuck, and her husband Doug. From 2000 to 2015, Doug worked outside the home, allowing Harriet to explore and enjoy solo adventures on her electric scooter. When Doug became her full-time caretaker, Harriet continued to live independently and actively.In 2013, at a special needs camp in Heber, AZ, Harriet met Skip, a lead staff member who encouraged her to pursue her dream of attending Bible college. This led her to start chaplain classes at The Making of a Chaplain at Phoenix 1st Assembly (now Dream City Church, Phoenix) in January 2014. She graduated in December 2015 as one of Pastor Don’s star students. Harriet has since published over 200 books on Amazon and serves on the board of Chaplain C.Today, Harriet is a prayer warrior, mentor, and counselor who offers support both online and in person. She communicates using her cell phone and iPad. Harriet’s journey of faith and resilience inspires many within the UCP community and beyond.
Discover and purchase Harriet’s published works:
