{"id":8729,"date":"2021-04-28T10:15:44","date_gmt":"2021-04-28T17:15:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/?p=8729"},"modified":"2021-04-30T00:21:05","modified_gmt":"2021-04-30T07:21:05","slug":"2021-spring-newsletter-our-way-forward","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/es\/2021-spring-newsletter-our-way-forward\/","title":{"rendered":"Bolet\u00edn de primavera de 2021: nuestro camino a seguir"},"content":{"rendered":"
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CEO Message<\/h2>\n

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\"\"Dear Colleagues,<\/p>\n

One year ago, the world changed and the impact was catastrophe. The COVID-19 global pandemic arrived, and by early summer, we knew \u2014 like every other organization \u2014 the pandemic reality would bring an entirely new set of challenges, requiring an exceptionally swift response to ways we delivered services.<\/p>\n

We wasted no time adjusting our reality and within 30 days, we quickly converted our pediatric therapy services to an online platform and permitted our employees to work remotely. We made these changes to protect our people, continue providing life-changing services for our clients; and to keep our agency and the community safe.<\/p>\n

I am proud to say that while the pandemic might have slowed us down, it certainly did not stop us. Over the past fiscal year, we provided pediatric therapy treatment, early learning services and community-based services to over 700 children and adults with disabilities and their family members. In total, we provided 329,300 hours of therapy sessions, childcare services, adult day training and treatment hours and home and community based service hours.
\nI am deeply grateful to our passionate staff members for your compassionate service. This past year has been challenging and has affected all of us in some way; however, our staff have remained dedicated to help us achieve our mission of providing critical services to our children and adults with disabilities. To our families receiving services from UCP, I want to thank you for the privilege of allowing our staff to serve your needs. I am grateful to our donors, volunteers, and community supporters for your generous gifts of time, talents, and treasure. And a special thank you to Circle K for the continued support through the canister fundraising program that has literally changed the lives of hundreds of families. We are forever grateful for your significant commitment to assist individuals and their families achieve a life without limits.<\/p>\n

Together, no matter your role, we all have made these life-changing and supportive services possible to those counting on us, especially during this pandemic. This past year has been tough, but we remain hopeful for 2021! We continue to develop and expand to bring new and innovative services to our agency and hope that you will be inspired to get involved with us.
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I invite you to read our 2020 Annual Report<\/a> for more information on our successes.<\/p>\n

– Brenda Hanserd, CEO, UCP of Central AZ<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Honor a Parent You Know This Mother’s Day and Father’s Day<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Do you know a superhero mom or dad who cares for a child with a disability<\/span>, or an individual with a disability who is a superhero to their child(ren)<\/span>?\u00a0<\/span>We want to hear their stories!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We encourage you\u00a0<\/span>to send us a picture of a mom or dad\u00a0<\/span>whom you think deserves our recognition\u00a0<\/span>and a sentence or two about them.\u00a0<\/span>For a donation of $25 or more, your superhero parent will be featured\u00a0<\/span>in a video\u00a0<\/span>that will air on UCP<\/span>\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>official\u00a0<\/span>Facebook and Instagram pages, YouTube channel, and website<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>There will be two videos: one honoring mothers for Mother\u2019s Day and one honoring fathers for Father\u2019s Day.\u00a0<\/span>Each video will air on its respective holiday (May 9 for Mother\u2019s Day and June 20 for Father\u2019s Day).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The deadline for submissions for Mother\u2019s Day is May 6 at 11:59pm. The deadline for submissions for Father’s Day is June 17 at 11:59pm.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Submit your photos and a sentence or two about your superhero mom or dad to Alexis Ferri at\u00a0<\/span>aferri@ucpofcentralaz.org<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Donate<\/a><\/p>\n

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UCP Downtown-East Grand Opening <\/strong>\"\"<\/h2>\n

On Monday, February 22<\/span>nd<\/span>, UCP opened its doors to a brand-new pediatric therapy clinic located inside Ability 360. Nestled between the 202 and 143 in East Phoenix, the new facility is conveniently located and serves a population of hundreds of children with disabilities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For the opening ceremony, eight-year-old Aurora was given a very important task: cutting the ribbon.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m cutting the ribbon!\u201d she said happily as she and one of her therapists used special scissors to officially open the new clinic. Viewers watched on Facebook Live as Aurora’s team of therapists cheered her on. Then, with the ribbon cut, she turned to the camera.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on in,\u201d she said, her huge smile evident through her eyes despite her mask, \u201cand let me show you the place!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aurora is one of the children that receives services through UCP\u2019s pediatric therapy clinic. UCP Downtown East continues to offer occupational, speech, and physical therapy to children from birth up to age 12. We<\/span> have a new site, but we have the same team, the same passion, and the same excellent services.<\/span><\/p>\n

Click below to watch the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n\tWatch Now<\/span>\n<\/a>
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I<\/span><\/span>ntroducing<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>UCP\u2019s Mobility Clinic<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Even During Uncertain Times, We Are Committed To A Future Of Innovation<\/h4>\n

In the 1950s, UCP of Central Arizona provid<\/span>ed<\/span>\u00a0wheelchairs\u00a0<\/span>and available resources\u00a0<\/span>to individuals with disabilities and their families<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>70 years of new research, technology, and expertise later, we are changing the narrative.\u00a0<\/span>Now,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>in addition to providing available resources,\u00a0<\/span>w<\/span>e<\/span> seek to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>hel<\/span>p\u00a0<\/span>individuals\u00a0<\/span>out\u00a0<\/span><\/i>of\u00a0<\/span>wheelchairs<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"A<\/span>n exciting array of new pediatric therapy programs are currently being developed at UCP<\/span>, all of which harness the power of innovation<\/span>\u00a0and which are run by compassionate experts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Motor Disorder Clinic consists of new therapy programs for children with cerebral palsy, rare disorders or genetic disorders that affect a child\u2019s ability to move.<\/p>\n

\u201cMobility is intrinsic to child development,\u201d said Valerie Pieraccini, director of UCP\u2019s therapy program. \u201cMobility allows a child to explore their world, an act that is crucial to play, learning, and the acquisition of fundamental life skills such as gross motor skills, fine motor skills, self-help skills, adaptive skills and social or emotional skills. To understand the importance of mobility, one needs only to visit a playground full of children and watch them jump, climb, throw, chase, laugh, scoop sand and shout.\u201d<\/p>\n

An integral part of the Motor Disorder Clinic is robot assisted gait training (RAGT) using the latest innovative, state-of-the-art technology: the Aretech ZeroG\u00ae Gait and Balance System. It is a system of 58 feet of a U-shaped track, a passive trolley and 4 harnesses, and it provides dynamic body-weight support and fall protection through sensors for intensive gait and balance therapy.<\/p>\n

Although therapy programs exist in Maricopa County that provide physical and occupational therapy, none of them provide the opportunity for Robot Assisted Gait Training for young children. The ZeroG is the only device that can be used with children with a body weight as little as 20 pounds, in order to work with children as young as one year old who are crawling and taking their first steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ZeroG at the Laura Dozer Center will bring this opportunity to Arizona\u2019s children with motor disorders and delays that is lacking in the Southwestern United States,\u201d said Valerie Pieraccini.<\/p>\n

The track for the ZeroG will be installed at the Laura Dozer campus in the therapy clinic in May and the team is incredibly excited!<\/p>\n

\u201cThis will be something heavily integrated into current physical and occupational therapy sessions,\u201d she said. \u201cIt’ll help kids go from sit to stand, crawling to walking, it even can go over stairs… it\u2019ll be a huge benefit for our kids.”<\/p>\n

UCP is grateful to the Board of Visitors for their generous grant which has funded phase one of the ZeroG installation. Founded in 1908, the Board of Visitors is the oldest women\u2019s charitable organization in Arizona and is dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of women, children, and the elderly. Their investment in the future of Arizona children is a legacy that will continue for many years to come.<\/p>\n

\u201cImagine offering a service for children with physical disabilities that could mean the difference between a child being able to move around our gym and enjoy their body versus only being able rather than being limited to a stationary piece of equipment on a treadmill,\u201d said Valerie Pieraccini.<\/p>\n

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication Program<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

In addition to the RAGT, <\/span>UCP is\u00a0<\/span>developing a program to serve children with disabilities with expressive communication disorder. At the request of the community, UCP is launching the Augmentative and Alternative Communication\u00a0<\/span>(AAC)\u00a0<\/span>program.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>To communicate is essential to being human,\u201d said Valerie\u00a0Pieraccini. \u201cWords are not only the tools of poets and marketing firms but also the essential tools of children. Language is the framework for children to gain cognitive, emotional and social skills for life. When words are not possible due to a disability, speech and language is delayed, negatively impacting all of development.<\/span>\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The AAC<\/span>\u00a0program<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>changes that. Providing a speech-generating device to a child\u00a0<\/span>gives them the ability to say, \u201cI love you,\u201d or tell a friend, \u201cLet\u2019s play!\u201d\u00a0<\/span>Assistive technology allows a child to<\/span>\u00a0share thoughts, ideas, wants, and needs.\u00a0<\/span>Depending on the\u00a0<\/span>individual<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>needs of the child, t<\/span>he technology ranges from a\u00a0<\/span>paper with symbols to a complex eye gaze device that allows a child to scan symbols<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The AAC team at UCP consists of<\/span>\u00a0a speech-language pathologist,\u00a0<\/span>an\u00a0<\/span>occupational therapist and<\/span>\u00a0a<\/span>\u00a0physical therapist<\/span>. They will\u00a0<\/span>provide evaluation, positioning and access recommendations, trialing of devices<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and training on how to use speech devices.\u00a0<\/span>The overall<\/span>\u00a0objective is to provide<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the child and their family\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0opportunity<\/span>\u00a0to test\u00a0<\/span>different speech devices, mounting systems, access switches and positional aids to determine what would be best for\u00a0<\/span>each<\/span>\u00a0child.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cImagine,\u201d Valerie said, \u201cgiving\u00a0<\/span>a child the\u00a0<\/span>gift of saying, \u2018I love you<\/span>.<\/span>\u2019<\/span>\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To read more about UCP\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0other developing<\/span>\u00a0therapy clinic programs, click\u00a0<\/span>here<\/span><\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Pandemic Hasn’t Slowed Down The Fun at the ELC<\/strong><\/h2>\n

On April 22, the\u00a0<\/span>children of the\u00a0<\/span>Early Learning Center\u00a0<\/span>observed Earth Day with a celebration of gardening and painting. Masks were worn, health screenings were done, and each child could have one parent present… and a blast was had by all.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"After shutting down temporarily in March 2020,\u00a0<\/span>UCP\u2019s Early Learning Center reopened three of its classrooms to 16 children on August 10<\/span>. Anticipating challenges in welcoming children back to a different environment, the staff took extra measures to ensure the children would feel right at home on campus. Teachers sent videos of themselves to the children and parents prior to their arrival, to show them what their faces looked like with masks on and to prepare them for what they would see in their classrooms.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s actually been a really positive transition back,\u201d said Katy Moon, Early Learning Center program director. \u201cWe anticipated that it would be hard for a lot of the kids to return after being at home after four months. We anticipated a bit of a struggle\u2026. But we opened, and nobody was sad!\u201d <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot sad\u201d is an understatement. Katy described the children as so excited to be back every day that upon arrival, they want to run straight through the gate to the classrooms\u2014which they can do, as soon as they get their temperature checked!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Temperature checks and curbside drop-off <\/span>weren\u2019t\u00a0<\/span>the only measures that\u00a0<\/span>were\u00a0<\/span>put into place by the incredible ELC staff. Throughout the day, teachers positively encourage the children to have space between each other, ensure everybody sanitizes hands frequently, and thoroughly clean toys multiple times throughout the day. Additionally, each child has their own box with personalized items more difficult to sanitize such as markers or crayons. Parents brought personal belongings in advance so there would be no transfer of items back and forth between the classrooms and home.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though the ELC is licensed for 100 children, they started very slowly with 16, eventually increasing numbers\u00a0<\/span>so that t<\/span>oday, there are 30 children<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0The reopening success has been so great that more families are inquiring about availability by the day.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe outpour of appreciation and gratitude from families has been amazing,\u201d said Katy Moon.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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UCP’s Therapists Are Unstoppable<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When a child with a disability comes to UCP, there is an entire team of people working behind the scenes to ensure their success.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The UCP\u2019s pediatric therapy clinics consist of teams built of physical, occupational, speech, and feeding therapists, all of whom are experts in child development in their fields. Dividing and conquering the Valley at two different locations, nine therapists run the show at UCP\u2019s main Laura Dozer campus while six take charge of UCP\u2019s newest location: a downtown-east facility located in the beautiful Ability 360 Center. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The team is overseen by Valerie Pieraccini, Director of Therapy Programs and Early Learning Center, and Therapy Program manager Laura Hazy. It is backed by two medical front desk receptionists, a referral specialist, an authorizations specialist, and an administrative support coordinator, all of whom play essential roles in keeping children\u2019s referrals, evaluations, on-going schedules, billing, and on-going therapy reports running like clockwork. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When COVID-19 came to Arizona, Laura Hazy said that challenges of navigating a pandemic was overwhelming but the team was determined to carry out UCP\u2019s mission of serving the children. challenging to say the least. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere’s been a lot of change,\u201d she said. \u201cThe clinics being closed for April, May, June, July… it was really tough on the team. But we are on track [for serving the kids] and that\u2019s going really well.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The pandemic brought a temporary closure of UCP clinics on March 27th, 2020 which meant that the therapy team had to rapidly figure out a solution for children who simply could not afford to miss therapy sessions. With the needs of the children on the forefront of their minds, one week later, the therapy team began offering teletherapy, which is a way for therapists to provide therapy virtually with families using a secure video call. Virtual sessions are a way for children to maintain progress as well as a way for parents to gain hands-on techniques from therapists in order to help their children succeed at home. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The staff were amazed with the creative solutions of families who made <\/span>homemade<\/span> versions of equipment. Staff were equally creative. Iman Johnson, occupational therapist, made a video inviting children to therapy on the computer screen. Brittany <\/span>Dichraff<\/span>, physical therapist, visited one little girl\u2019s home by waving through the window when the little one missed visiting \u201cMiss Brittany.\u201d <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The therapy clinics reopened at a limited capacity in late July 2020 and are slowly adding more in-person visits. Today, approximately 70% of children are seen in-person while 30% do remote teletherapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many families are ready to be back in person. From school closures to changes in routine \u2013 which can be detrimental to a child with a disability who relies on consistency \u2013 navigating the pandemic has been challenging for them. \u201cA year later a lot of families are ready for that return to normal\u201d ,said Laura.<\/span><\/p>\n

But despite the turmoil of last year, each member of UCP\u2019s pediatric therapy team has shown time and time again that they do what is best for the kids. From making teletherapy sessions work to keeping the kids\u2019 safety at heart, UCP\u2019s therapy team has shown resilience, commitment, and above all, a fierce love for each child that comes to UCP.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Help UCP\u2019s therapy team continue to move forward with a donation today and change the lives of children counting on them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Donate<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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No More Cabin Fever: Members Thrilled to Return to UCP!\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"On a warm April morning, a small group of adults gathered in one of UCP\u2019s outdoor spaces at the<\/span>\u00a0main<\/span>\u00a0Laura Dozer campus.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One individual bounced a basketball on the concrete. Another sat and carefully concentrated on<\/span>\u00a0moving his<\/span>\u00a0toy cars. Others mill<\/span>ed about<\/span>, taking in the sunshine<\/span>, smiles wide on their faces.\u00a0<\/span>A breeze\u00a0<\/span>occasionally blew through\u00a0<\/span>everyone\u2019s hair.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Members of UCP\u2019s Day Treatment and Training program were outside together for the first time in months,\u00a0<\/span>and spirits were high.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Kellogg, interim program manager for DTA, said that when her<\/span>\u00a0program<\/span>\u00a0staff and<\/span>\u00a0the<\/span>\u00a0members returned\u00a0<\/span>indoors<\/span>, the happiness was evident in everyone\u2019s faces<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey just loved being outside,\u201d she said. \u201cIt made a world of difference.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the height of the 2020 pandemic, UCP\u2019s Day Treatment and Training\u00a0<\/span>(DTA)\u00a0<\/span>program temporarily closed on March 26\u00a0<\/span>a<\/span>nd didn\u2019t reopen until August. Today,\u00a0<\/span>the\u00a0<\/span>program is open to a smaller but thriving group of\u00a0<\/span>individuals\u00a0<\/span>who are excited to be with their friends once more.<\/span>\u00a0Located at a smaller facility a few blocks away from UCP\u2019s main\u00a0<\/span>campus<\/span>, the DTA program is in the process of relocating to UCP\u2019s Laura Dozer\u00a0<\/span>facility<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>where\u00a0<\/span>member\u00a0<\/span>will have access to an outdoor recreation area<\/span>\u00a0all the time.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Originally serving 30 members, the DTA program has safely reopened to half capacity. Mary says that one of the benefits of having a smaller group\u00a0<\/span>is that more one-on-one attention is given to each individual and that each person is learning more than ever.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor a couple of members, their goals are to write down or trace their names and addresses, and one of them has learned typing on the computer,\u201d she said, pride evident in her voice. \u201cAnother gal with [cerebral palsy] and has limited use of her body, hands, arms\u2014she has been learning how to sign.<\/span>\u00a0S<\/span>he<\/span>\u2019s also<\/span>\u00a0been learning how to\u00a0<\/span>clos<\/span>e\u00a0<\/span>the\u00a0<\/span>lid on her lunch bowl when she\u2019s done with it<\/span>. S<\/span>he\u2019s doing more things for herself. And her mother is just so impressed with the improvement she has made.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to overseeing the Day Treatment and Training program,\u00a0<\/span>Mary Kellogg is the<\/span>\u00a0manager for UCP\u2019s Home and Community Based Services program. She said that the program staff have been<\/span>\u00a0remarkable in coming back to work<\/span>\u00a0and praised her team for their commitment.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>The staff have been really good.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Those who have been working here have been so dedicated and so blessed to be back to work and being with their members<\/span>,\u201d she said.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Kellogg\u00a0<\/span>sums up the heart of UCP\u2019s mission and commitment by emphasizing how fortunate she feels to<\/span>\u00a0come to work every day.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have often been told that I am a special person or that it takes a special person to work with a person who has a disability,\u201d she said. \u201cI have to say that it is an honor and a gift that I am able to serve and support each and every person I come in contact with every day I go to<\/span>\u00a0work. I have\u00a0<\/span>learned<\/span>\u00a0and continue to learn so much as we work and grow together.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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One Year Ago, Everything Changed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"\"When we reflect\u00a0<\/span>on where UCP of Central Arizona was one year ago<\/span>\u00a0when the world changed<\/span>, it can be difficult to <\/span>accurately\u00a0<\/span>calculate the effects of a<\/span>n unprecedented global pandemic<\/span>\u00a0and how UCP rose to combat them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Do we\u00a0<\/span>count the number of masks that have been worn by our employees and families over the past year? The number of\u00a0<\/span>boxes of\u00a0<\/span>plastic gloves<\/span>\u00a0opened<\/span>? The bottles of hand sanitizer used?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do we marvel at\u00a0<\/span>our<\/span>\u00a0pediatric therapy clinic\u2019s ability to switch to teletherapy sessions almost overnigh<\/span>t<\/span>? T<\/span>he number of children who were able to successfully continue therapy despite the mandatory shut down<\/span>?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do we consider the number of times a Home and Community Based Services employee put on their personal protective equipment to go into the home of an individual with a disability who still needed services?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When we\u00a0<\/span>think of\u00a0<\/span>the\u00a0<\/span>impact<\/span>\u00a0of an unprecedented pandemic, our first instinct might be to<\/span>\u00a0count the days and weeks and months our Early Learning Center, in-person therapy services, and Day Treatment and Training programs were closed<\/span>\u00a0for\u00a0<\/span>the\u00a0<\/span>safety<\/span>\u00a0of our families<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But would it be more accurate to measure impact in the shrieks of joy from the children back in August as they<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n

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ran back to their classrooms where their masked teachers awaited them? In the number of ear-to-ear smiles on faces as members re-entered the familiarity at UCP\u2019s Day Treatment and Training program? In the tears of happiness from parents whose children were so excited to see their therapists in-person again?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Would it be accurate\u00a0<\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0count the number of donors who graciously continued to give what they could? The number of corporate partners who have stepped up to help us fund our essential programs?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And how \u2013 how? \u2013\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>do\u00a0<\/span>we\u00a0<\/span>unequivocally\u00a0<\/span>measur<\/span>e the hearts of each employee at UCP whose flexibility, time, patience, passion, expertise, and commitment are the reason we are still here?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do we count the hours<\/span>\u00a0they worked<\/span>?\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The number of<\/span>\u00a0individual<\/span>\u00a0homes that became offices?\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The m<\/span>oments\u00a0<\/span>spent rearranging,\u00a0<\/span>accommodating<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>modifying, redesigning<\/span>\u00a0how we deliver services for our children and teens and adults and their families?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One year ago, everything changed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nearly everything.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The one thing that did not change was the strength of the UCP team and our commitment to our children, teens and adults and their families.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That alone is\u00a0<\/span>immeasurable<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And while the impact of the global pandemic<\/span>\u00a0will lessen over time<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>UCP is determined to ensure that our\u00a0<\/span>impact<\/span>\u00a0on those we serve\u00a0<\/span>will last forever.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div>\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t

\"Donate<\/a><\/p>\n

Great news Arizona Residents! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline to file your taxes has been extended until May 17, 2021. This also means you still have time to take advantage of the AZ Charitable Tax Credit, where you can donate up to $800 to your favorite qualifying charity and receive it back on your 2020 tax returns. \u00a0If you already filed your taxes then you can claim your donation next year in your 2021 tax returns. If you are filing your taxes as single, the max allowable tax credit donation is $400. If you are filing married the max allowable tax credit donation is $800.<\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

\"\"Calling Corporate Partners: <\/strong>After over a year of no social gatherings, we are excited to announce our in person Gala this Fall 2021. Sponsorship Opportunities<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0now available.<\/h3>\n
Saturday, October 9th 2021- <\/em>Mountain Shadows Resort- Paradise Valley\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/h5>\n

 <\/p>\n

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

UCP of Central Arizona<\/h3>\n

1802 W. Parkside Ln Phoenix, AZ 85027<\/p>\n

Toll free: (888) 943-5472
\nTelephone: (602) 943-5472
\nFAX: (602) 943-4936
\nE-mail: info@ucpofcentralaz.org<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hoy, UCP de Arizona central es una de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro m\u00e1s antiguas y valiosas del estado, y presta servicios a casi 3,000 miembros en una amplia gama de discapacidades y demoras. Pero eso no sucedi\u00f3 de la noche a la ma\u00f1ana. Las personas con discapacidad han librado una larga y ardua batalla por la igualdad y el respeto durante d\u00e9cadas, incluso siglos.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8729","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-newsletter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8729","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8729"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8729\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8732,"href":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8729\/revisions\/8732"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8729"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8729"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ucpofcentralaz.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8729"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}