EDITOR’S NOTE: Lena is a “Personal Assistant” in our Supported Living Department, which means that she works one-on-one a customer (Anita), helping Anita live independently in her own home. Recently, we asked our staff to share stories of their everyday work lives, and Lena wrote the following. Thanks, Lena! By Lena Ruminski, Personal Assistant
Though I have worked for UCP for almost four years, I never knew the kind of joy I could bring someone until this last September when I started working with Anita. While Anita is a woman of few words (unless asked questions), there is one sure way to know that she is enjoying herself: her eyes. The first time I experienced her unique expression of joy was when I introduced her to one of the best things about fall: Starbucks’ seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte. While Anita is a mocha gal herself, I convinced her to try the PSL and upon first sip, she was sold. She looked up at me after her first taste—and her blue eyes were two huge saucers as she exclaimed, “That’s good!” And for the rest of her beverage, after every sip, her wide eyes returned. After we finished up, we started our walk back to her apartment. I started walking fast (and pushing her wheelchair quickly, too) because I was getting chilly. I heard her say “This is fun!” So, I picked up the pace to give her a bit more of a thrill. As I prepared to get her back inside her house, I stopped and turned to her. I saw those wide eyes again as she said, “Can we do that again?!?” Needless to say, we have been regulars at the Starbucks every Saturday shift for our weekly PSL fix. It's rainy and cold here in Oregon, but we're excited because we have some great news for you!
UCP Oregon was awarded a grant from the Oregon Department of Human Services, which we're using to highlight and celebrate the hard work of our Direct Support Professionals. We created a "Share the Love" story project, where our direct support staff could share stories about their work life--the fun stuff, the hard stuff, and even the funny parts. Every person who submitted a story was awarded a $100 Visa gift card. We received so many fabulous stories. We'll be sharing several of them here (see the link below) and on Facebook over the next few weeks, so make sure to check back in. PS: Thank you so much to everyone who submitted a story! *DSP's are employees who provide direct support to customers, such as Personal Assistants, Support Specialists, Support Coordinators, Personal Coordinators, Assistant Team Leaders, Substitute Support Professionals, Children’s Support Professionals, Job Coaches, and Employment Specialists. Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!
As you might have seen, we recently profiled one of UCP’s customers, Emanuel. Emanuel uses supports from UCP Oregon to work at a Portland-area hospital as a Transportation Aid. So now we’re profiling one of our employees, Lara, who works with Emanuel. Lara is a Job Coach at UCP, and has been working for UCP for three years. Here’s what Lara has to say about working with Emanuel: How long have you been working with Emanuel? “Emanuel and I began working together early in 2021. At that time, our Supported Employment team wasn’t providing in-person supports due to the pandemic, so initially, Emanuel and I communicated primarily through text message. Over time, we developed the plan we have now, which is a combination of remote and in-person support.” How would you describe Emanuel? “Emanuel has incredible perseverance; he maintains his job as a front-line worker in the pandemic while also balancing time consuming personal obligations every day. I appreciate that, despite working exhaustingly long hours, Emanuel still has the capacity to be a forward thinker and outline aspirations for his future. Emanuel is an incredibly caring person and a thoughtful communicator.” Thanks for the info, Lara! PS: You can learn more about UCP Oregon’s Supported Employment division (“Employment Solutions”) here. Did you know that this week is “Direct Support Professionals” Recognition Week?
Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) work directly with our customers, and are the heart and soul of everything we do. Currently, UCP employs around 120 DSP’s in a variety of roles. DSP’s work one-on-one with customers at home, on the job, and out in the community, ensuring that each customer has an independent and fulfilling life. Thank you, DSP’s, for all that you do!
Was last Wednesday the best day ever at UCP Oregon? Maybe! UCP was taken over by "Bunnies in Baskets" (a non-profit that brings therapy rabbits to local businesses and organizations). Lucky UCP employees and customers got lots of cuddles, and even a few bunny kisses. Want to watch a video? Check out this video on our Facebook page! Did you know that UCP has a fabulous Morale & Unity Task Force (“MUT”)? But what does MUT do? MUT host multiple fun events a year, such as a Halloween party for our customers, and potlucks and Morale Moments for our employees. Next week, for instance, some Bunnies in Baskets are going to be visiting us! To fund all the fun, the Morale & Unity Task force holds an annual auction in June. Employees, customers and anyone else who is interested donates items or services, and UCP’s employees bid on the item. This year's auction (held last Friday) featured 41 fantastic items, such as a Burt's Bees gift basket, an Oregon wines basket, a Comic Con mystery box, and several homemade liquors. The auction raised $657, which will fund a lot of fun events. Thanks to everyone involved, from the donors and bidders, to the the MUT members. Special thanks go to Kelly Castagnola (Training & Supports Manager), who coordinated the event, and our intrepid Auctioneer, John Barrios (Lead Personal Agent), for his amazing auctioneering skills! Yesterday, UCP's Melissa Miller, Director of UCP's Supported Employment Department, was the keynote speaker at the PHAME One Community Luncheon, an event celebrating inclusive employment for people with developmental disabilities. Congrats, Melissa!
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