November 23, 2011

by: Renee Canfield

Gratitude

Thanksgiving time often inspires us to take stock in our lives and reflect on the things for which we are grateful.  Here at UCP we have embraced the season, for we all have a great deal to be thankful for.  Each day, our clients remind us that the work we do is meaningful, has impact and truly makes a difference. 

In Children’s Services this week, ten families are grateful for a Thanksgiving meal basket prepared by the Giving Back Group at UCP.   The Giving Back Group was created to give adult clients an opportunity to give back to their community. For the second year in a row they have put together ten Thanksgiving meal baskets for families in need that include a big turkey and all the traditional trimmings.  They held bake sales throughout the beginnng of November and solicited donations in order to obtain the items for each of the baskets.  Teresa, one of the group members explains the group’s purpose well, “I love this time of year and to be able to back to my community by helping families who need it.”  The members of the group had a wonderful time giving the baskets to families as they came in for appointments this week.  To read more about the group, read this agency spotlight.

In Services for Adults this week they are thankful the great number of work assignments available for clients in the Organizational Workshop.  Clients are incredibly busy with work right now and will be as we enter into December.  A nice paycheck for clients working in December–definitely something they are grateful for and just in time for their holiday shopping!  If your company has a piece rate job, such as secure document shredding or sorting that needs completed, receive a quote to have the job completed by the UCP Organizational Workshop! 

All of the employees at UCP are grateful for the opportunity to work with amazing, strong and interesting clients each day and be a part of helping them achieve both major milestones and small personal goals. We are rewarded by the eyes of a child sitting up for the first time or in watching them take that first step that once seemed impossible and in the look of pride from an adult with a disability that receives a paycheck for the very first time.  We are also grateful to the individual donors and foundation support we receive which funds the work that we do.  Thank you!

UCP Wolstein and Westlake locations will be closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th for the holiday. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

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