October 13, 2017

by: Guest Contributor

BAC Member Testimony

Matthew Kress was introduced to UCP of Greater Cleveland eight years ago when he worked at the Oatey Company. He is currently Vice President of Employee Relations at New York Community Bank and a member of UCP’s Cuyahoga County Business Advisory Committee (BAC). Below, Matt shares why he gives his time, talent and treasures to UCP of Greater Cleveland.

My involvement with UCP of Greater Cleveland began at my prior employer, Oatey Company, and their supported employment worksite partnership with UCP’s OakLeaf Partners Employment Program. Oatey’s enduring commitment to this partnership provides meaningful work opportunities while benefiting the company with devoted and productive employees.

My connection with the agency’s Supported Employment Program provided me the privilege of getting to know an extremely charismatic and earnest OakLeaf Partners client employed at Oatey. After we had developed a friendship, he shared the personal challenges and also the diagnosis that led him to seek UCP’s services. I was profoundly affected by this information as my son, Alex, had only recently been similarly diagnosed. This remarkable young man provided hope and inspiration as I struggled with the anxieties of what Alex’s future might hold. This client’s success has touched me in a very personal way and he is a shining example of OakLeaf Partners’ profound impact.

Getting to know and work with the clients in the supported employment group provided insight into the mission and vision of UCP. The dedication of Program Coordinator Greg Zaryk was very inspiring, and when Greg was kind enough to invite me to a Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, I was honored to attend. I’ve been a BAC member ever since.

Our role as BAC members is to utilize our expertise while leveraging business and community relationships to foster awareness and create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This takes many forms, including participating in events, calling upon contacts to help UCP make inroads at targeted employers, or conducting mock interviews with UCP clients to better prepare them for integrated employment. My BAC membership has been a great way to support this important organization and its essential mission while connecting with other members from many professional walks of life throughout Cleveland.

In addition to the BAC, UCP does a fantastic job of providing a variety of other community support opportunities. For me, this has taken the form of participating in UCP’s Race to Empower, supporting Team UCP at the Cleveland Triathlon, and taking advantage of other opportunities to contribute, such as Giving Tuesday and designating contributions to my employer’s United Way campaign directly to UCP (check with your employer regarding how to do so). UCP of Greater Cleveland’s efforts impact over a thousand children and adults every year. For me, supporting UCP provides the satisfaction of knowing my time, talent and treasure support the community as a whole.

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