"A community can be judged by how they treat the neediest in their group. We should be proud of how we've addressed the needs of people with disabilities in our community."

- Bob McGuire, Executive Director

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Bob’s Letter for May: 60 and Still Running…

Our organization is celebrating 60 years of being responsive to the needs of children and adults with disabilities and throughout the entire time, the foundation for our success has been a series of amazing partnerships.  Initially, the partnerships were small, but the visions were not.  As relationships developed, grew and matured, the expectations expanded.  As the voices of people with disabilities and their families grew louder, more and more people listened and became more informed, educated and involved.  Today, we provide programs and services to over 1,800 children and adults and we reach  thousands of our neighbors throughout the County with our message of disability awareness.  Our programs and services initiatives are individualized and more effective than ever before. The skills and loyalty of our staff are what makes progress possible and for this, I want to thank and recognize each of them.  Walk through the halls at our campus in Roosevelt and you will be moved and impressed by the atmosphere of “can do” that permeates throughout.  Regardless of whether it is the Article 28 clinic services, adult day programs (Life Options, Day Habilitation or Day Treatment) or the Children’s Learning Center, any observer can’t help but recognize that this is a special place. Visit our residences and you will witness the comfort of the individuals who reside in these beautiful homes and the care and attention provided by our dedicated staff.  Children and adults are involved in meaningful activities that fostered and supported by our committed staff.  Speckled throughout these activities are volunteers who aid and abet our efforts.

Our organization is synonymous with volunteerism.  In fact, while we are celebrating our 60th Anniversary our Council of Auxiliaries is celebrating 58 years of support.  Some members have been active volunteers and supporters for almost the entire time.  As this year’s volunteer luncheon 25 members were recognized for their service – four have been with us for more than 35 years and 13 have served between 10 and 30 years.  The Nassau Cerebral Palsy Association Board of Directors is 36 members strong with each of them deeply invested in our agency’s financial stability and committed towards steering our agency in the direction of progress, while maintaining the ability to provide state-of-the-art treatment and services.  Our Foundation Board has challenged all of us to support the Planned Giving Campaign, established less than three years ago, with a target of $10 million dollars in a five-year period.  We are delighted that over $6 million dollars has already been given or promised and are encouraged that this is just the beginning of ensuring that ucpn will not only be viable in the present but that it will also be responsive in the years ahead.  It is my privilege to thank and recognize all of our corporate sponsors and public servants.  Without their generosity and leadership, this long journey could not have been as fruitful.  The individuals who have received services from ucpn, and their families, are the glue that binds us all together.  It is their courage, perseverance, hard work and accomplishments that are the proof that all of our efforts are important and effective.

In this, our 60th year, it is important to recognize the environment that has accomplished so much, yet is currently being threatened with reductions while adding unfunded mandates. There is a cost to buy power wheel chairs, communication devices, maintain facilities and provide quality assurance and corporate compliance.  Be mindful of these threats to real progress and be involved in informing and educating your neighbors, your friends and your representatives on the local, state and national level.  It is only with vigilance and action that we will assure the celebration of future milestone anniversaries for our agency and that our children and adults, who need our support, will get what they need and more if we can provide it.

Comments:

Bob, You continue to inspire - keep on running!

By Rob Dircks on June 09, 2008