"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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Fall is upon us….

The summer is quickly fading, Fall is upon us; and it is back to school for our children. Old friends and some new faces appear, some new and some old challenges are waiting to be overcome. In this, our 62nd year, our greatest resource – our constituents; provide us with the confidence and support to enable ucpn to thrive and prosper. This newsletter will inform you of events and activities that have occurred over the past several months. Many of these articles identify those constituents that are a part of our ucpn family. This organization was established by families and their supporters in search of a better future for family members with a disability. Over the past 60 years, the Council of Auxiliaries has raised many millions of dollars to ensure the realization of these families’ dreams. Our constituents – the families, the children and adults with disabilities, our volunteers, staff, local, state and federal representatives as well as the corporate world, have all contributed to the well established and responsive organization that we are today. I’ve often written about those who would attempt to destroy what has been built over the decades that witnessed a transition from institutional neglect to a continuum of residential and day program options that today, proudly include independence, individuality and choice as core concepts. Today, what we often hear about is a reduction in the financial support that has allowed for the capable array of services, couched in language that would have you believe “less is better.” Tell that to the family that awaiting residential placement or a day program of their choice. Tell that to the individual who needs a service while being deluged with threats of capitation or outright elimination of access to medical and clinical interventions. Last year, many of our adult participants traveled to Albany on several occasions to meet with representatives to educate and inform them of issues important to those receiving services. Many of you received from me, requests that you too, express your concerns to our representatives on the local, state and national level, and through your feedback to me, I know many of you have. For those who have not been a recent visitor to our facility, I invite you for a tour. Besides witnessing the joy of our children, the accomplishments of the adults, and our dedicated, talented staff, you will also see signage that features “The Star Thrower” by Loren Eiseley. The story speaks of an old man who was picking up objects off the beach and tossing them out into the sea. A young man approached him and saw that the objects were starfish and questions, “Why in the world are you throwing starfish into the water?” “If the starfish are still on the beach when the tide goes out and the sun rises high in the sky, they will die,” replied the old man. “That is ridiculous,” the young man answered. “There are thousands of miles of beach and millions of starfish. You can’t really believe that what you’re doing could possibly make a difference!” The wise old man picked up another starfish, paused thoughtfully, and remarked as he tossed it out into the waves: “It makes a difference to this one.” If each of us picks up a pen, or a phone, or sends one email, just one action from each of the 50,000 readers of this periodical, would make a significant difference. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Over 60 years ago, our families dreamt of a better world – that dream has not changed and a better world for individuals with disabilities is attainable with all of your help.

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