Celebrating 75 Years of Building the UCPLA Family

This year, UCPLA turns 75. Seven and a half decades ago, dedicated families seeking community-based services for their children with developmental disabilities came together to build something that would endure beyond them. They wanted a trusted place that would care for their children, and for the many generations to come, in a safe, nurturing, loving environment. They wanted to provide structure, support, and independence for their loved ones – in short, they wanted to build a family.  Seventy-five years later, that family – the UCPLA family – is stronger than it’s ever been. 

In my 32 years as President and CEO, I have watched our UCPLA family grow beyond our founders’ wildest dreams. In the 1980s, I oversaw the creation of our first group home, which welcomed individuals whose most cherished goal was to live life outside of an institutional setting. I have watched our organization expand throughout five counties in California, and across the world into developing nations where we bring mobility to some of the most under-served members of our global community. I have seen us endure difficult times and celebrate life-changing accomplishments, and I know that we are well prepared for our next 75 years.

And that is why, at the end of 2018, I will be retiring and will pass the leadership of the UCPLA family of organizations on to the next generation. Although I will undoubtedly miss being a part of this organization, I know that the UCPLA family will be in good hands, thanks not only to our strong leadership, but also to an important group of heroes who have helped sustain us over the past seven and a half decades: our generous community of supporters.

When UCPLA was founded, we filled a need that no other organization in Southern California did: high-quality, community-based services for individuals with a variety of developmental disabilities. This need endures, and in fact increases each day as the people we serve continue to live long, healthy lives.

But we don’t simply provide programs and services. UCPLA offers quality-of-life and independence to the individuals we support, and welcomes them – and their families – to become a part of UCPLA’s family. And I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that, once you’re a part of this family, we can help make your dreams come true. As a tenant moving into one of our Independent Living Apartments once said to me, “My dream became my address.”

But we don’t do this alone. We can’t do this alone. You, our supporters, are one of the strongest, most vital branches in the UCPLA family tree. From the moment of our founding, a generous community of donors and volunteers has helped ensure that we can grow and our clients can thrive.

Now, as we turn 75 years old, I am asking you to join us in ensuring that the UCPLA family remains strong for another seven decades, and beyond. What branch would you like to be in our family tree? We are inclusive, with room for supporters with many aspirations and interests. From family members like Jeanie Bergen and her sister Edna, whose story you can see here or by clicking the thumbnail above, who want to create the best possible lives for their loved ones to advocates working to build a more inclusive society to philanthropists who want to leave a legacy that outlasts them – you can make an enduring impact on UCPLA.

Thank you for helping us build this vibrant, thriving UCPLA family. Rooted in your ongoing, generous support, I know our family tree will continue to grow, providing home and hope for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families as we work together to change lives.

It has been a privilege serving as UCPLA’s President and CEO, and I look forward to keeping our community updated as we prepare for the next, exciting phase of our development.