UCP of Sacramento and Northern California has received a $1,500 CVS Caremark Community Grant. The Community Grants Program was created by CVS Caremark as part of its commitment to putting people on the path to better health by creating greater access to health care services and providing support for the uninsured and underinsured. Support from CVS Caremark will help UCP Saddle Pals, which provides adaptive horsemanship opportunities to children and adults with disabilities. “Saddle Pals is one of our most popular programs but also one of our most expensive, due to the high cost of care for horses,” said Doug Bergman, UCP president and CEO. “CVS Caremark’s grant will enable children and ad

Pacific Coast Building Products Foundation and Pacific Coast Companies of Rancho Cordova recently awarded UCP of Sacramento and Northern California a grant of $7,500 to fund UCP Saddle Pals Heroes Astride, which provides adaptive horsemanship opportunities to disabled servicemen and women at no cost so they can recover from physical and emotional trauma. “Our nation’s heroes serve their country around the world, but when they are injured, often have trouble finding the care they need close to home, “ said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California. “We are very thankful to Pacific Coast for its generous donation that will empower wounded veterans, serviceme

The California Communications Access Foundation recently awarded nonprofit UCP of Sacramento and Northern California (United Cerebral Palsy) a grant of $25,000 to purchase 11 iPads, one SMART Table and one SMART Board for its adult day programs and Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State that serve people with developmental disabilities. The new devices are providing children ages 8-12 at the Autism Center for Excellence with reinforced communication and increased motor and daily living skills. Adult day program participants are enhancing their community participation and group skills, vocational training, language development and cognition. “We’re very thankful for California Co

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Sacramento and Northern California is supporting National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with

Sacramento area residents can cut footloose for people with developmental disabilities as they celebrate the decade of parachute pants, neon spandex and shoulder pads at the annual UCP Dance Party 7-11 p.m. on Sept. 22. The largest outdoor ‘80s party in the Sacramento area will take place at the Sunset Whitney Golf Club, 4201 Midas Avenue, Rocklin, and will raise funds for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California. “This is such a fun and creative way to raise money,” said Doug Bergman, UCP president and CEO. “We are always excited about partnering with creative people to find new ways to empower people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits.” The event includes danc

Local residents now can have their e-waste picked up curbside along with donations of household items, thanks to UCP of Sacramento and Northern California’s thrift store service. All items benefit UCP’s programs that empower people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits. To schedule a pickup, call (800) 860-0357 or look for the yellow postcard delivered throughout the year. “There are countless e-waste collection events, but this is a great opportunity to properly dispose of e-waste without having to leave your home, and it benefits people with disabilities. It’s a win-win,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California. UCP’s thrift

Five hundred people raised $250,000 at UCP of Sacramento and Northern California’s 19th annual Humanitarian of the Year Award Dinner on May 10. UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, which empowers people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits, honored Chevo Ramirez, regional vice president of Wells Fargo Foundation for the Northern and Central California Region. The Humanitarian of the Year Award is given to individuals who have displayed a passion for life and a desire to work toward enhancing the lives of others. “Chevo has made a profound impact on our community through his work with the Wells Fargo Foundation,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sa

Local residents can sample new Pyramid brews at a fundraiser for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California’s Autism Center for Excellence summer camp. The tasting event will take place 5-8 p.m. on April 19 at Pyramid Alehouse, 1029 K Street, Sacramento, and will include unlimited samples of Pyramid’s new beer releases, light snacks and live music from local band Secret Argyle. Tickets cost $25 and must be purchased at http://ucpacecamp2012.eventbrite.com. The event will help raise funds to send 15 children with autism to summer camp at Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola. All 15 campers have been learning the skills to interact with other children with autism, as well as typically developing c

UCP of Sacramento and Northern California has received a $25,000 grant from the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Community Fund to empower people with developmental disabilities in three programs serving Yolo County. Funding will support UCP’s respite program, transportation program and Woodland adult day program. “We are honored to receive funding from the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Community Fund, which supports so many worthy causes in our region,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California. “We look forward to empowering more people with developmental disabilities in Yolo County to live life without limits.” UCP’s Woodland adult day program serves 47 adults

UCP of Sacramento and Northern California will hold its 19th annual Humanitarian of the Year Award Dinner 6-9 p.m. on May 10 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel Sacramento. The group, which empowers people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits, will honor Chevo Ramirez, regional vice president of Wells Fargo Foundation for the Northern and Central California Region. The Humanitarian of the Year Award is given to individuals who have displayed a passion for life and a desire to work toward enhancing the lives of others. “Chevo has made a profound impact on our community through his work with the Wells Fargo Foundation,” said Doug Bergman, president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento

When it comes to the most romantic day of the year, traditional gifts of roses and heart shaped boxes of candy still dominate the market, but for those ladies and gentlemen looking for a more unique way to show their affection, consider the gift of food and fun by giving your special someone tickets to the Sacramento Chef Challenge. Tickets are only $25 each and include: • Chef Challenge competition • Gourmet food sampling • Wine and Beer tasting • Cake War presented by Cakegrrl.com • Live Music • Raffle and Silent Auction Prizes “When you’ve celebrated 30 Valentine’s Days together it can be difficult to find a really special gift,” says Rancho Cordova resident Linda Allen, “I was truly

2012 marks the tenth anniversary of our region’s premier culinary competition the Sacramento Chef Challenge, and organizers are inviting local restaurants, wineries, breweries and specialty shops to showcase their fare at the June 23rd event. The Sacramento Chef Challenge is a culinary extravaganza featuring two live cooking competitions, lavish food, wine and beer sampling, live music, raffle prizes and more. The event is expected to draw a crowd of over 1000 guests in celebration of INALLIANCE, a local nonprofit that has provided support to people with developmental disabilities for 60 years. “Our vendors draw a huge crowd each year by providing a variety of samples to our guests,” say

Catalina Rodriguez of Winters was in high school when she lost her 18-month-old son to complications from cerebral palsy. Now a sophomore at Solano College, she has won several awards for her advocacy work with UCP of Sacramento and Northern California to honor her son. Rodriguez was named the 2011 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professionals California Capital Chapter at the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon in November. In September, she was named a Local Hero by Bank of America, and in the same month, was a top 10 finalist for Most Influential College Student at the national Stay Classy Awards. This spring, she received the Youth Volunteer Award at

“These shows allow our artists to feel genuinely appreciated by people who don’t see them for what they lack, but see them for what they have," says Jessica Dore, of Studio 700 Center for the Arts. Twice a year, the artists of Studio 700 have the chance to open the doors of their studio to the community and display their work, in a public recognition of exactly who (and what) they are. Artists. “I think there’s a general climate of sympathy rather than appreciation that surrounds this population,” Dore said, “but there’s something raw and unique and wonderful about someone who isn’t ‘classically trained’ putting something down and creating art." A program of Placer ARC, Studio 700 is t

A marathon of litigation lies ahead in Arc California’s emerging legal battle with the State of California – but for now, they’ll look to start things off with a 5K. “As California taxpayers, we fully appreciate the State’s need to reduce costs, but we cannot allow the State to endanger its citizens and risk their basic civil rights,” Arc California executive director Tony Anderson said in a statement released on the Sacramento-based organization’s website. Filed jointly in federal court by Arc California and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Diego, both agencies which serve as advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a law suit against the State of Ca

Scott Grochowski is a young man with a great sense of humor and a compassion for animals, but up until about a year ago his Folsom neighbors had never seen that side of him. Instead, Scott was known for violent outbursts and aggressive behavior. The 26-year-old has been diagnosed with Mental Retardation, Autism and mild Cerebral Palsy, which severely limits his ability to speak. This verbal communication deficit meant people who came into contact with Scott had a difficult time understanding him. The frustration Scott endured from his inability to communicate with his community caused him to lash out. When angry, Scott might yell, run at dangerous objects or bite his own arm. Scott’s fami

The journey of Ed Etter Jr. to a home of his own is a telling documentary of the evolution of developmental disability services in California. In 1943, Ed Jr. was born in Missouri while his father, a Navy man, was bravely fighting in World War II.  When Mr. Etter came home from the war, his wife was missing, and so was his newborn son. According to Mr. Etter, Mrs. Etter took everything (even the light bulbs) and moved to California.  Eventually she placed an eight-year-old Ed into Sonoma State Hospital. Mr. Etter diligently searched for his son, finally tracking him down in 1954. What happened next boggles our enlightened minds - Sonoma State Hospital refused to release Ed to his father.

Chants and cheers from nearly 800 concerned citizens filled the Downtown Sacramento streets on February 22 as the “Mommy Tsunami” protest walk finished its final leg from Caesar Chavez Park to the California State Capitol. The walk began on February 19 in Yuba City, where a group of Generation Y moms began a 60 mile journey to the Capitol in protest of Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed $1 billion budget cut to services for people with developmental disabilities. Participants, families, employees and volunteers from disability advocacy and support groups joined in the rally sporting bright red t-shirts baring a large target that read “A Budget Target Again?” Their message is that the propose