For nearly 5 years, Geri Kate and Frank’s life has been a race to provide their son Granden with the services and therapies he needs to not only survive but thrive. Granden’s diagnosis of Jeune syndrome, a rare genetic disorder where nearly 60% of children do not reach the age of two, led his parents to United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County (UCP-OC). With the help of UCP-OC’s quick-acting Early Intervention team, he graduated from UCP-OC physical therapy, reached his monumental 2nd birthday and now has a more healthful future. Many of you were touched by hearing Granden’s story, and made the pledge to support UCP-OC’s Early Intervention program. Through your generosity, the Early Intervention program is able to serve more than 460 children annually. We sincerely thank you. Today, two years later, UCP-OC sat down with Geri Kate and asked her for an update on where Granden is today. Below is our conversation.UCP-OC: Where is Granden at today and how has UCP-OC helped get Granden to where he is?

Geri Kate: Granden is a talkative 4 ½ year old about to graduate from UCP-OC speech therapy. UCP-OC’s Feeding Group helped Granden start to feed by mouth and rely less on his feeding tube. With this motivation we entered him into an intensive feeding program, and he now does all his feeding by mouth. UCP-OC has been the catalyst to achieving all the milestones he has reached in the past 4 years; our experience with UCP-OC has truly been life changing.

UCP-OC: What should others know about UCP-OC and how they can make a difference?

Geri Kate: There are many ways to get involved! You can volunteer; as a mother I volunteer on the Parent Guild that assists in fundraising events for the organization. You can sign-up to give a donation monthly; my nieces gave a portion of their allowance to support UCP-OC. Or, you can even help to fulfill toys and materials on their wish list.

Story continued on page 3

vision.A Life Without Limits for children with disabilities.

values.• Results-oriented • Responsible stewards • Family-focused• Caring• Responsive

Connections | Spring 2014

in this issue

Granden: Impact Update.......... A Note from our CEO............... Respite Care Spotlight............. Life Without Limits Gala........... 20th Annual Golf Classic.......... Recreation Classes.................. A Look into the Numbers..........Getting to Know You.................

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Granden: Impact Update

Granden, today age 4

Find UCP-OC online!

mission.To help children with disabilities reach their full potential, improve the quality of life for their families, and foster an attitude of acceptance and inclusion.

You can impact UCP-OC by signing up to make a recurring gift monthly, fulfilling an item from our wish list, attending an event, or volunteering!

A full list of current wish list items can be found at www.ucp-oc.org/wishlist

Please consider UCP-OC in your Estate Planning.Call 949-333-6424 for more information.

Granden, age 2 with parents Frank and Geri Kate

Leave a legacy for UCP-OC’S generations to come!

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Discover more opportunities

to IMPACT children with disabilities. Call 949-333-6452 or visit www.ucp-oc.org

A Note from our CEO

introduce myself as the President and CEO for UCP-OC, beginning on February 20th. I came to UCP-OC because I believe in helping families and children. UCP-OC has

an incredible reputation in the community for helping children with disabilities reach their full potential, and improve the quality of life for their families. UCP-OC’s Mission inspires me and it is an honor to lead and serve this organization to make a difference in the community.

As we start a new phase of our journey together, I wanted to share some background on myself.

Who am I?

First and foremost, I am a proud mother of a 4-year-old girl, named Jadyn. I grew up in Southern California and attended University of California Santa Barbara and UCLA. Helping children has been a personal mission my entire adult life. As a former television news anchor for CBS, I partnered with various charities throughout the country to help raise money and awareness. I served as a Board Member for two different Chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities® (Southwest Florida and Las Vegas). For the last ten years, I have proudly served as the Executive Director for the Orange County Ronald McDonald House, and senior member of the Executive Management Team for the largest Ronald McDonald House Chapter in North America, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California.

Finally, I truly believe that each of us must find meaning in our work. The best work happens when you know that it’s not just work, but something that will improve other people’s lives. This is the opportunity that drives each of us at UCP-OC. I hope the work inspires you too!

I very much look forward to getting to know you. Here is my direct contact information: dlevy@ucp-oc.org and 949-333-6424. Please feel free to send me a note or give me a call. I want to hear from you.

Hello, my name is Deborah Levy. It is a pleasure to

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In Trustworthy HandsYour Gift to Families Receiving Respite Care

With my respite workers from UCP-OC I do not worry about my children. I know they are in capable hands.“ “

For many parents with children that have disabilities, date nights, peaceful grocery trips or going back to school seem out of reach. UCP-OC currently impacts 330 families through the Respite Care Program; with our 107 caregivers providing more than 46,000 hours of care each year.

Due to your support of UCP-OC, parents have the time they need for self-care, to spend one-on-one time with

a sibling, and to strengthen relationships, while knowing their child with special needs is receiving exceptional care.

Jennifer relies on her UCP-OC respite workers, who have been caring for her children for two years, and knows first-hand the importance of the program. “It is difficult to put into words how much respite has impacted our family. When you leave your child with special needs in the care of someone other than yourself, many scenarios run through your mind. You crave the peace of mind that your child is with a caregiver that understands their unique needs and can connect personally with them.”

Respite care is the provision of short-term, temporary relief to those caring for children with disabilities. This support maintains the primary care giving relationship, and provides a positive experience for the person receiving care. With their UCP-OC caregiver, children are able to pursue activities outside the home, in addition to having a safer and more enriched experience while their parent is away.

Jennifer goes on to say,

Thank you for believing in the work done by UCP-OC and the direct impact you can make on a family like the Jennifer’s. You help to ensure the safety of the children and families we serve. Through donor support, all UCP-OC respite workers go through ongoing trainings and certifications. You can read more about UCP-OC’s Respite Care Program on our blog, www.ucpoc.wordpress.com/RespiteCare.

Deborah with her daughter Jadyn

President & CEO

Jennifer and her family

Jennifer’s two boys who receive UCP-OC respite care

Respite has allowed me to go back to school and further my education. I rely on my UCP-OC respite worker to not only safely pick up my two boys from school, but I am confident they are being properly cared for, administered their medication and that my son’s special gluten and dairy free diet is understood and followed. Respite has made a tremendous impact on our family and we are truly grateful.

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SAVE THE DATE! Monday, October 20, 2014Join us for the 20th Anniversary of the Life Without Limits Autumn Golf Classic

Eagle Sponsor Birdie Sponsors

Thank you to our event sponsors

Ron & Ellen Benigno

Dennis Kuhl Chairman,

Angels Baseball

Michael Muhonen, M.D., Director of Neurosurgery

CHOC Children’s

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF ORANGE COUNTY’S

A BLACK AND WHITE SOIREEF R I D AY, M AY 9 , 2 0 1 4 • $ 2 5 0 P E R P E R S O N

Island Hotel • 690 Newport Center Drive • Newport Beach, CA 92660

H O N O R E E S

Scott Pievac with Founding Sponsor Dana Dowers

Sponsorship, underwriting, and item donation opportunities are available. Please contact UCP-OC at 949-333-6452 or development@ucp-oc.org.

Founding Sponsor

We invite you to join us as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the UCP-OC Life Without Limits Autumn Golf Classic on Monday, October 20, 2014.

GRANDEN: IMPACT UPDATE (Cont.)

UCP-OC: What is your favorite UCP-OC moment with Granden?

Geri Kate: The moment Granden started walking in physical therapy with our physical therapist at the time, Melanie, was a tearful and very emotional experience that we will never forget. We had fears of him never walking, and instantly we were filled with jubilation, relief and thankfulness for the hard work and dedication shown to Granden. UCP-OC: We are very grateful for your support. Can you share why you and Frank give both financially and of your time?

Geri Kate: UCP-OC has done so much for our family and the community; it is our way of giving back. They have guided Frank and I through the many services, resources and therapies Granden needed, and go above and beyond to care for the families and children that walk through their doors.

Granden’s original story & video is at:www.ucp-oc.org/granden

We continued our 60 year celebration with our Life Without Limits Autumn Golf Classic this past October. Golfers enjoyed a beautiful day at Santa Ana Country Club, raising more than $135,000 to support the nearly 4,000 children and families UCP-OC serves annually.

Founding sponsor and Board of Directors member Dana Dowers, CEO of D.L.D. Insurance Brokers, Inc., started the tournament 19 years ago with friend and fellow UCP-OC supporter Chris Dubia. Today the tournament is combined with The Brianna Cup, named for UCP-OC Board of Directors member and CEO of SPC Retail Display Group, Scott Pievac’s daughter, and has raised over $2.2 million for UCP-OC since its inception.

UCP-OC teen ambassadors Brianna Pievac and her friend Reo are returning guests at the Life Without Limits Autumn Golf Classic sharing their personal journeys with UCP-OC. Brianna shared that through UCP-OC’s help she can reach for her dreams and not be limited by her disability.

Thank you for making a difference in ending the isolation experienced by so many children affected by disabilities, fostering friendships and self-growth for our children and teens. Ninety-eight percent of our

recreation classes are funded by our donors - We couldn’t do it without you!Go to www.ucp-oc.org/recreation to learn more about the recreation

programs we offer.

We are thankful for your impact and would like to know YOU better!

UCP-OC Board of Directors

James Corbett, Chairman Vertos Medical, Inc

Michele Maryott, Vice President

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Thomas Quinn, Treasurer Allergan, Inc.

Kim Letch, Secretary

Ernst & Young

Bob Cluck Canterbury Consulting

Christopher Deason Voit Real Estate Services

Dana Dowers

DLD Insurance Brokers, Inc.

Daniel Glassman

Greenberg Gross LLP

John Harvey

The Harvey Company Insurance Services

Matthew Maletta

Allergan, Inc.

Debra Mathias

Health Management Associates

Blair Minnis Wells Fargo Bank

Edward Mora

Bank of the West

Scott Pievac SPC Retail Display Group

Michael Tenerelli Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Joshua Tournas, M.D. Kaiser Permanente

Jeannette Wistner KPMG LLP

Deborah Levy, President & CEO

United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County

United Cerebral Palsy

of Orange County

980 Roosevelt, Suite 100Irvine, CA 92620

tel: (949) 333-6400fax: (949) 333-6440

info@ucp-oc.org

www.ucp-oc.org4

Breaking Through Isolation with ArtDrawing & Painting Recreation Class

As a parent with a child or teen with disabilities, it is difficult to navigate after-school and social programs. Many activities are not appropriate or common for an individual with special needs to participate in, thus leading to social isolation.

Teens with disabilities are a growing demographic prone to being secluded due to a lack of opportunities for involvement and social activity. According to the Journal of Autism and Development, “Nearly 40% of young adults with autism never saw friends and half were not [...] being invited to activities. Strikingly, research found that 28% had no social contact at all.”

In an effort to solve these struggles with isolation, UCP-OC sees the importance as well as enriching capabilities of recreational classes for children and teens with disabilities, and offers a wide array of programs. One such program is our Drawing & Painting Class. The group meets weekly, focusing on one piece of art per evening. Students are taught the Art History of the painting and/or style they will be

replicating each class period. The instructor then walks the class step-by-step through the painting process. Each work of art is 100% done by the student. They work with a variety of media and explore the use of forms and color to create a final product.

“Each student can do the project on his own, they really create art in her class! The projects are creative and fun, and Andrew can’t wait to go to art class each week!” - Poita, mother to Andrew (age 19)

The class allows children to express themselves, learn in an engaging setting, and set and achieve goals. Parents have seen their children gain self-confidence, have increased concentration, and form friendships!

98% of our recreation classes are funded by our donors.

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Connect Today!Go to: www.ucp-oc.org/connectto tell us more about you, share your thoughts, and how you would like to hear more from UCP-OC.

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

Therapy & Infant Stimulation

Recreation FamilySupport

Respite & Childcare

% UCP-OC Programs Funded by Donations

Private PayInsurance Government Charitable Support

36%UCP-OC’S PROGRAM SUPPORT COMES FROM DONATIONS

nearly 4,000children & families served annually