Margaret

I was born with light Cerebral Palsy and light Epilepsy. Although I live with my brother, I still am very much independent and I encourage everyone with disabilities to be independent as well. I love arts and crafts, swimming, and many other activities. I’m a volunteer at a thrift store, I get involved with the community, and I am also a helper in the “Chef of the Week” every Thursday. I love my time here at UCP because their programs are great and they treat people well. I wish my family nothing but the best and I wish that someday I could be on my own.

Words of Wisdom: “ Treat everyone fair and be a good person.”

Dennis

I like to collect marbles and hot wheels because I like all the different colors. I’ve liked different colors ever since I was five years old. People don’t understand me real good because of my disability. I was born with cerebral palsy. I like UCP because all of my friends who went to Beyer High School with me are here. I am outgoing, funny, loving, and I encourage people to be the same. I wish I could walk and if I were normal I would love to help others who have disabilities.

Words of Wisdom: “ Jokes are important because if someone is sad, funny jokes are the best way to cheer people up.”

Rosy

When I was diagnosed with my disability the professionals thought that I would not live over the age of 5 because of my epileptic seizure. I am now 25yrs old so I guess they were wrong. An epileptic seizure is caused by lack of oxygen to the brain and some people don’t know this so I think it’s important information to share. I found out about UCP through my uncle. I really like UCP because they are helping me with my spelling, reading, writing, and math. I wish that my family would reach their goals. I also encourage everyone to be happy and be yourself all the time.

Words of Wisdom: “ Stay in school and be cool.”

Clifford

I am a comic book fan and I love Manga and anime DVDs. The best thing I like about UCP is the fact that I am learning how to cook and save money. UCP also provides me an escape from home. I am a very tolerant person and I accept others exactly the way they are. I also do my best to always do what’s right. Although no one is perfect, I really wish and strive to rid myself of negative feelings and emotions. One of the main things I do to encourage people when they are sad, mad, or troubled about something is by telling them “it’s not worth it.”

Words of Wisdom: “Judge not lest ye be judged.”

Michael

I am a member of the Board of Directors and Safety Committee. I think UCP is a great place because there are a lot of good people here. My developmental disability makes me a little slow on things but I don’t consider it a limit. I love collecting. My favorite collections are my puzzle cards. I take care of my cousin and I wish that my family could be happy all the time. As for me, I wish that my hug would have the power to let people walk again.

Words of Wisdom: “ Cheer up and have a happy conversation.”

Juan

Through UCP I’m learning how to write and do math again. I go out to the community with the Expanding Horizons group and we do a lot of really fun things like going to a restaurant and the mall. On Saturdays I go to my brothers restaurant and help wash dishes. My brother prepares me the best Italian meal, which is petrocini with shrimp. But during some of my free time I love to watch TV. I wish that I could walk again so that I can go to college. I also hope that I can get my citizenship soon.

Words of Wisdom: “ Surround yourself with good people.”