Fall_Winter_2017_Newsletter

4 Life without Limits Jeff Cooper Retires the Tie With the April 30 retirement of 16-year President and CEO Jeffrey W. Cooper, UCP turned the page on a chapter of substantial growth, not only in our geographic footprint but also in the scope and innovation of our program and service offerings. During Jeff’s tenure, UCP increased its presence from six counties to 17. Our program locations grew from nine to 44. And we experienced a dramatic increase in revenue: from $5 million to $33 million. While these are impressive numbers, they represent much more than simple statistics. They are a snapshot of the countless ways Jeff’s leadership empowered UCP to enrich the lives of the individuals we serve. In particular, we recognize and applaud Jeff’s tireless work in the area of disability advocacy. He relentlessly pushed for greater funding and greater access to employment opportunities, education, and residential housing for people of all abilities. He also led the charge to raise awareness of and focus on the importance of fitness and nutrition in the lives of people with disabilities: • The UCP LifeFit Fitness and Nutrition program is one of Jeff’s creations that will have a lasting impact for generations of individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. • Under Jeff’s leadership, UCP jointly with Temple University School of Medicine, was awarded four research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), all related to the importance of healthy lifestyles for people with disabilities. In recognition of Jeff’s efforts in this arena, UCP has developed two ongoing initiatives: • Jeffrey W. Cooper Healthy Lifestyle Award, to be given annually to a person who exemplifies a healthy lifestyle. It is fitting that the first recipient of the award was LifeFit consumer (and exercise buff!) Jeffrey Brubaker. • Jeffrey W. Cooper Healthy LifeStyle Fund, established to support individuals with disabilities who need financial assistance to access the tools and resources that will help them achieve or sustain a healthy lifestyle. At the time this newsletter goes to press, $5,575 dollars has been raised. Above Jeff Cooper presents the award established in his honor and his name to inaugural recipient Jeff Brubaker at the UCPAnnual Meeting at the Country Club of Harrisburg on December 1, 2016. UCP hosted a retirement reception for Jeff at the West Shore Country Club on Thursday, April 20. Long-time UCP supporters and previous UCP Board members Marion C. Alexander and Marie B. Schleicher met with a committee of UCP staff to plan the details of the event. Marion and Marie, along with then UCP Vice Chair Marisa Tokarsky, were among the featured presenters at the reception. Top to bottom, counterclockwise: Jeff receiving the Distinguished Service Award from PAR Executive Director Shirley Walker; Jeff with Senator Pat Vance; with Marie Schleicher, Marion Alexander and Marisa Tokarsky; owners of Alpaca Fiber Designs present an alpaca felt embroidered gift;Jeff and Marion lead a rousing rendition of the Air Force Song; Jeff, with wife Rayna by his side, gives a heartfelt thank you to his guests. Way to retire the tie, Jeff!

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