UCP WORK, Inc. Blog

Dear Friends,

This has been an amazing year at UCP WORK, Inc. Last month the community came together to celebrate our 50th Anniversary, and it gave us the opportunity to reflect proudly on how we have grown over the years and expanded our outreach to every corner of the county.

he media and public are invited to “Horizon Lines”, a First Thursday Art Exhibit and Artist Reception, at Santa Barbara Art Works, at 28 E. Victoria St., an artist studio-gallery for adults with intellectual and/or physical disabilities to express themselves, collaborate within the community, create, exhibit and sell their artwork in a professional gallery. Santa Barbara Art Works is a sponsored service through UCP WORK, Inc. The studio specializes in art classes for adults with disabilities, which are taught five days a week in painting, ceramics, mixed media, and watercolors. Students are also taught employment skills in exhibiting and commissioning their own work, and each artist works towards producing a portfolio and an annual solo show.

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. Right here in Santa Barbara County, UCP WORK, Inc., an organization that’s been providing job training and employment services for people with disabilities for 50 years, knows first-hand the values of disability employment and inclusion, but also the importance of integrating its participants into the community as active contributing citizens.

Eight participants from UCP WORK, Inc., the largest non-profit in the Tri-County serving adults and children with developmental and/or physical disabilities, celebrates with a grant of $40,000, launching the start of the Fall Season for their Power Soccer team, the Rollin’ Rebels. The generous gift funded four new Strike Force power wheelchairs, which are known as the “Ferrari” of power wheelchairs and said to outperform every other power wheelchair on the market. It’s designed with a low center of gravity, wide wheelbase, customized center mount joystick, and is able to 'spin kick' with more power. Before receiving this gift, the Rollin’ Rebels had lost the majority of their games, because of much slower chairs.

Santa Barbara Art Works celebrated its Grand Opening and Downtown's First Thursday Artist Reception last Thursday, September 6th, 2018, from 5:00 - 8:00PM. Approximately 300 guests from the community took part in the opening event, with art adorned walls from fifteen resident artists with disabilities, food generously sponsored by Roost restaurant, and wine donated by August Ridge vineyards. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce and the UCP WORK, Inc. staff, along with the excitement of the Santa Barbara Art Works resident artists. Executive Director, Kathy Webb, cut the ribbon with a vibrant snap and welcomed guests to the newest inclusive art gallery in Santa Barbara's downtown arts district.

Eight participants from UCP WORK, Inc., the largest agency on the Central Coast for programs and services for people with developmental disabilities, celebrated last Sunday at the unveiling of four new Strike Force power wheelchairs, a generous gift from a local donor. 

We are very excited to announce some big changes that are taking place with the Sundial Studio and Gallery. First and foremost, we are moving into a new location in the heart of the Santa Barbara Art District on July 1st.

Welcome our latest addition to the UCP WORK, Inc. leadership team, Maria Prince. Maria is the new Director of the Santa Maria Applied Abilities Program, and we are thrilled that she’s on board.

The UCP WORK, Inc.  Applied Abilities program in Santa Barbara helps adults with disabilities achieve their professional goals. Many of the participants in this weekly Cooking Class receive the opportunity to learn new skills which will increase their potential as skilled workers in the field of culinary arts. For some, the thought of one day working in a restaurant or bakery kitchen is in fact a goal within reach.

First of its kind in the county of Santa Barbara, The Braided Services program of UCP WORK Inc., offers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a fully integrated employment skill training service that puts it on the cutting edge in the state and may result in an upward shift in employment for people with disabilities. Traditionally, there are very little resources available for individuals with disabilities to build a strong foundation and skills needed to get into the workforce, especially as they transition from youth services to adult services. The traditional option in most counties is to enter a day program, but not all people with disabilities want that. The Braided Services program offers the unique opportunity for individuals to go through an employment assessment process, take specific courses, and learn skills within a classroom and community setting. The courses offered are person-centered, which UCP WORK Inc. describes as a focus on the individuals strengths and aspirations, and less on one’s disability. The Braided Services program also plans to partner with local businesses to provide internships to its participating students and fostering inclusive employment practices.