HISTORY and ORGANIZATION OF UCPAGI

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana, Inc. ( UCPAGI) was originally incorporated, on October 28, 1953, as a not-for-profit organization called United Cerebral Palsy of Marion County, Inc. The purposes for which the corporation was formed were, "to aid and promote...the general welfare, health and happiness of persons handicapped with cerebral palsy."

In October 18, 1955, an amendment to the articles of incorporation were filed which changed the name of the organization to United Cerebral Palsy of Central Indiana, Inc (UCPCI). and the service area was expanded to include Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson and Morgan counties.

Beginning in 1991, with the dissolution of the state UCP affiliate, UCPCI began serving individuals with cerebral palsy from all 92 Indiana counties. In September, 1995, the Boards of Directors of both UCPCI and United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc. (UCPA - the national affiliate) approved changing the name to United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana, Inc. to more accurately reflect the breadth of the agency's service area.

Governed by a volunteer board of directors, including individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, UCPAGI adopted a new mission statement on January 18, 1995:

"To advance the quality of life for people who have cerebral palsy and to prevent its causes."

UCPAGI 's vision, also adopted in 1995, is to "advance the independence, integration and inclusion of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities within our community by:

• empowering people to have control and choice in all aspects of their lives;
• promoting equal access for people with disabilities to all things in life;
• providing the highest quality services in the most cost effective manner through partnerships with other organizations with similar missions;
• bridging the gap between people with disabilities and others in the community through public awareness; and
• supporting research which advances knowledge about the causes, effects and treatment of cerebral palsy.

MISSION :

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana exists to advance the quality of life of people who have cerebral palsy and to prevent its causes.

VISION:

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana, it volunteers, staff and allies are committed to advancing the integration and inclusion of people with disabilities into our communities.

ORGANIZATION:

UCPAGI has two full-time staff - an Executive Director and a Case Manager. Most client contact is by telephone, mail or electronic mail. The agency averages 40+ new clients a month and responds to nearly 2,000 requests each year.

UCPAGI’s Board of Directors consists of 15-19 volunteers who are recruited within three categories: consumer (adult with cerebral palsy or a parent), professional (health, education, social services, etc.) and community (legal, accounting, etc.). The Board meets at least ten times a year, including an annual all-day retreat to discuss long-term planning and broad issues. Every Board member must serve on one of three standing committees, although not all committee members are also Board members. The Committees - Program, Budget and Finance, and Fund Development - also meet ten times a year, although the Fund Development Committee may meet more often during months preceding annual fund-raising events. New Board members are usually recruited from committees.

UCPAGI is a United Way agency and a member of the Indiana Combined Health Charities. In addition to annual fund-raising events, sponsorships and individual contributions, UCPAGI relies on funding from the UCP Foundation - a separate but related non-profit entity which manages investment funds derived from bequests and other sources. Other than for its adult camp program, UCPAGI does not charge any fees to clients. UCPAGI does not receive any federal, state or local government funding.

For more information about services or about how you can help United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana, please call Donna Roberts, Executive Director.