The 2023 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of UCP Central PA was one for the history books, literally.

UCP leadership and staff, Board and Committee members, and extended family and friends gathered together at the West Shore Country Club on December 7 to recognize and celebrate UCP’s 70 years of service to the community.

Keynote speakers for the evening were the dynamic duo of Mark and John Cronin, a father and son team who co-founded John’s Crazy Socks. Their business venture, which soon became a life adventure, was inspired by John Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks, or what he calls his “crazy socks.” John and Mark’s mission to SPREAD HAPPINESS through their work was both inspirational and infectious. They have both a retail mission and a social mission and the line between them is indistinguishable. They also believe in giving back. John’s Crazy Socks donates 5 percent of their earnings to the Special Olympics as they’ve played a vital role in John’s development.

Their presentation took the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions… from roars of laughter to sweaty-eyed silence… and ended with a standing ovation. The poignancy of their experience was made even more so by the presence of three UCP self-employed participant vendors who were on hand to showcase their own crafts and sell their handmade products.

The UCP participant vendors were:

John Cronin and Greer LeggatGreer Leggat. Greer’s business idea was modeled on a simple but powerful concept… BE KIND. The 26-year with Down syndrome is the creator of—and force behind—a growing line of products that carry her hand-written plea to “be kind.” Greer is a participant in UCP’s Agency with Choice self-directed service, with her mother as her support professional. The “Magic by Greer” line of products are available in store and online through the Lebanon shop Carriage House Style. To learn more or place an order, contact: jane@carriagehousestyle.com or call 717-708-2347. carriagehousestyle.com

Dana knitting alpaca wool scarfDana Shick. Dana is the Vice President of Design and the inspiration behind an innovative business concept—Alpaca Fiber Designs—that combines her dual passions for art and alpacas. She and her parents will be celebrating AFD’s 10th anniversary in spring 2024. Dana, 32, participates in UCP’s Employment Services and Home and Community Services, and is a 2022 graduate of Pathways Academy, UCP’s four-person home offering independent living and life skills development. She sells an every-growing product line from her small shop in New Cumberland. To learn more or place an order, contact info@alpacafiberdesigns.com or 717-975-7429. alpacafiberdesigns.com

Josh Vera and GlennJosh Zimmerman. Josh is a 26-year old participant in UCP’s Agency with Choice self-directed service model, with his mother as one of his primary support professionals. He has multiple diagnoses and has faced a lot of challenges in his young life. But he was also gifted with a remarkable facility for painting, watercolor in particular. Josh enjoys sharing his talent with others. He sells frameable art, greeting cards, bookmarks, magnets, ornaments, and more on Etsy. To learn more, email Art.By.JoshZ@gmail.com or visit his online shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtByJoshZ

Official Board of Directors business included Awards and Special Recognition for several individuals and one community business, as follows:

      • PAR We Are Worth It Award acknowledgements:
        • Chris Hartman, Job Coach of the Year Winner
        • Rhiannon Burke, DSP Advocate of the Year Nominee
      • Jeffrey W. Cooper Healthy Lifestyle Award: Derek Eshenour
      • UCP Life without Limits Award: SchmidtKramer
      • UCP Distinguished Volunteer Award: William J. “Billy” Kaldes
      • Recognition of UCP Leadership Team
      • Recognition of outgoing UCP Board Chair Tyne Shifflett
      • Recognition of UCP Board members completing two three-year terms of service
        • Scott E. Coburn, Esq.
        • Joseph Entenman
        • Syria Harrell
        • Brian Keefer

UCP President/CEO Janeen Latin commented on the importance of reflecting on our past success while still looking ahead to the future. “This [70th anniversary] milestone is made possible because our participants and their families, our employees, donors, and volunteers chose to be involved in advancing UCP’s mission. We simply could not do what we do without all of you. We hope you will join us on our journey to 75 years as we embark on the development of our next 5-year strategic plan.”

Click here to view more photos from the UCP 70th Celebration.