“Family is the best part of me. So, working with Taylor brings out the best in me.”
-Josh T, UCP participant

“It has been wonderful for Josh and the whole family. By keeping his support within the family, Josh has a ‘built-in best friend’ who knows his strengths, limits, and interests, and who cares deeply about him.”
-Taylor C, Josh’s sister-in-law and support person

Comments like these are the type of routine reactions we often get from many of the individuals who are supported at home and in the community by a close friend or family member of their choosing through the Agency with Choice (AWC) service model offered by UCP.

So, what makes this service unique?

The answer is simple: AWC empowers participants to choose who they want as their support person, how much they will pay, and what schedule they will work.

UCP first began offering the Agency with Choice model when it was introduced as a service option by the PA Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in 2008. ODP selects one provider per county to offer AWC services; UCP is currently the sole provider in 13 counties across Central PA.

Over time UCP’s AWC service has experienced steady growth. The most recent expansion has extended delivery of AWC services in Lancaster and Lebanon counties though the recent opening of UCP’s Lititz Office. AWC Director Jamie Fleck described the recent expansion in this manner. “With the opening of the Lititz office, we look to offer individuals and families greater accessibility of services and ultimately become a greater presence in these family-focused, close-knit communities.”

UCP supports AWC participants and their families in recruiting, screening, and referring for hire support service professionals (SSPs) of their choice. The result is greater freedom… for the individuals to be themselves, progress at their own pace, and pursue their interests and goals. For the caregiver, there is the peace that comes with providing needed supports without having to worry about outside employment.

The idea of being supported by someone you have a relationship with already and who knows your interests, likes, and dislikes, was an appealing one for Sarah and Jane, a daughter and mother duo who have been working together for more than 12 years. Jane says the impact of this service model on Sarah, who is now 33 years old, has been remarkable. “Her progress has been made possible by AWC… by allowing me to be able to work one-on-one with her on activities that she enjoys. AWC has given us the gifts of time and consistency that have enabled Sarah to explore more things and progress more quickly in activities she was already doing.”

UCP’s Agency with Choice program currently serves over 800 participants… and growing… in thirteen counties. To learn more about UCP’s Agency with Choice services contact Jamie Fleck, Director 717.737.3477, ext. 360.