April 25, 2017

by: Guest Contributor

Why Volunteering for UCP Has Been So Rewarding for Me

This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and this week’s blog was written by one of our long-standing volunteers, Cathy Soprano.

I became involved with UCP about 12 years ago, when I was asked to become a member of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC). I was Executive Vice President of a small company and also in charge of Human Resources (now retired), so it seemed like a good match. I’ve served on the BAC now for most of that time, and have found it to be very rewarding in many ways. I’ve met other business professionals in the Cleveland area, which has helped me in my job. Our company has hired individuals with disabilities through UCP, which had many benefits. Each individual had been prepared for the position by their job coaches, so they had the skills needed for the job. The enthusiasm shown by these individuals was infectious and the current employees improved their performances. An added advantage is that there are tax benefits to hiring people with disabilities, so it did help the bottom line.

Visiting UCP’s office on Euclid Avenue many times has proved to me what essential work the organization performs for people with disabilities.  The staff is efficient and caring; the clients are happy and work hard to overcome their challenges. UCP is a great organization and I’m proud to be associated with it. 

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