UCP Ambassador: John

John is a 45 year-old man who has spastic quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy, moderate mental retardation, and Epilepsy (which is under control with medications). He is generally a happy person and he loves being around people. John loves watching TV. He likes Good Times, Andy Griffith and All in the Family, all oldies but goodies! Some of his other favorite interests are going to his day program at Gompers, where he’s been for 20 years, going to the zoo, shopping, and target shooting.

John began living with his caregivers, Tony and Tammy, eight years ago in April when his mother passed away suddenly. His father had died many years earlier, and he had no siblings to care for him. Tony and Tammy have known John since 1990 when he began attending a Sunday school class for people with disabilities that they were teaching. Since John has been with his caregivers he has had a better quality of life and health than in past years. He’s been able to do things that he never did before in his life.

Both Tony and Tammy work for UCP, which has allowed John many opportunities. Tammy says,

“In 2003 we as a family, moved from another agency to UCP; Tony as the main caregiver; I as Tony’s backup; and our daughter and son-in-law as respite caregivers for us. We had called around to many other agencies, but UCP offered the most for our family. And at UCP the consumers really are important, which is important to us! We were so impressed with UCP that I began working at UCP as the Home & Community Based Services Assistant Program Manager, where I was later promoted to Program Manager. In 2005 Tony began working as the provider trainer for UCP. None of us plan on working anywhere but UCP.”

“John loves being a part of anything that we do; especially events and activities connected with UCP.”

- John’s Caregivers, Tammy and Tony