February 2017

Full of a spirit of gratitude and love

The Applied Abilities Program staff in Tracy prepared a delicious, home cooked meal for 51 clients using the money that they had collected from recycling throughout the year.  Staff prepared various dishes at home, including turkey, ham, stuffing, green beans, and potatoes.  The smells wafted through the building as staff served the clients a hearty meal followed by an assortment of desserts.  Then, everyone gathered in Area 1, their largest classroom, for the Saran Wrap Ball game.  When the music was playing, the clients passed two large Saran Wrap Balls of goodies around the circle.  As soon as the music stopped, the person holding the Saran Wrap Ball frantically tore off as much of the Saran Wrap as possible to release a goodie trapped inside – color pencils, coffee travel mugs, erasers, candy, and puzzles!  Laughter, smiles, and excitement filled the afternoon as clients delighted in the fun and their unexpected gifts.  After the game ended, staff and clients packaged the remaining food, placed it in carryout containers, and distributed it to homeless people who were gathered near a local restaurant and at several parks throughout the city.

In Memory of Renee

UCP celebrated the life and memory of our client, our friend, our inspiration, Rene.  She started attending program back in 2006 at our Ben Holt Adult Day Center.  Rene’s smile was infectious; you couldn’t help but smile back.  She loved to hug and handed them out generously as often as she could.

While in program she enjoyed spending time with her favorite staff, Christina, who runs our computer lab.  When she wasn’t visiting the computer lab she was often found using the foot bike and leg extension machines.  This made total sense since Rene always kept our staff on their toes as she darted from one activity room to the next investigating what others were doing.  Rene loved to draw but she absolutely loved watching the Wiggles.  There were days we would look out the window and there she was lying out on the grass arms and legs spread and a big smile on her face just enjoying herself.  That’s how we will always remember this amazing individual who left a hole in our hearts.

Rene you will truly be missed.

1984-2017