Stockton Heat Hockey Game  Saturday, January 7th  at 7:30 PM

United Cerebral Palsy and the Stockton Heat have partnered for the 2016-17 season!

Discounted tickets are available for the January 7th, 2017 with $5 from every ticket going back to United Cerebral Palsy.

Gearing up for prom

By Almendra Carpizo
Record Staff Writer

Posted Sep. 13, 2016 at 5:09 PM
Updated Sep 13, 2016 at 10:12 PM

STOCKTON — When Beverly Gunderson arrived to the small room at United Cerebral Palsy where dozens of gowns waited to be chosen, she already knew what she wanted.

“I need a short dress because I’m going to dance with Patrick,” the 24-year-old told staff.

After a search, Gunderson found her gown: a short, vibrant pink and orange bedazzled dress with thin straps and a billowy skirt.

Gunderson is attending her first prom next month.

UCP and University of the Pacific’s Xi Chi Sigma fraternity are hosting the inaugural Spark of Night prom for people with disabilities. The dance will be from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 29 in the DeRosa Ballroom at Pacific.

The idea for UCP to host a dance in Stockton came from Angela Amaral, a UCP manager, after learning about former NFL player Tim Tebow’s similar event in Livermore, said Corinne Seaton, director for adult programs and services at UCP.

During the initial planning of the event, UCP staff realized the majority of their clients weren’t familiar or exposed to the high school ritual.

“We’d go to clients and ask if they were going to prom and it took us four days to realize they didn’t know what prom is,” said Debbie Jungeblut, executive administrative assistant at UCP. “It’s not a concept they have in their minds.”

Organizers said they decided to host the event because they wanted clients to feel special and get the full experience of prom, which includes finding that special dress.

Last week, about two dozen women and girls had the opportunity to choose their dresses from the more than 100 gowns available for free at UCP.

Seaton said Jacqueline Faylor of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, a nonprofit that provides prom dresses and tuxes for high school girls and boys who otherwise could not afford to buy them, allowed UCP to use dresses Faylor had in storage.

Last Wednesday, Gunderson and 36-year-old Jessica Robertson stopped by in the afternoon to find their frocks. Robertson was set on finding a blue or black dress and after trying on a handful of gowns, she found it.

“I like it. It’s my favorite color,” she said of the strapless, sky-blue knee-length dress she chose.

Robertson said she’s never been to prom and hadn’t worn a dress since she was a baby, so she was excited to dress up, paint her nails, put on makeup and dance with friends.

“It’s fabulous to see the girls, and even the boys, get excited,” Jungeblut said.

Prior to the dance, volunteers will be applying makeup and styling the hair of the women for free, and during the event, a photographer will be taking their photographs at no cost.

UCP, which also services people with autism and brain injuries, wants to get rid of any obstacles, such as cost, for people who are interested in attending the prom, Seaton said. The only requirements are that the main guests must be 16 or older and have a disability, but they are allowed to bring one guest.

Seaton said the ballroom has a 350-person capacity and they want to reach that number. So far, about 80 people have reserved their spot, but UCP will be reaching out to the Stanislaus County chapter of UCP.

UCP plans to make the prom an annual event to give people with disabilities an experience they don’t often receive, Seaton said.

People who want to attend the prom have until Sept. 30 to reserve their free tickets. For reservations or for help finding a gown or tuxedo, call Angela Amaral at (209) 834-3282.

— Contact reporter Almendra Carpizo at (209) 546-8264 or acarpizo@recordnet.com. Follow her on Twitter @AlmendraCarpizo.

A few years ago, Troy Goldfried was diagnosed with Autism. His family was shocked, as he did not exhibit many of the warning signs. After the shock and initial sadness wore off, his parents immediately sprang into action. They asked Troy’s doctor to tell them everything they needed to do to help Troy with therapy and support.

In terms of milestones, Troy has reached many! His family has been instrumental in that. But they also have relied on programs and services, like their local UCP’s Respite service. This service is vital to the families with a child who has a disability. As Troy’s mother says, “Respite is life-changing! Whether it’s going to a wedding, or simply being able to go to a doctor’s appointment, Respite is something that our family has used from the moment Troy was diagnosed. UCP understands what families go through, and also understands what families need. That is something that I am internally grateful for!”

That’s why the Goldfrieds are supporting STEPtember. They are an active family, who like being outdoors and enjoying time with their children.

What’s next for Troy? Continued growth. He will start third grade in the Fall of 2016. Troy will continue with speech therapy, ABA therapy, and socialization group therapy. And his family will join STEPtember!

Just one short month until STEPtember kicks off and the fun begins. But while it will be fun, we know that’s not the only reason – or even the most important reason — you’re taking part. You’re also making incredible things possible for kids and adults with a range of disabilities. Kids like Troy.

So go on Anna, take a moment to treat yourself and enjoy hearing about the wonderful things that are possible when we all work together.

Thanks, as always, for everything,

Samantha and the STEPtember Team

Get stepping for STEPtember. This international fundraising event put on by United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin County and Health Plan of San Joaquin, as the Signature Sponsor, is the perfect way to improve your fitness while raising awareness and funds for your local UCP. Taking place September 1^st through September 28^th everyone is encouraged to make a difference one step at a time!

STEPtember challenges teams of 4 people to each walk 10,000 steps a day. But you’re not limited to just walking! You can run, swim, bike, and even do yoga to meet your goal. And who doesn’t love some friendly competition? Take on teams from around the area and all over the world, or just spend some quality time with friends and family getting active. And as if bragging rights aren’t enough, UCP will also acknowledge the top teams through e-blasts during the event and on its Facebook page, as well as in their newsletter at the end of the event.

Money raised from this challenge will go to support your local UCP and the necessary services that they have continued to provide for over 50 years. As an advocate for children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities UCP has been a major source of comfort for more than 2,000 individuals year after year.

Will you meet the challenge? Sign up or donate today at www.steptember.us/

Chloe, a beautiful baby girl, was the Kaalund’s 3rd child and all appearances indicated that Chloe was a healthy baby. As Chloe grew and started to miss a few milestones her mom, Erria became concerned. Chloe’s pediatrician who was consulted continued to indicate Chloe was fine but Erria knew better. Chloe’s family continued to advocate for her and when Chloe was two she was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome.

Chloe is now 31 years old and is a client of UCP’s Applied Abilities Program in Tracy. She attends the program 3 days a week, so she has time to work out at the gym and participate in various weight lifting tournaments. You heard right…Chloe is a weight lifter and competes regularly. How does someone become a weight lifter you ask? Well when Chloe was in Jr. High School she was athletic but like many shy teens she found it difficult to participate in team sports. Her gym coach approached Chloe and Erria and asked if Chloe might be interested in an open position in the school’s weight lifting team; so began Chloe’s adventure to become a weight lifting champ.

Chloe works out under the direction of her coach, Jesse Burdick at Combat Sports Academy (CSA) in Dublin, CA. She practices her dead lifting, bench pressing and does cardio on alternate days. Coach Burdick says, “Chloe is a hard worker, but is a typical young lady who at times needs to be reminded to finish her workout repetition.“ This isn’t Coach Burdick’s first time working with an individual living with a disability. He also coaches a few individuals who compete in the Paralympics. According to Burdick he doesn’t specialize in working with people with disabilities, he just coaches anyone who is interested in the sport and treats them all the same with tough discipline and high expectations.

Chloe competes in her own weight division where she has won two WABDL (World Association Benchers & Deadlifters) trophies in both bench press and deadlift. This year under the coaching of Burdick, Chloe competed in Las Vegas where she set State and World Records in the bench press at 155.34 lbs. and 314.23 lbs. for dead lift.

Although Chloe can lift most people she knows… she is still all girl. You can tell by her pink weight belt and matching shoes. She used to use pink chalk for her hands until it became too difficult to locate…now she just toughs it out without chalk. When she’s not competing Chloe enjoys playing computer games and nights at the movies. Chloe likes participating in UCP’s Applied Abilities Program and says her favorite staff is Jane Fass. She likes going out into the community with her fellow program participants whether it’s shopping, dining out, volunteering at other non-profit agencies or going to the movies. It is UCP’s goal to provide a person centered program design specific to the needs of our clients. Whether a person wants to aspire to be a world record setting bencher or someone who wants to learn to traverse their community using public transportation UCP is here to help our clients live a Life Without Limits.

The Board of Directors of United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin, Calaveras and Amador Counties (UCPSJ) have announced the appointment of Lynn Hogue as Chief Executive Officer.  Hogue has sixteen years of nonprofit experience working for the March of Dimes, where she directed and coached division staff in the areas of fundraising, financial management, and volunteer and staff development in order to achieve optimal productivity and profitability outcomes.  .  Hogue developed objectives and strategies that ensured successful attainment of financial goals, including profitable and aggressive, sustainable year over year growth.  As a result, she increased revenue from $7.98 million in 2015 to $8.75 million at year end.

“I’m honored to be working with a staff filled with talented and caring individuals.  I am thankful for such an engaged Board and look forward to collaborating with them to help people with disabilities become integrated into the community and achieve a Life Without Limits,” stated Lynn Hogue.

Lynn has been married to her husband Doug for 24 years and they have a daughter Morgan, 15 years old.  When she isn’t hard at work she enjoys photography and cycling.

United Cerebral Palsy is a nonprofit organization that advocates for children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities since 1954. It is with stability that UCP continues to further its mission and ensure that children and adults with disabilities will have every opportunity to live “Life Without Limits.“  For further information on UCP and their programs contact:  Debbie Jungeblut at 209-956-0290 or visit www.ucpsj.org.

Marian Crain is a 68 year old man that is working towards his goal to get a GED. This has been a long time goal and he has just recently begun the process. He read through all the subjects and chose to research an article for a history assignment. He decided to read

Martin Luther King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail. When asked why Marian chose Mr. King’s letter he said, “I understood the job of fighting for civil rights and that people are still fighting. We still have a long way to go. They still sub divide everybody for things we don’t even think about. At times in my life when I was looking for a job I felt discriminated against because of my disability.”

Marian looks forward to seeing how far he can go with getting a GED. He hopes he can get a job, but even if unable to, but gets his GED, he will have more knowledge and feel like a smart person. Marian reminded us that the founder of Wendy’s got his GED at a late age in life and that gives him hope that he can too. The staff at UCP’s Program Without Walls, a community integration program will continue to assist Marian to reach his goal and one day locate a job.

Clients from our Adult Activity Center in Stockton went to visit the Capital last week! While one of our clients, Laura Steele, took time to review the diversity of our state, the rest of the group admired the beautifully decorated the Capital rotunda. Clients then made a quick stop to view the statue of President Reagan who was also the Governor of California from January 1981 to January 1989. Everyone had a blast at the Capital gardens on a very sunny California day. We can’t wait to share our next adventure!

Clients from our Applied Ability Program (AAP) in Tracy have been invited to participate in weekly classes at the Tracy Branch Library.  Our clients are working with local artists who have generously given their time to teach our clients about musical instruments, canvas painting and pottery.  Our clients are excited to share their new knowledge on what they’ve learned by attending these classes.

The AAP is located in the heart of Tracy and is designed to meet the needs of each individual’s life goals and passion.  We currently serve up to 60 individuals at any given time and their ages range from 18 to 60.

Fore more information about our AAP program please call (209)956-0290.