Student Stories
LASHAWN JORDAN : An Unstoppable Spirit at UCP+ CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Our UCP+Unstoppable Spirit in partnering with Rare Earth Coffee this month is LaShawn Jordan. You can click on link at bottom of page to visit Rare Earth Coffee and purchase your bags of Ethiopian Reserve Roast and enjoy amazing coffee all while supporting UCP+ Central Caifornia. Unstoppable Spirit: – LASHAWN JORDaN Defying the Odds, One…
June 10, 2025
Victoria RAMIREZ : An Unstoppable Spirit at UCP+
UCPCC’s Unstoppable Spirit this month is Victoria Ramirez. Unstoppable Spirit: Victoria and her mother dora’s Inspiring Journey “It’s a hard battle, but battles are only given to warrior families like us.” – Dora Gamino A Journey Begins Dora’s pregnancy with her third child, Victoria, was mostly normal until a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. When Victoria was…
August 12, 2024
Charissa Thomas : An Unstoppable Spirit at UCP+
UCP+ Unstoppable Spirit this month is Charissa Thomas. Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering optimism. Despite facing significant challenges from a young age, Charissa’s Unstoppable Spirit has propelled her to remarkable achievements and inspired all who know her. Early Challenges From the tender age of 7 months, Charissa’s parents noticed developmental…
April 23, 2024
Felicia Ayala: An Unstoppable Spirit at UCP+
Felicia Ayala: Embodying the Unstoppable Spirit Felicia Ayala’s story is one of resilience and determination, a testament to the strength that lies within. Despite facing challenges from an early age, Felicia’s spirit remains unwavering, showcasing an indomitable will to thrive against all odds. Defying Expectations: Felicia Ayala’s Path to Empowerment Felicia’s journey commenced in the…
January 4, 2024
Jonny Garcia: An Unstoppable Spirit at UCPCC
In a world filled with challenges, there are individuals who inspire us with their resilience and determination. Jonny Garcia, a member of the United Cerebral Palsy Central California community, is one such individual. Johnny’s unstoppable spirit, which has been nurtured and fueled by the love of his family and UCPCC, has enabled him to overcome…
November 7, 2023
Dillon Lizaola’s Inspirational Journey
This month our Unstoppable Spirit is Dillon Lizaola. His life story is a testament to the transformative power of determination and dedication. From his early years in the UCP Parent and Me program to his current role as an Adaptive Physical Education Teacher, Dillon’s journey is marked by inspiring milestones. Let’s delve into his remarkable…
October 9, 2023
Testimonials
“My sister has been a UCP student for 15 years. In the beginning she was very insecure and uncomfortable with her surroundings. Over the years Patty has utilized a lot of the programs offered, several of which have help her become a great deal more independent … free thinking and has really brought out her creative tendencies in art and singing.
She has consistently grown each year … and has emerged a very happy student and wife to her husband Michael.”
-Rick Leon
Brother to Patty Fields
“In the beginning… with our daughter Victoria, we had no idea what to do or how to find help for her. UCP was recommended to us … but we didn’t know how to move forward… but they did! They provided us with many, many one-on-one sessions …particularly from the time she was 1 to 3 years old; really important stuff … they help her learn how to sit .. walk … feed herself and continue to provide help. Victoria is 7 now and is a very, very friendly, loving and outgoing child!”
-Sergio & Dora Ramirez
Parents of Victoria Ramirez
“UCP has been a part of our family since 1986 when I joined UCP teaching art to UCP students. They’re used to have a ‘mentoring program’ which provided an opportunity to bring a student into a home and become part of a family. Joe, my husband of 40 years and amazingly supportive of the idea embraced the idea and we ended up not taking in one student but … 2 fun, amazing a creative students – Jack Spinetta and Judy Tolley. Over the years Jack learned to paint with his hands rather than his mouth and Judy amazes Joe and I every day with her love of color and bubbly personality. They are totally part of our family!”
-Joe & Diana Salinas
Extended Student Family:
Judy Tolley & Jack Spinetta
“No one expects their child to be ‘special’… UCP helped us understand who our daughter Penny is and…more importantly, what she could be. They helped us set goals… with reasonable expectations for our family…and for her.
UCP set small goals … and together she grew one step at a time. They provided us with the help from people we needed, therapists and teachers, incredibly patient and emotionally supportive people.”
-Evan & Amanda Saltray
Parents of Penny Saltray