Our Mission

At UCP Heartland we provide children and adults living with differing abilities the extraordinary care and support they need to thrive in school, at home, at work and in their community.

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A Journey of Compassion

Out of the love and support of parents and volunteers who wanted more out of life for their loved ones living with disabilities, namely cerebral palsy.

What began in 1953 as a small organization has grown into the UCP Heartland you know today. Through a comprehensive range of programs and services, we are committed to empowering children and adults with diverse disabilities—including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, and other intellectual and developmental challenges—to thrive in every aspect of life.

Our History

1953

UCP Heartland is founded as the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater St. Louis by a group of concerned parents and volunteers committed to advocating for individuals with disabilities. Their mission is to ensure equal opportunities and experiences for their children.

1963

We acquire the Canterbury Center in University City, allowing for the development of Adult Day Services, Early Childhood Programs, Employment Resources, Residential Services, Respite and Emergency Residential Services, and Therapies (Occupational, Physical, and Speech).

1974

The Emergency Residential and Respite Care Center launches and later expands into the Oak Tree House in Webster Groves.

1983

We partner with Canterbury Enterprises to create a sheltered work environment, and as supported employment gains momentum, residential assistance programs expand, allowing individuals to live more independently.

1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act further advances accessibility and inclusion. UCP Heartland champions employment opportunities and advises businesses on equal opportunity hiring.

2008

UCP Heartland merges with Easter Seals of Missouri and expands their services to Columbia and Jefferson City and SW Illinois.

2010

The merger dissolves yet UCP Heartland retains key programs, including the Autism Resource Center in Maryville, IL, the Adult Day Program in Jefferson City, and the Early Childhood Center in Columbia.

2017

The Services Navigation program is established to help fill a Department of Mental Health void, helping people find the services they need.

2020

UCP Heartland’s headquarters move to North St. Louis, Berkeley.

2021

The Columbia, MO Autism Clinic opens its doors.

2022

The St. Louis City Autism Clinic opens its doors. It’s the first Autism clinic in STL City with no cap on Medicaid, allowing us to serve those who need it most.

2022

We add the Independence Through Technology (ITT) program to help connect individuals with the necessary assistive equipment and technology they need to survive.

2023

We open our second St. Louis Day Services location, located in south St. Louis County.

A Legacy of Impact, A Future of Possibility

To grasp the vision for UCP Heartland’s future, it’s important to revisit our humble start. Vivian McWilliams, one of our earliest volunteers, was a part of UCP’s grassroots beginning and recalls that time with fondness.
“In 1952, she remembers, “a group of mothers formed the Northside Mothers Club in the back of the Alhambra Grotto building near Grand and Magnolia. By 1953, we hired staff, operating with one classroom, one teacher, a cook, and a small therapy room. We relocated several times as we outgrew our spaces”.
Since then, we have grown to become a leader in advocacy, inclusion, and life-changing services for individuals with a spectrum of disabilities. With a strong foundation built on excellence, we are excited for what’s ahead. Vivian is too. “It’s amazing to see UCP Heartland grow,” she says. We know the future is bright at United Cerebral Palsy Heartland and we’re just getting started!