Understanding SSI and Work: Responsibilities, Rules, and Opportunities
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides critical financial support for individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources. However, choosing to work while receiving SSI requires careful planning, consistent monitoring, and a clear understanding of...
Jane Kaiser Appointed as New President and CEO
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Jane Kaiser as President and CEO, effective immediately, following her service in the role on an interim basis since October 2025. Prior to assuming the interim leadership role, Kaiser served as Chair of the UCP Heartland...
34th Annual Columbia Wing Ding Brings Flavor, Fun, and Community Together
This spring, we were proud to host the 34th Annual CoMo Wing Ding, bringing together over 440 community members, 5 local restaurants, and countless supporters for an evening filled with great food and even greater purpose. Held in Columbia, Missouri at Logboat Brewing...
A Night Where Hope Bloomed: Celebrating Community and Impact at UCP Heartland’s Gala
On March 7, 2026, we welcomed supporters, partners, and friends to our annual gala, Where Hope Blooms, held at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. The evening was a vibrant celebration of community, generosity, and the shared mission of supporting individuals living with...
Unlocking Independence Through Assistive Technology
Unlocking Independence Through Assistive Technology From the moment Marcos was born, his life has been defined by both challenge and resilience. Born on October 18 after a difficult labor, Marcos experienced serious...
How UCP Heartland’s Programs Help People With Developmental Disabilities Thrive
Watching your loved one struggle to connect with the world around them can be deeply challenging. Words don’t come easily, social cues are confusing, and everyday tasks that seem simple to others become mountains to climb. Families face uncertainty about where to...
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: How to Be a Better Ally and Advocate
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2026 is more than a calendar observance. It is a reminder that inclusion should be intentional. Every March, communities across the country recognize national disability awareness in efforts to encourage individuals with...
How Medicaid Funding Reductions Affect Support For Children With Autism
For a child with Autism, even the smallest routines can change the progress of their mind and perspective. A child depends on familiar routine, steady support, and consistent therapy to adapt and learn from their surroundings. Let’s take Jake, for example, a...
Respite Care Services: A Lifeline for Families of Children with Disabilities
There are times when it feels like every plan in your house revolves around your child's needs. Being the primary caregiver for a child with special needs is a 24/7 responsibility. Though it's filled with purpose and love, we need to talk about the reality of the...
The Role of Direct Support Professionals in Supporting People with Disabilities
Step into a care facility, and you will see the effort that goes into supporting people to live their best lives. Imagine an extended hand that helps you turn everyday struggles and challenges into moments of progress, that’s the world DSPs create every day for people...
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: How to Be a Better Ally and Advocate
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2026 is more than a calendar observance. It is a reminder that inclusion should be intentional. Every March, communities across the country recognize national disability awareness in efforts to encourage individuals with...
How Medicaid Funding Reductions Affect Support For Children With Autism
For a child with Autism, even the smallest routines can change the progress of their mind and perspective. A child depends on familiar routine, steady support, and consistent therapy to adapt and learn from their surroundings. Let’s take Jake, for example, a...
Why St. Louis Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore Inclusive Hiring
We all know the job market is getting more and more competitive here in St. Louis. Securing the trusted and high performing talent has become more challenging. As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to recognize an often...
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2025 with UCP Heartland
Every October is marked for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual observance led by the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. This year, the theme “Celebrating Value and Talent” guides our focus, targeting the invaluable...
Understanding SSI and Work: Responsibilities, Rules, and Opportunities
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides critical financial support for individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources. However, choosing to work while receiving SSI requires careful planning, consistent monitoring, and a clear understanding of...
How UCP Heartland’s Programs Help People With Developmental Disabilities Thrive
Watching your loved one struggle to connect with the world around them can be deeply challenging. Words don’t come easily, social cues are confusing, and everyday tasks that seem simple to others become mountains to climb. Families face uncertainty about where to...
Respite Care Services: A Lifeline for Families of Children with Disabilities
There are times when it feels like every plan in your house revolves around your child's needs. Being the primary caregiver for a child with special needs is a 24/7 responsibility. Though it's filled with purpose and love, we need to talk about the reality of the...
The Role of Direct Support Professionals in Supporting People with Disabilities
Step into a care facility, and you will see the effort that goes into supporting people to live their best lives. Imagine an extended hand that helps you turn everyday struggles and challenges into moments of progress, that’s the world DSPs create every day for people...
Top Benefits of Day Programs for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Affordable day programs for adults with disabilities in Missouri offer more than just supervised care. These programs provide personalized care and activities that improve skill development, social connection, and community...
How Families Can Access Medicaid Waiver Programs in Missouri
Finding the right support for yourself or a loved one who needs additional care can be overwhelming. And in the search for the correct services, you may have heard about “Medicaid waivers” from doctors, schools, service coordinators, or other families, but may not...
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2025 with UCP Heartland
Every October is marked for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual observance led by the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. This year, the theme “Celebrating Value and Talent” guides our focus, targeting the invaluable...
34th Annual Columbia Wing Ding Brings Flavor, Fun, and Community Together
This spring, we were proud to host the 34th Annual CoMo Wing Ding, bringing together over 440 community members, 5 local restaurants, and countless supporters for an evening filled with great food and even greater purpose. Held in Columbia, Missouri at Logboat Brewing...
A Night Where Hope Bloomed: Celebrating Community and Impact at UCP Heartland’s Gala
On March 7, 2026, we welcomed supporters, partners, and friends to our annual gala, Where Hope Blooms, held at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. The evening was a vibrant celebration of community, generosity, and the shared mission of supporting individuals living with...
Jane Kaiser Appointed as New President and CEO
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Jane Kaiser as President and CEO, effective immediately, following her service in the role on an interim basis since October 2025. Prior to assuming the interim leadership role, Kaiser served as Chair of the UCP Heartland...
Unlocking Independence Through Assistive Technology
Unlocking Independence Through Assistive Technology From the moment Marcos was born, his life has been defined by both challenge and resilience. Born on October 18 after a difficult labor, Marcos experienced serious...
June’s Journey: Growth, Confidence, and Joy
When June joined our Child Development Center in June of 2024, at 22 months old, she had never been in a childcare setting. She faced challenges with walking, eating, and communication—but from the moment she arrived, she began to blossom. In her first month, June...
CEO of United Cerebral Palsy Visits St. Louis
Armando Contreras, CEO of United Cerebral Palsy, joined us at UCP Heartland to see the impact of our programs firsthand. On June 16, 2025, Armando visited our Autism Clinic and our Adult Day Program at our headquarters. During this visit, he connected with our...