UCP/CLASS Expansion Slated for July Completion

Sixty years ago, United Cerebral Palsy was started by families in the hopes of making a positive impact on the lives of local citizens with disabilities.

Starting with just a $350,000 budget and 20 employees, it has now grown to an organization with more than 400 employees and a $30 million dollar budget.

That expansion has been fostered by UCP/CLASS Chief Executive Officer Al Condeluci. Condeluci joined the organization in 1973 and has been CEO for almost 20 years. He had humble beginnings as an advocate for those with disabilities and a passion for assisting others.

“All people are valued and welcomed. All people have gifts and things to offer," Condeluci said. "We hire a lot of men and women that have disabilities to work here and the organization’s mission is to build a community where everyone belongs.”

UCP's latest endeavor to help create such a community involves an expansion to a secondary permanent location at 1400 South Braddock Avenue in Swissvale, just up the street from the business district of Regent Square. Although still in the renovation stage, leaders project that employees will be able to move into the facility in July.

The addition will bring in more than 100 UCP jobs to the area which will, in turn, lead to those workers and their families taking advantage of the local shops, restaurants and other services offered by Regent Square merchants, Condeluci said. He also is proud to point out that the organization has plans to keep this newly renovated and green property well maintained.

UCP intends to have it fully landscaped and manicured  so that when paired with updated exterior of the building, it will be pleasing to all who pass and enter the property.

Condeluci, although playing a key role in this expansion and the organization, couldn’t have accomplished this alone, he said. He relies on the kindness of donors, the dedication of staff members and many behind the scenes helpers. One such individual is Courtney Walker, director of development for UCP.

“The opportunity to be employed by UCP/CLASS for more than 20 years and witness firsthand the growth and maturation of the organization is exciting," Walker said. "The opportunity to expand to the east side of Pittsburgh and continue to tell our story, one of community inclusion and interdependence, will certainly be beneficial to UCP/CLASS, the general Regent Square area and most importantly, those in the disability community.”

Initially, UCP needed to raise $3 million to complete the project. To date, the organization has raised $1 million and are in the process of raising another $2 million to round off the funding.

To raise the funds necessary to complete the remodel and make the facility functional, UCP is hosting a myriad of events that range from golf outings to sponsored walks and other socially involved get togethers geared to simultaneously raise awareness for those with disabilities.

“I'm very optimistic and positive about the future and about the role we play in building a better and more inclusive community," Condeluci said.

For more information about UCP, visit http://www.ucpclass.org/.