United Cerebral Palsy Breaks Ground

United Cerebral Palsy held a groundbreaking ceremony with local leaders Friday marking the beginning of a 30,000 sq. foot renovation project on South Braddock Avenue.

Formerly at the site of the Center for Creative Play, anniversary this year.

The mission of UCP/CLASS includes continually seeking innovative approaches that foster the independence of adults and children with disabilities to promote their full participation in communities and activities of their choice.

State Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills, President of County Council Rich Fitzgerald, Mayor of Swissvale Deneen Swartzwelder, District Attorney Stephen Zappala, County Council Member Doug Shields, along with representatives from Congressman Mike Doyle’s office, Senator Casey’s and County Executive Dan Onorato’s office all were in attendance. More than 200 people attended the ceremony.

With an operating budget of $26 million, UCP/CLASS serves more than 3,000 people living with Cerebral Palsy. The organization will now use its original Oakland location as well as the new space in the Regent Square area when it is completed.

The new location will be used for residential services administrative staff, attendant care, the Community Service Program for People with Physical Disabilities and UCP Kids. The majority of the 14 programs UCP offers will be housed at the Swissvale site.

Massaro Corporation is the contractor for the site while SPRINGBOARD is the architectural firm for the project.