Five Questions with Amy Brechbiel, Director of Operations/Western Region, Unified Community Connections
5736 Industry Lane
Frederick, MD 21704
301-663-8700
www.uc2.org
How long have you been in business?
Originally founded in 1953 as United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland by a group of parents and concerned citizens, Unified Community Connections (UC2) is today a large, dynamic non-profit organization providing thousands of hours of services and supports each year to both children and adults with a wide variety of disabilities and chronic health issues throughout the state of Maryland. Our core programs provided in the Frederick community are: Day Program Services, Residential Services, Supported Employment Services, and Transportation Services. Our broad rage of services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, helping to fulfill their hopes and dreams by connection them to life's possibilities and supporting them in living as independently as possible. The Frederick Center opened February 4, 1992.
How many employees do you have?
Between 500-600 throughout the agency.
Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We are well established in the community and we have many business contacts in the county.
If you are involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We actively try to work with the community in all areas we provide services. Specific to Frederick, residential homes and built relationships with neighbors. Santa's Truckers supports our clients during Christmas and we in turn sponsor a family that they are assisting. We have various civic groups or volunteers that come into the center like Pets on Wheels, etc. Clients interact with other clients in Hagerstown and Cumberland for social activities like prom, outings like bowling alleys, movie theaters, churches, dining out, etc.
What are you most proud of?
We are proud of the Adult Day program that has been constantly growing. Uses of switches for help in communication for non-verbal clients, life basics training. We are proud of the encouragement for growth of our employees, such as the new mentor program (approx 1 year old). Our first graduate is from our Day Program. New ALU (Alternate Living Unit) brings our residential houses to 6 in Frederick County. We are also proud of our Disability Awareness training that allows new hires a chance to experience a few hours in the life of a disabled individual.
