UCP Supports Increased Funding For Social Services Block Grant

United Cerebral Palsy Associations
Thursday, 22 June 2000

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22, 2000) -- United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc., (UCP) announced support to restore full funding of the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG).

Senate bill 2585 sponsored by Senators Graham (D-FL) and Jeffords (R-VT) and House bill HR 4481 currently in committee restore full funding to the SSBG. The SSBG is an important Federal-state partnership that, among other things, enables support for services to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.

"UCP affiliates provide services for thousands of adults and children with disabilities to receive services nationwide," said Kristen A. Nyrop, Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy. "Full funding of the Social Security Block Grant program is an essential step in ensuring delivery of these services."

Through state partnerships between local governments and the nonprofit sector, the SSGB funds are used to fill gaps in the local social services system. States use the flexibility to augment service needs that cannot be met sufficiently though other funding sources and reduce waiting lists for services.

Founded in 1949, UCP is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the country with 135 affiliates nationwide. UCP provides programs and services to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities and their families. UCP uses its funds efficiently, with 85 cents of every dollar spent directly on programs and services.

For more information, or to contact United Cerebral Palsy Associations, see their website at: www.ucpa.org