United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile and Central Alabama

In 1947, the Junior League of Mobile founded The Beacon of Hope, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children with cerebral palsy. Over the next 50 years, the Agency saw many changes including joining over 100 other organizations to form United Cerebral Palsy Associations. As UCP of Mobile, the Agency’s mission was broadened to advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.

In the early days, UCP focused on providing medical management and therapy clinics to children with cerebral palsy. In 1953, Dr. Edward A. Dudley, Jr. began conducting clinics for UCP, and was joined one year later by Dr. Guy Rutledge, Jr. The two men provided free once-a-month clinics for over thirty years, with Dr. Rutledge’s son, Guy III, continuing the practice until 1989. The three doctors touched the livers of hundreds of people with disabilities, and are revered by many of UCP’s consumers.

UCP of Mobile became a United Way Agency in 1957, and was completely funded by that organization until 1982. UCP of Mobile secured other funding sources as it expanded its services throughout the 80s and 90s.

In 1980, the Agency began providing family counseling services and in 1982, it held its first Preschool class. Between 1980 and 1985, UCP started several new projects including Respitality, Camp ADVENTURE, and Supported Employment. Also during this period, the Agency began to hire its own speech, physical and occupational therapists.

Under the guidance of President Glenn Harger, UCP of Mobile has grown geographically and programmatically. UCP of Mobile, which in 1985 spent less than $200,000 providing services in just two counties, now spends nearly $4 million providing services in over 20 South Alabama counties. In January 1996, UCP of Mobile moved into a new facility in Mobile and over the next five years, opened satellite offices in Loxley, McIntosh, Troy, Montgomery and Selma, Alabama.

UCP of Mobile continues to look for new opportunities to further advance the independence of people with disabilities. Within the past few years, the Agency began offering its Early Intervention and Supported Employment programs in the Montgomery area, started administering a state-wide parent advisory program, laid the foundation for a Personal Supports program, and joined other UCP affiliates in providing professional training to other childcare providers. The Agency’s growth and expansion have slowed in the last year, but it continues to be dedicated to meeting the needs of people with disabilities and their families throughout Central and South Alabama.