COMMUNITY LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Over 75 residents call a UCP Community Living Arrangement (CLA) their home. Each CLA provides 24-hour support with barrier-free living for three individuals with a diagnosis of mental retardation, many of whom also have a physical disability. In 1990, UCP began building new homes for residents rather than making modifications to already existing houses or apartments. Today, most of our 26 CLAs are modern ranch-style homes with a bedroom for each resident.

Caring and committed direct care and administrative staff strive to support each resident’s efforts to achieve his/her own goals, experience a satisfying quality of life, and maximize participation in the community. The resident, along with their family, friends, and support coordinator develop an Individualized Support Plan (ISP) that details how to best meet the needs, desires, and aspirations of each person being served. Whether in the home or out in the community, UCP Residential staff supports residents as they actively pursue personal interests or hobbies.

UCP’S Residential Services “rate of staff retention” has been recognized as having the least amount of staff turnover within the state. This low staff turnover rate helps to foster a sense of security, stability and continuity of care for individuals receiving services, as well as for their families.

In order to become a resident in a UCP CLA, individuals must be referred through the City of Philadelphia Office of Developmental Programs and have a primary diagnosis of mental retardation. These homes are licensed by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and have City of Philadelphia Office of Developmental Programs oversight.

You will find answers to some of your questions about CLA’s on the Frequently Asked Questions page. For more information, contact Ralph Mann, Director of Residential Services at 215-248-7610 or email resdirector@ucpphila.org.