When an opportunity arises to recognize greatness in someone, you take it, right? Well, this is exactly what I did when I nominated Glynda King for the 2011 Women of Excellence award “Woman in the Workplace”. She wholeheartedly embodies what a great leader is…truly humble, non-judgmentally observant, faces and solves problems, vigorously improves, invests in people, communicates consistently and clearly, provides clear direction, and has a sense of humor. 

Glynda builds upon everything she puts into place. The Adult Program served 42 individuals when she started, and it has grown to serve 66 individuals. She has put components in place to ensure quality services i.e. staff training, organization of schedules, and unique blends of activities. She strives to have consumers not only access their community but be an active participant in community life. Under her leadership, consumers have created lasting community relationships through volunteering (delivering Meals on Wheels…10 routes a week, recycling, doing various jobs at Interserv and the Food Pantry, and wiping down books at Rolling Hill’s library)…just to name a few! She helped develop an extension to the Adult Program named the Enrichment Program. The Enrichment Program was designed to enrich consumer’s lives by exposure to a variety of activities focusing on emotions, decisions, rights, responsibilities, health, respect, safety, and independence. Very recently, she was instrumental in spearheading the Adult Program expansion…persistently speaking on behalf of the program and the community’s needs.

 

From the very start of her leadership at UCP, she took the philosophy of “Life Without Limits For People With Disabilities” and transformed the Adult Program. She essentially rebuilt the structure of the program (getting back to basics of what UCP represents) and then strategically hand-picked people to put into action her ideals and attitude of “Go M.A.D.” She leads each day with the viewpoint of making a difference. In doing so, she is the one that makes a difference in each life she comes into contact with! Because of her, the Adult Program has enveloped a person-centered state of mind…people with disabilities are people first! This has filled the air at UCP under her leadership and is at the forefront of everything thought of and accomplished! 

 

I am so appreciative to have had the chance to share with people outside of UCP Glynda’s greatness in what she does and who she is! Please help me congratulate her on her nomination. 

 

Lindsay Williams

UCP Adult Program Specialist