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Dear Friends,
Stanley has a smile that lights up the room. 
Stanley’s story began with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy as an infant. He communicates with the assistance of a Dynavox, which allows him to express himself with his peers. What defines him is love, possibility, and the community that refused to place limits on his future
Stanley was raised by a devoted foster family, who embraced him and did all they could to pursue every opportunity for him. Their commitment brought Stanley to The Children’s Center at UCP of Long Island for early intervention programs as an infant. From Stanley’s earliest days, his bright spirit was evident.
As a young boy, Stanley spent summers at UCP-LI’s Camp Indian Head Road, laughing, learning, and discovering a world that welcomed him exactly as he was. Life’s path took him away from UCP for a time, but Stanley never forgot where he first felt supported and loved. In his 20s, Stanley made the decision that helped shape the rest of his life: he returned to UCP-LI and moved into our Residential Program — he needed care, but more so he wanted friends, and a community where he could grow, belong, and build a happy life.
Soon after, Stanley began attending UCP-LI’s Adult Services Program.
With the help of dedicated staff and specialized technology, Stanley found something life-changing — his voice. Using a Dynavox eye-gazer, his ideas were transformed into written words. His creativity took flight, and with one-on-one support from our team, Stanley did something extraordinary: he wrote a book.
Since attending our Adult Services Program, Stanley has blossomed into a painter, a skilled woodworker, and the leader of a food drive club dedicated to helping neighbors in need. He has become one of our strongest self-advocates and disability community leaders. His current passion is UCP-LI’s Citizens First Self-Advocacy Group, where he uses his powerful voice to stand up for the rights of people with disabilities across Long Island.
To those who know and love him, Stanley will always be known for his brilliant smile — the smile that greets us when he enters the building, the smile he shares on nature trails, at museums, or in everyday moments.
Stanley embodies what is possible when you believe in yourself and you find a community that believes in you as well.
We rely on donors to enhance the lives of the people we support. Your gift today ensures that we can continue providing individualized care, specialized technology, and life‑changing programs that empower Stanley and more than 500+ children and adults to live a “Life Without Limits.”
With heartfelt gratitude,
Colleen Crispino
President & CEO
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