UCPSA breaks ground on new Yuma facility to expand disability services
Moses Femino
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – United Cerebral Palsy of Souther Arizona (UCPSA) officially broke ground on a new facility in Yuma designed to support the organization’s continued growth and expand services for individuals with disabilities across the region.
The new two-story building will total more than 24,000 square feet and comes after years of expansion in Yuma County. UCPSA leaders say the organization has outgrown multiple previous locations while continuing to meet the increasing demand for home-based services.
UCPSA currently serves more than 500 individuals and families in Yuma County and employs hundreds of workers locally.
The Yuma Regional Director of UCPSA, Lupita Cuestas, says the new facility will help bring staff and services together while allowing the organization to better respond to community needs.
“We’re looking forward to this building being built so that we can come back and be together again,” Cuestas said. “And that will help us pay attention to the needs in the community so that we are able to meet those needs.”
UCP was founded more than 72 years ago and provides services for individuals living with disabilities. The organization’s programs are designed to help individuals remain in their homes while living independently or with family support.
Yuma city leaders also attended the groundbreaking ceremony and expressed support for the project.
“As a council member, anytime that I can see a new facility being constructed that gives the people of Yuma an opportunity to get the services here rather than having to go to Phoenix or San Diego, I fully support that,” Arturo Morales, a City of Yuma Councilmember, said. “So just to be here, whether it be symbolically or just to clap my hands and applaud them. I just wanted to show my support on behalf of the City of Yuma.”
Pilkington Construction is leading the project. Company President Clint Harrington says the opportunity to help build the facility carries special meaning for the local construction company.
“I feel very blessed that we’ve been selected to bring this project from concept to commissioning,” Harrington said. “There’s a lot of choice out there and I thank UCP for picking Pilkington Construction to make their dream come true.”
UCPSA leaders say the new facility reflects both the growing need for services in Yuma County and the continued support they have received from the community over the years.