One of the ways that UCT invests in the future of our communities is by investing in students. We do this primarily by sponsoring three scholarship programs to help students meet the financial challenges of a college education. Since this is the time of year when students start thinking about applying for scholarships, it seems like the perfect time to post a reminder of… Continue Reading…

In 2009, UCT developed a strategic plan to determine how to move the organization forward for the next 125 years.  Part of any strategic plan is developing or reaffirming a mission statement.  Our mission statement is as follows: UCT Mission Statement UCT is an international member-benefit organization uniting people with a common passion for good citizenship and volunteerism to improve their local… Continue Reading…

Yesterday’s celebration was a result of some extremely determined coaches, special hockey athletes, families and friends of the West Michigan Patriots Special Hockey Team in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Their efforts of spreading the word to collect votes, share and retweet their video, and anxiously waiting 6 weeks to watch their vote count climb paid off in the biggest of ways.  UCT CEO… Continue Reading…

The purpose behind the UCT Gives Back video contest for special hockey teams is not only to award two deserving teams with much needed financial support, but also to help increase awareness of these amazing programs, and special hockey in general. And accordingly to some of the top 10 video finalists of the video contest, we believe the contest was a success… Continue Reading…

UCT has supported programs for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities for over 60 years. It’s one of our top projects. Across North America our local councils support organizations like Special Olympics and Best Buddies International as well as schools, workshops, and programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. UCT is the proud sponsor of ASHA (American Special Hockey Association), because… Continue Reading…

UCT Gives Back to Special Hockey Video Contest is in to the third week of the voting phase – with over 21,000 votes tallied so far!!! Our top ten finalist special hockey teams are collecting votes from all over the country!  Let’s meet our top ten finalists! West Michigan Patriots – West Michigan’s only special needs hockey program!  Located in Grand Rapids,… Continue Reading…

The UCT Gives Back to Special Hockey video contest off to a great start! The videos of the 10 deserving finalists how the $10,000 and $5,000 prizes would help their programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are posted – and votes are coming in at a rate of more than 1,500 every 24 hours! You can help amp up votes… Continue Reading…

That’s right – 10 very deserving finalists have been selected from special hockey programs that submitted videos showing how the $10,000 prize would help their program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These 10 teams need YOUR support to earn votes. So…GET THE WORD OUT! Ways you can spread the word about UCT Gives Back Video Contest Voting: Share this blog… Continue Reading…

I read an article in the Wall Street Journal on September 26 entitled “The Middle Class Squeeze” by Charles Moore, former editor of the Daily Telegraph.  He talked about various aspects of the inequality in today’s world that has been a major topic of discussion over the past months.  He had some interesting thoughts on the struggles of the middle class.  One… Continue Reading…

Fall is officially here, and along with the change of seasons come new volunteer opportunities to make a difference in your community. Homeless shelters are preparing for upcoming cold weather. Food banks are stocking up to help hungry individuals and families during the holidays. Worthy causes are holding the last of the walk-a-thons and “turkey trots” to raise funds for their projects.… Continue Reading…