UCP of SC Executive Director, Rachel Sharp, Named Co-Chair of Advocacy Committee
UCP of South Carolina’s very own Executive Director, Rachel Sharp, has been named co-chair of the advocacy committee for South Carolina’s Human Service Providers Association (HSPA). Together with HSPA’s 51 members, including UCP of SC, the organization serves over 31,000 individuals with disabilities.
HSPA provides support, advocacy and training for all members who offer services to people with disabilities, leading to a better outcome for UCP’s staff, mission and the people they support. HSPA amplifies the voice of UCP and its advocates through shared experiences and innovative ideas on an actionable scale. In Rachel’s new role, she will join forces with local and state-level organizations to foster momentum behind the ongoing change and growth of human service providers in the state of South Carolina.
When asked what she plans to accomplish in the next year, Rachel shared that she and the rest of HSPA will “continue to work with legislators to try to improve the service delivery system and help it stabilize so that we can provide more support to more people.” The human services industry is always changing and providers must continue to evolve to meet the needs of the people they serve through new ideas, opportunities and requirements.
Rachel didn’t always envision herself working for UCP or even serving on HSPA’s advocacy committee, but like most who find themselves in the industry, she felt her heartstrings pulled. “They grabbed hold of my heart and have not let go,” says Rachel, “I can’t imagine doing anything else now.” An already strong advocate for UCP and its mission, Rachel now has the opportunity to bring positive change on a larger scale and advocate for others on their behalf.
Rachel is a valued team member of UCP of South Carolina and her position on HSPA’s advocacy committee better equips UCP for a future of serving adults with disabilities. Advocates have no defined criteria – they can be individuals, organizations or even large-scale corporations, but when their voices come together, they can make a tremendous impact.