ACIPCO Unites in Support of United Ability

For more than 35 years, ACIPCO’s Board of Operatives has visited United Ability (UA) at Christmas and made a contribution on behalf of employees. In 2023, $35,000 was given, and more than $1.3 million has been donated over the past three decades to support UA’s programs and services, which connect people with disabilities to their communities and empower individuals to live full and meaningful lives.

“Although the company supports many nonprofits, United Ability, formerly known as United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, is one organization the company’s charity fund committees have supported for many years,” said Electrician and Board of Operatives Representative Steve Briscoe. Honoring John Eagan’s legacy, the charity funds provide support to nonprofits using contributions employees have elected to deduct from their pay.

Board of Operatives Chair Tori Perry said one reason why employees believe in UA’s mission is they see how its services make positive differences in their coworkers’ lives. “Many ACIPCO employees are parents who sympathize with families who need additional assistance with caring for and educating their loved ones,” Perry said. “We know the care children and adults receive through United Ability’s programs is life-changing.”

Thea Couture, director of Steel Pipe Project Management and member of the UA board of directors, said she learned first-hand why organizations like UA are needed in the community. “After my husband and I had our child, Hannah, we quickly learned of the need for daycare centers that also provide therapy,” Couture said. “United Ability runs the Hand in Hand Early Learning Program. Operating this center as well as other comprehensive care and education programs is expensive. This is why United Ability counts on support from partners in the community like ACIPCO.”