FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A local nonprofit that serves children and adults with disabilities is celebrating a major milestone after officially opening the doors to its new, expanded facility in northeast Fresno.<\/p>\n
With the ceremonial snip of oversized scissors and cheers from students, staff and supporters, UCP+ Central California welcomed the community into its new 40,000-square-foot campus during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday.<\/p>\n
“Students, it’s time for you to enter your new facility,” CEO Roger Slingerman said.<\/p>\n
The new campus will serve individuals with a broad range of disabilities. While the organization’s name reflects its origins with United Cerebral Palsy, Slingerman said the nonprofit’s mission has expanded significantly over the years.<\/p>\n
“This is the country club for people with disabilities in a lot of ways,” Slingerman said. “We redid everything so that we could move in and not have to go back and actually do construction. It took a little longer than we wanted, but we’re in it.”<\/p>\n
The facility was intentionally designed with accessibility at the forefront. Wider hallways and doorways help accommodate students and participants who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.<\/p>\n
“I want them to feel like themselves, to come here and be very comfortable in their own body and own shoes,” Slingerman said.<\/p>\n
The building includes multiple classrooms, a teaching kitchen and a pottery room, all intended to support educational, vocational and recreational programming.<\/p>\n
Slingerman said the additional space will allow the organization to significantly increase capacity and expand its reach within the community.<\/p>\n
“It’s not only going to be used for the adult day program during the day, Monday through Friday, from basically 8 till 3,” he said. “Our goal is to use the evenings and weekends for the greater community.”<\/p>\n
The grand opening drew local leaders and community supporters, including Fresno City Councilmember Nick Richardson, who presented a plaque recognizing the organization’s achievement.<\/p>\n
“From my office, we just like to recognize UCP Plus from the City of Fresno, myself and Jerry Dyer,” Richardson said. “Congratulations on your grand opening here.”<\/p>\n
Slingerman said he believes the new building will create opportunities for growth and increased community engagement for years to come.<\/p>\n
“I’m very fortunate to be here. I’m here for a reason,” he said. “I look forward to seeing how this building grows every day.”<\/p>\n
Community members interested in learning more about UCP+ Central California, its programs and services, by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n You can also take a virtual tour of the new facility by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n For news updates, follow Jessica Harrington on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n