Almost since the time that United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Inc. (UCPN) was established in 1948, Bea Wellens has been on the scene helping and volunteering. Her integrity and sincerity has been witnessed by many people who were influential in the growth and success of the agency through the years including political leaders and corporate executives and most importantly, the consumers and the families who benefit from the programs and services at UCPN.

Today, the UCPN assists over 1,800 children and adults with disabilities annually through a variety of programs including their school, The Children's Learning Center, their Life Options programs for adults, their Fortunoff Treatment and Rehabilitation Center and their residential and day habilitation programs to name only a few of the great services provided for people with disabilities.

Getting her start as an auxiliary president in Franklin Square in 1958, Bea quickly moved up the ranks of the council, serving as council president from 1970 - 1974 and has been a member of the agency's board of directors since 1970. In 1974, she was named to the state board of directors and served on the national board for 10 years. Bea served on the advisory boards for BOCES and for the Nassau County Department of Mental Health Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Her accomplishments with all these groups were numerous. It was Bea who convinced the Variety Club Organization to donate six sorely needed vans to UCPN. The Calico Cookbook, a classic treasure of recipes gathered from friends of UCPN, was Bea's idea back in 1974. The highly sought after compilation has been reprinted nine times and has generated significant funds as well as new friends for the agency.

Bea has always played an active role in advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities on national and state levels. There are so many behind the scenes contributions that Bea makes. One of these includes the establishment of a fund that underwrites a leisure services trip for two adults with disabilities each year. Bea has been a valued member of the Forget -Me- Not Ball Committee for over 40 years.

Everyone at UCPN is truly grateful to Bea for her selflessness and her generosity. The agency has benefited from her valuable service, her caring spirit and the gifts of her time and talent. She has been instrumental in helping UCPN carry out its mission of assisting individuals with disabilities and has done so with grace, humility and zest.