Dear UCP Community.
A long-time professional colleague, UCP board member, and close friend of mine, Molly Holsapple, has turned the page. Molly passed away peacefully in her sleep last week.
I was blessed to have spent her last cognizant day with her: laughing, crying, reading, making lists, and reaching out to her enormous community.
Molly’s History
Molly served on the UCP Oregon Board of Directors for many years, where she held the roles of Secretary and Human Resources Chair. She served on the Executive Committee, and participated in UCP’s DEI Workgroup (EQUAL) as well.
Molly experienced cerebral palsy, partial blindness, and albinism. What might have served as barriers to others, Molly transformed into motivation—fuel to make the world a better place for people experiencing disabilities.
Molly’s career began more than forty years ago at Fairview Training Center, where she worked as a summer recreational therapist within Fairview’s “orthopedic cottage.” She spoke fondly of those days, although her personal values weren’t aligned with that model of care. A spark was ignited.
Molly spent her career working to improve Oregon’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) service system. Her focus was always on enhancing quality of life for people with disabilities through person-centered practices and true self-direction.
From the earliest days of closing Fairview Training Center, through the development of large (and then smaller) group homes, and on to semi-independent and supported living, Molly was always there—a steadfast, passionate voice at the table, advocating for systems change.
Molly and I first met during a Community Integration Project (CIP) that helped individuals move from Fairview into their communities. Molly was a visionary—never afraid to share her thoughts and feelings during our many drives from Portland to Salem and back.
Molly specialized in integrated, competitive employment—working within both Vocational Rehabilitation and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services. She was persistent and persuasive.
Molly at UCP
In 2002, Molly connected me with several subject matter experts and convinced me to join UCP Oregon—to help strengthen and build an organization whose mission and values I deeply admired.
Fast forward to the landmark Lane v. Brown case—a defining moment in Oregon’s disability rights movement. The case led to the closure of sheltered workshops and the end of sub-minimum wages for people with disabilities. UCP Oregon was honored to stand among the plaintiffs.
It was exactly the kind of change Molly had spent her career fighting for. Her unwavering belief in meaningful, integrated employment helped lay the groundwork for the world we see today—one where every person has the chance to work, contribute, and belong.
Brokerage System and Statewide Impact
Molly also sat at the tables where the idea for Oregon’s brokerage system was first born. It’s incredible to think that, today, thousands of Oregonians with I/DD are living more independent, self-directed lives because of that work.
Beyond the brokerage system, Molly provided training and technical assistance across the state to create positive, lasting systems change.
Watching her in action—her “networking hat” firmly in place—was a joy. Her grace, insight, and persistence often helped move collective agendas forward. Whenever she saw a gap, she found the people who could help, even reaching across state lines to bring in new ideas and expertise.
Molly’s Spirit and Legacy
Most important, Molly showed up. She showed up. And she continued to show up. She never backed down from what was right, while remaining in a lifelong learning mode.
Molly had the cutest little wiggle dance when she was stoked. Fingers in the air and some swagger. Molly loved ice cream--the more decadent the better. Molly loved my dog, EV. Molly loved raspberry tea and soft music. Molly belonged to the Art and Lecture Series in town, and I loved accompanying her to their events. We swayed at Tracy Chapman together. We sang every word. Poetry, bright clothes and jewelry, the love of books and her book club, the beach… and, most important the family and friends that she called her own.
I love you with all my heart, Molly. I have learned so much from you. The disability community has and will benefit from your life’s work.
Bye for now, my friend.
Ann Coffey
Executive Director, UCP Oregon
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