Birmingham Charity Profile: Meet Unless U

Unless U is an incredible local organization. In the words of its team, “Unless U is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering the growth of adults with disabilities academically, spiritually, physically, socially, and professionally. Our services create an environment that fosters independence.”

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‍Who they support

Unless U stands with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing comprehensive supports and services to foster their academic, spiritual, physical, social and professional growth. Recognizing the gap in services for adults after the age of 21, they are committed to creating an environment that fosters independence and allows individuals to thrive.

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The problem they are tackling

Statistics reveal a disturbing reality: while 90% of students with disabilities receive support during their school years, only 10% continue to receive services after age 21. This lack of support leaves many individuals and their families facing uncertainty and limited opportunities for growth and development. Unless U seeks to fill this gap and provide ongoing support for adults with disabilities, enabling them to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

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Their story and their inspiration

Founded in 2014 by Lindy Williamson Cleveland, Unless U was inspired by Lindy’s older brother, Jordan, who has Down syndrome. Jordan’s desire for a place to learn, socialize, and fit in fueled Lindy’s vision to create Unless U. From humble beginnings around the Williamson family kitchen table with Jordan and five friends, Unless U has grown exponentially. Over the past nine years, they’ve served over 150 families across two campuses and expanded their services to include career training programs like Unless U Scoops.

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Success Stories

One mother, Darlene, shared her heartfelt gratitude, expressing how Unless U transformed her son’s life, giving him a sense of joy and belonging he had never known before.

“For the first time in his life, my son is enjoying his time away from home. I don’t get calls from school to pick him up in the middle of the day. I drop him off with a happy face and pick him up with a happy face. The teachers are always smiling too. There have been no incidents or complaints. This has never happened before. All the students seem so happy to be there. It’s another miracle. On the first day, he was reluctant to enter the building.

Today he seemed disappointed that I was there to pick him up. For many years I have hoped and prayed that Will would have the chance to live—really live—before he died, to be free from the prison in which his mind and body had been locked. It is finally happening, it is happening regularly. I thank my Heavenly Father for the many amazing people He has placed in our path. My heart is so full it could burst.

Stories like Darlene’s are a testament to the transformative impact of their programs and the hope they instill in the lives of individuals and families.

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Their goals for 2024

As Unless U approaches its 10th anniversary, their goals for 2024 are twofold: to celebrate the incredible milestones they have achieved so far and to expand their reach to serve more families in need. With the Post Place campus at capacity, they aim to add another classroom to their main Unless U campus to meet the growing demand for their services. Additionally, they plan to enhance their family ministry to provide comprehensive support for parents embarking on the journey of parenting adults with disabilities.

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How you can help

Unless U invites those who feel called to support their mission to visit their website, www.unlessu.org, where they can learn more about their work and the impact of their contributions. Whether through financial donations or volunteer opportunities, every contribution makes a difference in the lives of the individuals and families they serve.

At Unless U, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive and live a life of meaning and dignity. Join them in empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their full potential and build a more inclusive society for all.

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