Lindy Cleveland, founder and director of Unless U, told a convocation gathering last semester how God led her to create a transformative program for adults with special needs. She explained that her mission to serve individuals with disabilities evolved into a space for empowerment, independence and belonging.
Cleveland's story was inspired by life with her brother, Jordan, who has special needs. After graduating from Samford in 2014, she felt called to support others like him who often lack opportunities for continued education and job training. This led to Unless U, a nonprofit day program designed to empower adults with disabilities by providing a space to develop their talents, build social connections and acquire life skills.
In her presentation, Cleveland, the 2024 Council for Christian Colleges & Universities Young Alumni Award winner, shared how her Christian faith guided her journey. She credited her education at Samford—particularly the foundation of servant leadership—as a crucial part of the vision that created Unless U.
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing will get better. It's not," Cleveland quoted from Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, explaining how the words moved her to act in her community and beyond.
One of Unless U's unique features is vocational training. Students work at Unless U Scoops, an on-campus ice cream shop, where they gain valuable job skills while giving back to the community. Cleveland hopes to expand this model through new professional partnerships, particularly with speech-language pathologists, as Samford's speech-language pathology program collaborates with Unless U and CSDS students to gain hands-on experience in serving adults with disabilities.
“Unless U is not just a program," Cleveland said. "It is a community that reflects the values of faith, service and inclusivity—a testament to the transformative power of education and compassion.”
Since Unless U's inception, the Samford community has been a vital source of support. Cleveland highlighted the significant contribution of Dr. Laura Byland, who teaches drama classes where students can audition for the annual Christmas drama production. "It's a chance for our students to showcase their talents and build confidence," Cleveland said.
Through Unless U, Cleveland continues to impact the lives of individuals with disabilities, fostering an environment of love, care and empowerment. Her message at the convocation resonated with students, faculty and staff alike, reminding everyone of the importance of caring for those who are overlooked and marginalized.
Undergraduate students from Samford's Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDS) and Kinesiology (KINE) programs will also host a carnival for Unless U and Post Place participants on Feb. 8, 2025, from 2-4 p.m.
Young adults with special needs will enjoy carnival activities. Two Samford students, one from each department, will be paired with each participant to provide a collaborative service-learning experience while they partake in cookie decorating, Valentine creation, face painting, cornhole and a photo booth. A sensory area and movie room also will be available.
Opportunities for those seeking to become involved with Unless U include volunteering, internships and part-time positions.
