Unless U students lit up the stage of the Lyric Theatre on Feb. 24 by sharing their smiles and skills with a sold-out crowd of more than 700. This year’s “Unless U Got Talent” show kicked off with a gospel choir number from last year’s winners. Joined by the entire Unless U student body, they jubilantly sang “Jesus Loves Me” and “God Has Smiled on Me.”
Unless U is an organization based out of Vestavia Hills that provides a vibrant, college-like experience for adults with developmental disabilities. At Unless U and its sister group, Post Place, students receive Christ-centered continuing education and lifegiving community. These schools are a godsend to parents who want to enrich the lives of their adult children after high school.
Sharing the stage
There were 10 acts at this year’s two-hour show, including dancing, painting and even dog tricks. Each student works with a partner to prepare their performance. One student, Betts, and M.C., a volunteer, dazzled the crowd when Vivienne the Pug rode out in a red convertible. Vivenne jumped through hoops, did figure eights, played the piano — and took a well-deserved bow.
Another highlight of the evening was when a student named Mark read a passage from James 1 on overcoming adversity and did a live woodworking demonstration. He partnered with Manufactured Good, a Birmingham nonprofit that offers apprenticeships teaching trades, and engraved a wooden cutting board with the Scripture passage he proudly read.
The winner of this year’s talent show was Tommy, who performed a hip-hop dancing routine. Partnering with Birmingham nonprofit Knowledge, Rhythm and Understanding, Tommy scratched out beats and did break dancing to “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District.
Next year’s “Unless U Got Talent” will be a 10-year anniversary celebration, and all previous winners will be invited back to the stage.
Inspiration for change
Lindy Cleveland, executive director of Unless U, said the inspiration to start the organization all came from her brother, Jordan. Seeing Jordan’s sadness the day she moved into Samford University touched her deeply. Why couldn’t her lifelong partner in crime and best friend have the same kind of exciting experiences she was going to have in college? She realized that if she wanted to help Jordan and others like him, she had to take action.
What started with four people in a living room has grown into a program of more than 60 in their own beautiful building.
Local churches step up
Many Birmingham churches actively support Unless U year-round.
“We provide gym space and equipment every day of the week, Monday through Friday,” said Malcolm Prewitt, director of Lighthouse Recreation Ministry at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church. “They also have access to a classroom on the second floor for exercise, stretching and different things like that. They’re welcome. Actually, we miss them when they’re not here.”
Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills has strong ties to Unless U. Cleveland grew up attending there and volunteered in the special needs ministry.
“I love that Unless U gives those with developmental disabilities a place to learn — and they learn a lot,” said Amy Kirby, Shades Mountain Baptist special needs ministry director. “It gives adults a place to belong and a community of friends in a Christian setting where they can also grow in their faith.
“Our church values individuals with special needs, so supporting Unless U as a local missions partner with both financial and people resources is a natural outflow of what we believe.”
Recreation at its best
There are plenty of intramural sports at Unless U and fall basketball is a favorite. More than 30 players plus cheerleaders, volunteers and fans fill the gym. At each game, a student named Calvin plays the national anthem. There’s even a mascot. And everybody wins — literally.
“They’re split into two teams, the Unicorns versus the Unicorns,” said Amelia Breeze, a volunteer from Shades Crest Baptist Church in Hoover. “So the Unicorns always win.”
Breeze said Unless U basketball games are unlike any other sporting event. “The players care for each other. They give each other high-fives and hugs. They’re competitive, but it’s just such a pure joy. It’s the most delightful part of my week.”
The happiest place in the world
Unless U is a blessing both to students and their families. “We are so blessed to be able to take our son every day to a place where we know he is loved, he is safe, he is taught God’s Word — and he flourishes,” said Kelly Young. “Truly, Chris has learned more at Unless U than any other place that he’s ever been.” Young said she wants to continue living in Birmingham forever so that Chris can continue to attend Unless U, which brings him such joy.
Unless U is a loving, accepting community for families in similar life situations. Students, parents and teachers say Unless U is the happiest place in the world. Why? Because of the smiles on everyone’s faces and the love of Jesus.
“You cannot help but smile when you see so many of God’s blessings in one place,” said Young. “Unless U is sharing God’s love with the world and changing it one smile at a time.”
To learn more, visit unlessu.org.
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