My brother, Jordan, inspired us to start Unless U, a faith-based continuing education program in a college-like environment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jordan was my best friend throughout my childhood. We had so much fun together. But other children did not understand his needs, so I learned at an early age to be his advocate. I also noticed that Jordan's disability doesn't limit his desire to have the same opportunities as others. He always wanted to be like everyone else. He did not understand it when my brother and I got to drive a car, and he couldn't; or when we graduated high school and went to college, and he didn't. A turning point in my life came when I was moving into my college dorm. The hurt on Jordan's face that day was real, and it stuck with me. The sadness he felt challenged me to think differently. Why can't Jordan go to college? Why can't he take classes, go to dances, or even have a t-shirt with his school's name on it? Throughout my college years, I thought about how to create something that would make it feel like Jordan was in college, too. God kept growing that desire in me every year. In one of my classes, I compiled a business plan for starting a school for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that could be similar to a college experience. I felt God nudging me to pursue this and telling me to step out in faith. After all, if not, who will? That day came shortly after college… Read More
