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Unless U: How Lindy Cleveland Built a Movement for Adults with Disabilities—Rooted in Faith and Family
Keywords
nonprofit, developmental disabilities, community, faith, entrepreneurship, mental health, family support, success, advocacy, inclusion
In this episode of The Other Side of Success, Tyler Rutledge interviews Lindy Williamson Cleveland, founder and executive director of Unless U, a Birmingham-based nonprofit that creates inclusive community experiences for adults with developmental disabilities. Lindy opens up about her brother Jordan—the inspiration behind the mission—and what it took to launch Unless U straight out of college. The conversation explores her faith journey, motherhood, burnout, leadership, and redefining success. From the family dining room to a multi-campus operation, Lindy's story is equal parts raw and inspiring.
Lindy's advocacy began as a protective younger sister to her brother Jordan, who has Down syndrome.
Unless U was born from Jordan’s desire to go to college and Lindy's decision to create what didn’t exist.
Her college faith journey helped her discern a calling that merged purpose and entrepreneurship.
The early years required long hours, major sacrifices, and support from her husband and parents.
Lindy defines success as faithfulness, not scale.
Unless U creates transformation for families—not just the adults it serves.
Mental health support, including counseling and sabbatical time, is key for sustainable leadership.
She encourages moms and high-capacity women to draw boundaries and drop the guilt.
Unless U provides a college-like, joy-filled environment with academics, job training, and social programs.
Lindy now helps replicate the model nationwide and hopes to reach 500,000 lives through affiliate orgs.
Empowering Adults with Disabilities: The Story of Unless U
Faith, Family, and Nonprofit Success with Lindy Cleveland
"I feel unworthy of it, but I appreciate it."
"Success means faithfulness."
"I think it looks different for every family."
00:00 – Introduction to Lindy Williamson Cleveland and Unless U
02:01 – The Spark Behind Unless U
05:50 – Faith and Personal Journey
09:57 – Challenges in Launching Unless U
14:54 – The Impact of Unless U on Families
20:00 – Navigating Motherhood and Career
24:50 – Mental Health and Support Systems
29:57 – Defining Success in Nonprofit Work
34:46 – Growth and Future of Unless U
🔗 Website: https://unlessu.org
💙 Donate: https://unlessu.org/donate
📸 Instagram: @unless_u | @unlessu_scoops
View all episodes
By Tyler RutledgeKeywords
nonprofit, developmental disabilities, community, faith, entrepreneurship, mental health, family support, success, advocacy, inclusion
In this episode of The Other Side of Success, Tyler Rutledge interviews Lindy Williamson Cleveland, founder and executive director of Unless U, a Birmingham-based nonprofit that creates inclusive community experiences for adults with developmental disabilities. Lindy opens up about her brother Jordan—the inspiration behind the mission—and what it took to launch Unless U straight out of college. The conversation explores her faith journey, motherhood, burnout, leadership, and redefining success. From the family dining room to a multi-campus operation, Lindy's story is equal parts raw and inspiring.
Lindy's advocacy began as a protective younger sister to her brother Jordan, who has Down syndrome.
Unless U was born from Jordan’s desire to go to college and Lindy's decision to create what didn’t exist.
Her college faith journey helped her discern a calling that merged purpose and entrepreneurship.
The early years required long hours, major sacrifices, and support from her husband and parents.
Lindy defines success as faithfulness, not scale.
Unless U creates transformation for families—not just the adults it serves.
Mental health support, including counseling and sabbatical time, is key for sustainable leadership.
She encourages moms and high-capacity women to draw boundaries and drop the guilt.
Unless U provides a college-like, joy-filled environment with academics, job training, and social programs.
Lindy now helps replicate the model nationwide and hopes to reach 500,000 lives through affiliate orgs.
Empowering Adults with Disabilities: The Story of Unless U
Faith, Family, and Nonprofit Success with Lindy Cleveland
"I feel unworthy of it, but I appreciate it."
"Success means faithfulness."
"I think it looks different for every family."
00:00 – Introduction to Lindy Williamson Cleveland and Unless U
02:01 – The Spark Behind Unless U
05:50 – Faith and Personal Journey
09:57 – Challenges in Launching Unless U
14:54 – The Impact of Unless U on Families
20:00 – Navigating Motherhood and Career
24:50 – Mental Health and Support Systems
29:57 – Defining Success in Nonprofit Work
34:46 – Growth and Future of Unless U
🔗 Website: https://unlessu.org
💙 Donate: https://unlessu.org/donate
📸 Instagram: @unless_u | @unlessu_scoops