Everyone Deserves a Life Without Limits

UCP of West Alabama is proud to be part of an exciting new collaboration bringing fresh, locally grown produce to Tuscaloosa City Schools. Through a partnership with DEL-Ray Farms and Tuscaloosa City Schools, romaine lettuce grown right here in our community is now being served in school cafeterias across the city.

This initiative is about more than healthy meals for students — it’s about creating opportunity. Individuals supported by UCP of West Alabama are gaining meaningful, hands-on work experience in food preparation and agricultural processing while contributing to a project that benefits thousands of local children. This partnership reflects our mission to empower people with disabilities to live and work with independence, dignity, and purpose.

Seeing our participants take pride in their work — from harvesting to preparing fresh produce — is a powerful reminder of what inclusion in action looks like. At the same time, students in Tuscaloosa’s city schools are receiving nutritious, locally sourced food that supports wellness and learning.

We are deeply grateful to DEL Farms (Michael and Robert Bray) and Tuscaloosa City Schools for believing in this vision and for investing in both healthy futures and inclusive opportunity. Together, we are growing something truly special for our community.

Life Without Limits — and fresh from the farm.

Opening Doors to Independence: UCP Transition Program Highlights

UCP Transition Expands Services and Strengthens Student Pathways

The UCP Transition Department is pleased to share significant program advancements that are expanding opportunities for students across West Alabama. This year, the department launched Driver’s Permit instruction for high school students and has successfully completed its first course, serving more than 30 students. This initiative equips participants with critical knowledge of traffic laws, driving responsibilities, and safety expectations, supporting greater independence and access to future employment.

The Transition team also continues to deliver workplace readiness training and unpaid work experience programs in local city and county high schools. These services focus on developing essential employability skills, fostering confidence, and preparing students for successful entry into the workforce.

In addition, UCP Transition has expanded services into rural and underdeveloped areas of Dallas County, increasing access to transition resources and support for students and families who previously had limited availability. This expansion reflects UCP’s ongoing commitment to equitable service delivery and community inclusion.

We’re proud to celebrate Joseph Suarez, who began his new position with Alabama ONE Credit Union on January 5th. Joseph works three days a week with the IT team while continuing his studies in Industrial Electronics at Shelton State. He is truly happy and grateful for this opportunity, and we couldn’t be more excited to see him thriving.

Joseph’s success is supported through UCP of West Alabama’s Milestone Supported Employment Program, which helps individuals find meaningful jobs that match their skills and goals.

"Joseph’s dedication and enthusiasm made him a perfect fit for this role. Watching him grow in confidence and independence through employment is exactly why we do what we do."

— Katie Cook, Director of Employment Services