Program Success Stories
The UACDC has been nothing but amazing and extremely helpful for our family. They have almost every program you can think of and it’s all for free. That plays a huge role in my family of 7 trying to provide while also keeping the kids busy at no cost. My 3 older children were in art class and that’s not even a quarter of what they offer. I, 1,000% recommend them to any family that’s looking for activities for the kids. Thank you so much UACDC Get Moving! Program.
Rikema Hamby, Mother to Jeremiah, Journi and Joshua (pictured above)
Things I have Learned in Prodigy:
I have learned to tell adults when something happens. (I) don’t say “I don’t want to do this” when Ms. Angela works hard on the projects. (I have learned about) being considerate of other’s feelings. I stand up for myself and forgive others. (I have learned to) resolve conflict with friends.
Kaylee, (age 8) – Prodigy® Cultural Arts Program Participant
The AKA’s and other USF student volunteers have been helping maintain the Harvest Hope Community Garden for years. Every week we get current students out in the garden working hard to harvest, plant, weed, and provide upkeep for the garden. I’ve seen students learn by coming back each week, so much so, that they are then able to teach new volunteers and create a cycle of knowledge. More specifically I decided to highlight the AKA’s and USF students who showed up for the UACDC’s Paint The Town event. We had over 10 volunteers including USF alumni and current students helping clean up and beautify Harvest Hope Community Garden.
Alpha Kappa Alpha – USF Alumni & USF Students, UACDC Volunteers
Matthew joined the Get Moving Program in June 2023. His participation in activities like karate and swimming formed a character of dedication and respectfulness at a young age. Matthew is in the 2nd phase of training in taekwondo and has achieved his high green belt. Paola, his mom, stated that Get Moving has exceeded their expectations and has seen the positive impact it has on her son. So much so, that Matthew’s younger sister is looking forward to joining the program when she is old enough.
Matthew, (age 10) Get Moving Program Participant
At the time when Gabriela was registered to attend Visual Arts classes at Prodigy Moves, she had issues with paying attention and focusing on tasks. She would rush to finish an assignment, just to be the first. As a result, the quality of her artwork was bad. Gabriela is now much more organized and focuses on finishing her work well, with attention to details. Similar to her sister, she practices art at home, and both keep their art space in order.
Ms. Moore, she describes the STEPS Program and the entire University Area CDC as valuable. She stated, “The program helped me to believe until I could believe in myself.” Ms. Moore shared that STEPS helped with her self-esteem and established a safe place for her to focus on her goals.
Juanita Moore, at the Florida Capitol representing the STEPS program
STEPS for Success® Participant
CaeVille and her son, Kyshaan, show up ready and curious for what the day’s swimming lesson will bring every Monday and Wednesday at Uptown Sky Apartment.
Over the past few weeks, both worked together to build skills that will last a lifetime. For younger participants like Kyshaan, parents stay in the pool to help their child engage more in the lessons.
Gainous reflects how she is sometimes anxious but excited to participate with her child. She hopes that Kyshaan will “(learn) that you can be nervous and still try new things,”
CaeVille & Kyshaan, – Get Moving Participants
When Zoe began attending Visual Arts classes at Prodigy Moves, she was shy, disorganized and a bit emotional. She was reluctant to participate, fearing criticism from her peers about her artwork. She considered herself less talented than her older sister.
Recently, Zoe is showing more confidence and creativity in class. She now wants to be an Art teacher. She one day wants to be an artist, with her own studio, where she sells her paintings.
Zoe – Prodigy® Moves Program Participant
Matthew Dix is a single father of 3 young children who entered the STEPS Program at the end of May. Two months prior to joining the program, Matthew lost his job. He began to have a tougher financial burden and was having a tough time making ends meet.
A couple days after being accepted into the program, Matthew received news that he was set to begin work, earliest start date being late June due to HR delays. However, in the time that Matthew was without employment, the bills continued to build up, with two main ones being Rental and Utilities. During tough times, Matthew relied on his vision statement, “It’s going to get better. Your kids are looking up to you. You can do this.”
Fortunately, the program was able to provide Matthew and his family with rental, utility, and summer camp assistance to help push the family towards financial stability. Matthew also completed a financial literacy course. The program covered the amount that was past due for rent and a portion of the utilities bill while Matthew was out of work. STEPS was also able to cover summer camp registration fees so that the two school-aged daughters could attend summer camp while Matthew prepares to begin a new remote position in late June. Now that the daughters are in camp for the summer, Matthew will be able to work from home comfortably without worrying about supervison or childcare for the children. “Thanks again for all the help the girls was really excited,” says Matthew regarding the summer camp. He is now about to start his new position and is back on track towards self sufficiency and financial stability. Despite being in the program for a very short time, Matthew is already experiencing relief and on the way to a more comfortable life with his family.
Matthew Dix, – STEPS for Success Participant
Nylah and Keishawn are two of many children participating in swimming lessons held at their apartment community pool. When asked how swimming lessons at Adderley have impacted their confidence, Nylah Walker smiled and said, “Way much better.” Her brother Keishawn, sitting beside her, chimed in with a grin, “Way much better better.” Their enthusiastic responses say it all — these siblings feel significantly more at ease in the water.
Some participants are just starting out, learning foundational skills like blowing bubbles and kicking. Others, like the Walker siblings, are building on what they already know — mastering techniques such as treading water, floating on their backs, and refining their strokes.
Whether a child leaves having learned one new skill or several, they walk away with more than just swimming knowledge. They gain confidence, develop life-saving abilities, and take important steps toward lifelong health and safety.
Nylah & Keishawn – Get Moving Program Participant