When Kennedy Hollifield first reached out to UCP Huntsville’s Early Intervention program, she expressed her concern that her son was “struggling with speech and we needed help.” What followed was, in her words, “an amazing experience with the best possible outcome.” Over just a few months, Forrest began saying three or more words at once, forming sentences, and communicating so much better. Kennedy shared that their speech therapist, “Annalee was absolutely incredible and we love her! We absolutely hit our goal with him, and we are so thankful for the help and love we received.” Today, the Hollifield’s can see exactly how far he’s come — “Now Forrest understands us better, he helps, tells us what he wants, and so much more!” Kennedy says, “We are just so thankful to you guys. We couldn’t have done it without your help and compassion.”
When Krystal Barrett was introduced to UCP Huntsville’s Alabama Lifespan Respite program, she was, in her words, “at the end of my rope, burnt out, struggling mentally, emotionally, and financially.” A single mother of two children with special needs, Krystal was doing everything she could to navigate waitlists, manage care, and hold her own health together when she was connected to Lifespan Respite through Help Me Grow Alabama. Since then, she says, “Alabama Lifespan Respite has helped my family greatly. I’ve learned a lot about our diagnosis, been given resources, financial support, and guidance on long-term care options.” The program has taught her how to take care of herself, manage stress, and “say no when I’m at my limit.” Krystal says programs like this are “a godsend to families like mine that have limited to no support.”
When Jennifer’s daughter was diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism in early 2023, she began searching for help and found UCP Huntsville’s Help Me Grow program. “It was the best search result I found,” she says. Through the program, Jennifer was connected with Rachel Townsend, UCP’s Care Coordinator, who became a steady source of guidance and reassurance. “Rachel has been an absolute godsend,” Jennifer shared. “She helped me start the process of enrolling my daughter in Pre-K and is always there if I need help along the way. That’s a huge comfort as navigating school systems can be confusing if not problematic.”
Today, Jennifer’s daughter is thriving—meeting and exceeding milestones and growing more confident every day. “She’s smart, kind, caring, and able to be anything she wants to be,” Jennifer says. “Knowing I have Rachel to help with anything that arises gives me peace of mind to be the best version of myself for my daughter. She’s someone you’re lucky to meet once in a lifetime, and I’m so thankful God sent her to us.”
When Benicio wasn’t meeting his early milestones, his pediatrician referred the family to UCP Huntsville. “When I started my process with UCP, it was a sigh of relief,” Juanita shared. “I was met where I was, not with where I should be according to a standard. All my questions, comments, and concerns were met with care, understanding, and knowledge.” Through a combination of Early Intervention services, outpatient speech therapy through Children’s Therapy Services, and UCP’s play group and parent supports, Benicio began building confidence and communication skills that transformed his world.
After more than two years of therapy, Benicio transitioned to other programs and services, continuing to thrive with the skills and confidence he built at UCP Huntsville. “At a time when you face the reality of having a child who will have challenges and needs that you aren’t sure you’re equipped for and all you need is support and hope; UCP was that for our family,” Juanita said. “I never worried about my child’s safety and knew he would be receiving top-tier care. Thank you will never sound like enough to express my gratitude.”