Growing Up Magnify
Alyssa’s Journey
If you’ve been part of the Bishop Grady Villas community for more than a minute, chances are you already know Alyssa, even if you don’t realize it yet. She’s the bright-eyed teen who can be found in the life skills classroom passing out paintbrushes, outside shooting hoops with residents, or sitting at the game table laughing over a heated round of Uno. For many of our long-time residents and staff, Alyssa is something even more special: living proof of what happens when service becomes a family tradition.
A Childhood Wrapped in Community
Alyssa’s story at Bishop Grady Villas began before she could walk. Her mom, Jennifer, joined our direct-support team back in 2008. When Jennifer became pregnant, residents asked weekly for “baby belly” updates, and team members Ana and Jack were determined to stock the nursery.
Over the years, Alyssa tagged along to Christmas parties, Mardi Gras parades, Halloween carnivals, and the Harvest Ball. Many of our original residents have literally watched her grow from a toddler in light-up sneakers to the poised, service-minded young woman she is today.
A Detour and a Homecoming
When Jennifer briefly left to work with Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students in the Osceola County school district, the hallways felt quieter. She soon realized that she missed the unique joy of Bishop Grady Villas, and so did Alyssa. A few years ago, Jennifer returned as a Direct Support Professional, splitting time between school hours and evening shifts. Alyssa, by then a middle-schooler at St. Thomas Aquinas, walked over after class every day to volunteer. “I could have a horrible day, and just seeing them gives me a smile on my face,” Alyssa says. “They make you feel like you’re a part of their family.”Jennifer couldn’t be prouder. “Some of our residents have literally watched Alyssa grow up,” she says. “Seeing her choose to give back on her own, that’s every parent’s dream.”
Why She Serves
Ask Alyssa what keeps her coming back, and she’ll rattle off a list: responsibility, leadership, and gratitude. She speaks about residents with a mixture of admiration and protectiveness.. One afternoon, she recalls, a resident noticed she was quietly upset and pulled her in for a hug. “I immediately felt so much better,” she says. “That day taught me that love shows up in the little moments.”Volunteering, she adds, is “very rewarding,” and everyone should know “they will ALWAYS complement your dance moves.” (We can confirm the dance-party praise is 100 percent genuine).
Jennifer sees those same values reflected in her own journey at the Villas. “The residents have taught me that love is unconditional, and it doesn’t have to come from a direct family member. They invite me to birthdays and Christmas parties, and they make me feel like I’m part of their world.”
Beyond the Classroom Walls
While Alyssa loves helping with art projects and nail painting, her commitment doesn’t end at the Villas’ gates. Last year, she teamed up with residents for an outing to a local restaurant, swapping menu tips and jokes over chicken tenders. She also escorted residents to the Harvest Ball, ensuring everyone got their moment on the dance floor. Residents have even attended Alyssa’s middle-school basketball games, cheering wildly from the bleachers as she scored. “Seeing them there was one of the best feelings,” Alyssa says, beaming.
Looking Ahead
This past May, Alyssa graduated from eighth grade and is heading to high school with a schedule packed full of honors classes and extracurricular activities. That means she won’t be able to walk over every day after school, but she’s already plotting ways to stay connected, such as weekend visits, school breaks, and the Harvest Ball 2025.
“My plan for the future is to give more to people than I give myself,” she said. “And wherever God leads me… I will volunteer!!!”
At Magnify, we often talk about “magnifying ability” and creating space where everyone can thrive. Alyssa’s journey reminds us that this starts with small moments: one tiny baby shower, one after-school Uno game, one hug in a hallway. When compassion compounds over time, it shapes futures, not just for the people we serve, but for the next generation who will carry the mission forward.
