Oliver grew up poor in a housing project and is one of four children raised by a single mom with a third-grade education. He was the first in his family to graduate from college after receiving a full football scholarship from Jacksonville State University. Oliver came to UACDC in 2011, and in 2015 became the manager of the "Get Moving" program, which is a comprehensive wellness program that focuses on improving the health and nutrition of UA families. Oliver serves not only as a coach to UA kids, but is a mentor and takes pride in paying it forward for disadvantaged youth.
The grant tonight will be used to support the mission of UACDC. Specifically, the funds will be used to support Harvest Hope Park renovations and enhancements for three Youth "Get Moving" programs. Harvest Hope Park is a resident-friendly green space that meets the physical, social and health needs of the UA community by providing opportunities that encourage play, exercise, healthy eating, environmental sustainability, education and community interaction. This restoration project will serve 170 UA youth.
Oliver became the 539th Lightning Community Hero since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through tonight's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $29.32 million to more than 700 unique nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. During the summer of 2021, the Viniks announced that the community hero program will give away another $10 million over the next five seasons.
