Dew , who started this program in honor of her late sister , April Williams , said Flourish was designed to help citizens obtain basic job skills — such as interviewing and getting a job , keeping it much easier and more comfortable for those who might not always be confident in their search for employment .
According to Dew , the nonprofit agency in Cullman has been in existence since 2016 . It helps people with differences work , live and play as independently as possible .
Dew also explained the program helps parents make plans for when the school bus stops coming , to just ease their anxiety .
The organization ’ s mission is to optimize everyone ’ s potential in personal , social and vocational competencies and to partner , facilitate and provide lifelong support .
The idea for the organization , according to Dew , came after many years of working as an occupational therapist with people with disabilities in school settings .
“ Parents often worried about how their students would have their best lives after they were no longer eligible to attend public schools ,” said Dew . “ They wondered how their children would get ongoing skills training and support to help them be productive members of the community .”
That concern coupled with the curiosity Dew saw in our school systems is how Flourish was born — to assist disabled individuals in developing independent living skills through life coaching , job attainment and social integration .
“ Our organization offers job training , job placement , counseling , social interaction , structured and other services that enable people with disabilities to increase their independence .”
Dew went on to explain that not only does Flourish of Cullman help prepare a potential job candidate for an interview , but they also give advice on how to dress appropriately for the occasion .
Additionally , they follow up with employers to make sure that things are going well after the applicant is on the job .
There is nothing like this available in Cullman ,” said Dew . ” We want to make this a wonderful place for everyone to work , live and play . We take part in ensuring that those things are available for everyone .”
The organization depends , in part , on donations to help these members of our community live flourishing lives .
They recently held a Spring Fling that featured a night of Bingo , a Silent Auction and Great food to raise money for the non-profit organization and honor .
And what made this fundraiser so special was that Dew and her family also were able to create a memorial fund for her late sister , April , who passed away on May 14 , 2021 .
“ My sister April was one of the motivations behind the creation of Flourish in 2016 ,” said Dew . “ Her health had declined due to her cerebral palsy to the point that she could not be a participant in the program , but she was still very much an advocate for helping others in need .”
April would have turned 51 on Feb . 24 . She died several months before she turned 50 , so her family held a huge birthday party / celebration of her life at Heritage Park to raise money for the memorial fund .
From Our Community Leader :
Melissa Dew
Mission Statement : Flourish of Cullman . Inc ., provides community-based support to individuals with differing abilities who would like to live as independently as possible .
Vision Statement : Individuals with differing abilities are functioning members of society and accorded the same dignity as functioning members of society and accorded the same dignity and respect as other individuals .
Core Values : We believe that individuals with differing abilities are primarily individuals deserving of dignity and respect . They can create and develop their own vision and dreams for their lives and can learn how to manage their own home life .
These individuals can learn how to perform actual jobs with competitive pay and how to be social among friends with social settings .
Carver Donnelly , a participant with Flourish , had his picture taken at Zaxby ’ s in Cullman .
CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 | 7