“ Flourish core values are 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 ,” said Dew . “ They can learn how to manage their own home life . They can perform actual jobs with competitive pay and how to be social among friends within social settings .”
- Melissa Dew
The fund is designed to help provide for individuals that might have problems with getting money for shoes , new clothes or keeping their cell phone on so employers can call them .
“ I wanted to have a way to keep April ’ s legacy alive and what she meant to all of us ,” said Dew . “ She was always very generous by asking others about their needs and offering money to people in need . She was just an amazing person .”
Dew shared that April was her younger sister by 5 years and from the time she was born they were very connected .
“ April was legally blind , but my mother taught her how to crochet and whenever a new baby was born in the family , she would crochet blankets for the babies .”
At Christmas , Dew shared that her sister would crochet her blankets and sell them to raise money so she could buy Christmas presents for her whole family .
With a twinkle in her eye , her proud sister shared that her younger sister was just meant to bring great joy to those around her .
“ April ’ s favorite drink was Dr . Pepper ; it was just her thing . You could get her to do just about anything for a drink of Dr . Pepper ,” Dew said with a gentle laugh while remembering .
“ We have a wonderful board made up of professionals with a variety of skill set , who live right here in Cullman County ,” said Dew .
The Flourish board includes the following committee members : Melissa Dew , Executive Director ; Blake West ; Sally Whaley ; Robbie Downs ; Nikki Brooks ; Lee Powell ; Michelle Ray ; Rachael Gooch ; Karlie Baker ; Brian Corliss ; Katie Fine ; Brandon Tolbert , and Jake Johnson .
Brayden Methvin, Darius Marshall , and Trey Montgomery are three participants in Flourish ’ s work experience group that is designed to help learn to work as a team .
April Williams , the late sister of Melissa Dew , the founder of Flourish , is the legacy behind the foundation .
For more about Flourish of Cullman , or to make a donation for the memorial fund , ���������������������������������� ������������������������������������ or call 256-735-4186 .
Kendall Caridine is pictured in front of Arbys , where she works .
8 | SUMMER 2023 CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE