CULLMAN, Ala. – Flourish of Cullman will mark a decade of helping individuals with differing abilities pursue employment, independence and stronger connections within their community during the Aug. 14 2nd Fridays event in downtown Cullman.
The nonprofit plans to celebrate its 10th anniversary at a downtown booth from 5-8 p.m. Visitors will be able to meet members of the Flourish team, learn about its programs and share memories from the organization’s first decade.
The broader 2nd Fridays event, themed “Neon Moon,” is scheduled from 5:30-9 p.m. and will feature live music, food trucks, vendors and family activities.
Flourish was established in August 2016 after its founders identified a need for community-based services that could help individuals with differing abilities live, work and participate socially with greater independence.
Its mission centers on supporting each individual’s dignity, personal goals and ability to become an active member of the community.
Flourish organizes its primary services around three areas: Live, Work and Play.
The Live program provides scheduled home visits with life coaches who help participants establish personal goals and develop skills involving household organization, meal planning, budgeting, personal care and other aspects of independent living.
The Work program provides assessments, job-readiness training, interview assistance, job coaching and long-term employment support. Flourish says the service is funded through the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.
The Play program gives participants opportunities to form friendships, strengthen social skills and take part in activities throughout the community.
Founder and CEO Melissa Dew has said Flourish grew from seeing individuals leave school without adequate opportunities to continue building employment and independent-living skills.
“I really feel like we have a solid organization here, and I feel like we’re making an impact on the individuals that we serve,” Dew said in a 2025 feature published by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Dew’s interest in the work was influenced by her younger sister, April, who had cerebral palsy. Dew later became an occupational therapy assistant and worked with students in the Cullman city and county school systems before helping establish Flourish.
The organization’s growth has depended partly on relationships with Cullman-area employers willing to offer participants competitive employment and opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.
“Cullman has really stepped up and offered employment to the people that we serve in our community,” Dew said during Flourish’s 2024 fundraising banquet.
Decatur Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Rachel Greene also praised the organization’s efforts to connect participants with employers and community resources.
“I have only wonderful things to say about Flourish and their team,” Greene said in the 2025 ADRS feature. “Melissa is an exceptional leader.”
Flourish received the Alabama Association of People Supporting Employment First Agency of the Year Award in 2019.
The organization has since expanded its work to include employment preparation, life coaching, social programs and independent-living support.
Current members of the organization’s leadership team include Dew, Executive Director Lisa Butts, Operations Manager Stacy Monk and Office, Finance and Human Resources Manager Lindsay Robinson.
Flourish’s anniversary celebration will recognize the individuals served by the organization as well as the families, employees, volunteers, donors, employers and community partners who have supported its mission since 2016.
For more information about Flourish of Cullman, visit www.flourishofcullman.com.
