There is a sense of pride when we gather and support local nonprofits. Knowing people can be so selfless as to devote their lives to helping others inspires us to do so. Their sacrifice makes us strive to be better. This ripple effect is the backbone of prosperity. It helps our community grow, and Melissa Dew has helped Cullman to flourish.
We primarily know her as executive director of Flourish of Cullman, where Dew and her staff facilitate a support system that provides residents with differing abilities the help and assistance they may need, to live, play and work independently.
Though her roots run deeper. Dew is a friend, mother, wife and daughter. She was born May 30, 1966, in Cullman and is the middle child of nine siblings.
“My youngest sister, April, was born with cerebral palsy,” she said. “That got me interested. I went to all of her events growing up and I always knew I wanted to help people. I gravitated toward being a police officer.”
She was a police officer at the Hanceville Police Department from 1998-1999, but after suffering an injury she attended Wallace State Community College, where she graduated in 2003.
“Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services helped me to go back to school at Wallace and get my degree in occupational therapy assistance,” Dew said. “We actually have a contract with them that helps support people with disabilities to get jobs.”
After she graduated she put her degree to use. “I was an occupational therapist at Encore Rehabilitation and during that time I was very involved with The Autism Society. I went and spoke to them. Some parents called me the ‘autism whisperer’ because I knew how to connect with their kids.”
Dew established a social group within a local Methodist church and did activities with the children such as pretend birthday parties. “I put them in social activities where they could learn and go on,” she said.
Because of her devotion to guiding children, Dew was awarded the 2006 Outstanding Alumni winner for the health division from Wallace State.
“I worked at Encore and became the therapy coordinator for Cullman County and city schools,” she said. “I learned a lot from Encore about budgeting, so when I left I was prepared.”
Dew was at a pancake breakfast for The Autism Society when she was approached about an opportunity with Triumph Services in Birmingham. When she attended, she said, the realization hit her that Cullman needed these services. That led to the establishment of Flourish of Cullman in 2016.
When it comes to Cullman as a whole, said Dew, her favorite thing is its growth. “I love the growth that we’ve had. The community seems to rally around different businesses to help support them. Probably over the past five or so years is where we’ve had the most growth in that area.”
She is particularly fond of local festivals and enjoys attending them with her grandchildren.
As far as food, she advised that Chinese is her absolute favorite. Though 412 Public House is her go-to Cullman restaurant. She stated, “I have not gotten bad food there.”
When she needs to destress or ground herself, she said, she loves to hike. “Hiking in Colorado has to be my favorite. It’s absolutely beautiful.”
Her favorite move? “Thinking In Pictures,” she said, before adding enthusiastically, “Oh, and ‘Peanut Butter Falcon.’ I mean, come on!”
Her favorite color is green. “I love any green, but especially Flourish green,” she smiled.
Her advice to Cullman? “Be a good you.”
