For Cullman’s handicapped citizens, there is now a new and exciting organization to make interviewing, getting a job and keeping it much easier and more comfortable for those who might not always be confident in their search for employment.
According to Executive Director of Flourish of Cullman, Melissa Dew, Flourish is a new nonprofit agency that helps people in Cullman with disabilities work, live and play as independently as possible.
“We also help parents make plans for when the bus stops coming, to ease their anxiety,” Dew explained.
The organization’s mission is to optimize each individual’s potential in personal, social and vocational competencies and to partner, facilitate and provide lifelong support.
The group hopes to reach and exceed their fundraising goals by Dec. 31, 2016. Donations will be used to fund scholarships and to assist with the startup.
According to Dew, the idea for the organization came about after many years, as she and her partner, Sharon Kane, worked with people with disabilities in school settings and through occupational therapy. They often worried about how their students would live their best lives after they were no longer eligible to attend public schools. Where would they get ongoing skills training and support to help them be productive members of the community? So their vision was born, and they came to create Flourish of Cullman in order to provide these important services.
“Flourish of Cullman assists disabled individuals in developing independent living skills through life coaching, job attainment and social integration,” said Dew. “We offer training, job placement, counseling, social interaction, structured play 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, 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 in order to help these members of our community live flourishing lives.
“Thank you for your support, and please help us spread the word about Flourish of Cullman!” said Dew.
Details
Sharon Kane, BS Special Education and Rehabilitation, MA Special Education OI/OH
Director of Services
sharonkane@flourishofcullman.com
Melissa Dew, OTA
Executive Director
melissadew@flourishofcullman.com
Flourish of Cullman
1244 County Road 735
Cullman, AL 35055
www.flourishofcullman.com
256-338-4249
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