Supported Then, Supported Now: A Lifelong Connection
My Family Support Center story began when I was a young child. My mom was dealing with a lot and was working hard to provide for our family in the best way she knew how. She would leave me at the Family Support Center in Cedar City while she did things to get her feet back on the ground. I loved being at the center. Life was hectic in my world, and I felt unsafe, but I always felt happy and secure at the Family Support Center. I was surrounded by kind people who didn’t treat me like I was just a kid going through a hard time.
As I got older, I volunteered at FSC by cleaning up the playground, donating toys, and helping where I could. I became a true advocate of the program, sharing its merits and impact whenever an opportunity arose. It was a way to give back to a place that had given so much to me.
In 2014, I went through a divorce while pregnant, finding myself in a real tough place. The bright spot was that I was about to graduate college and planned to open my own business. I wanted to try my hardest to do it all on my own, but the realization hit me that I needed to gain employment to provide for my little family. I worked three jobs to pay the bills. Along with that came the difficult task of struggling with childcare options.
At that same time, my ex-husband decided to enter my daughter’s life again. He had significant problems of his own, which made me fear for my daughter’s safety. Her well-being became my number one concern. I faced multiple court hearings battling for my daughter’s safety, and this made it hard to keep a job. When I was at work, I was constantly asking for time off to attend court. I was stressed and worried that my daughter was safe where she was being cared for. I was embarrassed to reach out and “admit defeat,” but I remembered the Family Support Center in Cedar City was for people just like me, so I reached out to them. When I arrived, I just remember feeling broken, awkward, emotional, and unsure who to trust with my story. One of their staff members, Amy, put me at ease by never asking questions or making me feel uncomfortable. I was so relieved to have found a safe and caring environment for my daughter while I struggled with my daily challenges.
In 2019, I learned that the Family Support Center was offering a program called GROW (Attachment, Regulation and Competency) which was something I could do at home during my free time. I had an amazing advocate in another staff member, Laura, and was able to complete the course, becoming so much more confident as a result. I was also directed to other resources with FSC partner organizations. They all worked together as one big happy support family which was SO amazing!
In 2020, I finally got back on my feet and remarried. It was exciting, but I also continued dealing with stressful interactions with my ex-husband. FSC was always there for me even accompanying me on court dates. I always felt like I had a shoulder to lean on, cry on, and be supported. FSC was a helpful resource for my husband, too. In light of the many challenges my husband and I faced as a couple, he made the decision to take advantage of the free parenting courses offered through FSC. The courses were perfect for receiving education on children and adolescents who have been through traumatic situations, abuse, or unstable childhoods.
In October of 2022, my husband officially adopted my daughter! We also now have a child of our own. I can say with 100% certainty that without FSC, we would not be where we are today. It’s really the people that make the difference. FSC has an amazing staff with passion for the mission. The many families they touch are truly enriched and given the hope of a brighter future. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Your Forever Friend,
Mercedez Melling
