For more than a decade, Melanie called Cedar Lake residences her home (2007–2019). Today, she lives in an assisted living facility where she receives support with meals and medication. However, Cedar Lake continues to play an important role in her life, providing homemaking support at least twice a week in areas like cleaning, ordering necessities, transportation to appointments, and—most importantly—making time for fun outings.
Melanie’s longtime Direct Support Professional, Tara Thurman, has been by her side for seven years. The two share a close bond built on laughter, patience, and encouragement. Together, they have shopped at Cracker Barrel, visited the library, attended fundraising dinners for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and enjoyed walks at the park. Melanie describes Tara as “patient and amazing,” and she treasures her sense of humor. With Tara’s support, Melanie has pushed herself outside her comfort zone to try new experiences and explore new places.
Melanie is a caring soul who pours love into the people around her. She is a steady presence at her church, where she builds friendships and checks in on fellow members who may be sick or facing hard times. She also finds time to have a Bible Study by phone with a friend at Cedar Lake, an important time to reflect on her faith. At her assisted living facility, she lends a helping hand and offers encouragement to others. And she continues to nurture lifelong friendships from her Cedar Lake years, often catching up over the phone or spending time together.
Creativity is also at the heart of who Melanie is. She delights in crafts, painting, and cooking at the Cedar Lake Enrichment Center. She makes thoughtful needlepoint gifts, like baby blocks for Tara’s granddaughter, and enjoys building Lego sets and completing word searches. A lover of words, Melanie also writes poetry, using language as a way to express her thoughts and share her heart. In fact, one of her poems is featured in the entryway of Cedar Lake’s home office—a meaningful reminder of her gift for creativity.
Faith, too, guides Melanie’s life. She finds strength and purpose through church, Bible study, and prayer, leaning on her beliefs to care for others and deepen her connections with friends, family, and her Cedar Lake community.
When asked to describe herself, Melanie says simply: caring, creative, and faithful. Anyone who meets her would agree.
