Success Stories

Coming Back to MELD

"Being a teen mom was not something I planned", says Melissa Bourgord. "When I found out I was pregnant at age 16, I didn’t know what to do or where to turn.

Several months pregnant and not attending school at the time, I moved out of my home, as my current living situation was not working out. I knew that I wanted to provide the best possible life for the child that I was bringing into this world, but without the ‘tools’ to do this, I did not know how this would be possible. A friend of mine referred me to MELD.

At first, I was not quite sure I was ready to “share” my story with others and was hesitant about getting involved. One of the MELD support group facilitators continued to phone me and encourage me to attend at least ONE support group meeting just to “test the waters”. Finally, I agreed and that is when my relationship with MELD began . . . and continues to this day, 14 years later.

My son, Matthew, now 15 years old, was just a year old then when we attended our first MELD Moms support group at Hope Church. I was nervous to meet the other moms and especially to leave my son in the daycare room with total strangers while we had our meeting, even though he was just steps away. With the encouragement and support of the MELD staff and volunteers, that night was the first of many nights to come. The MELD volunteers and staff were caring, gentle and attentive with my son, and supportive, encouraging and most meaningful - respectful of me. They did not look down upon me for the choices I had made.

The support group was just the beginning of my involvement with MELD. While attending high school day and night, working part-time and being a mom, not realizing it at the time, my determination to work hard and be successful, for myself and most importantly my child did not go unnoticed by MELD staff. My group facilitator later recommended me as a candidate for MELD’s Transitional Living Program; a program that provides case management and life skills education while living independently. Eventually, I was asked to speak at churches and schools about teen pregnancy and specifically my experiences as teen parent.

While living in the Transitional Program, I met with my case manager weekly. Not only would we discuss things such as child development, discipline, meal planning, educational and professional goals, time management skills, and the most dreaded topic . . . BUDGETING, she would also talk with me, laugh with me, and at times cry with me. This program taught me independence, responsibility, positive decision-making, endurance, but most importantly how to set a positive example for my child.

The day finally came when I had met the goals of the program and it was time for me to move on, out into the community without the ‘case management’ of MELD. I had those “tools” to provide the best possible life for my child and myself.

Now, as a mother of 3 and 32 years old, I am back to MELD volunteering as a group facilitator and the Silent Auction Chairman for MELD’s Fall Celebration. I am employed as a Credentialing Coordinator for Rockford Orthopedic Associates and have recently obtained advanced certification in Medical Services Management. I purchased our first house this past September. I attend Rock Valley College part-time and my goal is to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration.

Volunteering for MELD is something I truly enjoy doing. It’s my way of giving back to the program that gave so much to me. I will never forget how each and every one of the MELD staff and volunteers touched my life. I thank MELD for their ongoing support, encouragement and dedication."

~Melissa Bourgord