The first step was the hardest, but Melissa Rich walked in anyway.
Although she didn’t know anyone at the YMCA Family Resource Center (FRC), Melissa soon realized she wasn’t alone. This community wasn’t just about receiving support, but also giving it by learning from each other’s own unique experiences.
Located at the Cole Community Center, the FRC connects families with programs, services and resources to help them grow and thrive. From everyday essentials like food and clothing to parent education and financial literacy programs, the FRC provides support through every stage of life.
“The FRC showed me that when we continue growing as individuals, it can have a positive effect on the people around us,” Melissa said. “Taking time to invest in myself isn’t taking anything away from my family. It’s helping me become a better version of myself for them and for me.”
One program offered through the FRC is Getting Ahead, which is designed to help individuals and families build sustainable futures by equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to move from financial instability to self-sufficiency.
The program has taught Melissa to better understand herself, recognize her strengths and look at challenges from a different perspective. Most of all, she learned she doesn’t have to figure everything out alone.
“Getting Ahead has helped me realize that while I can’t always control the circumstances around me or the choices other people make, I do have control over how I respond, the goals I set, and the direction I want my life to go,” Melissa said.
As a grandmother helping raise three grandsons, including twins with autism and ADHD, Melissa has also found parenting support at the FRC.
BLOOM is a free, eight-week parenting program focusing on hands-on learning and play activities along with guest speakers from the community, covering everything from child development to health and wellness.
Melissa shares what she learns with her stepdaughter, who is unable to attend the classes. They haven’t always seen eye to eye on raising the boys, but with these new perspectives and practical tools, they have grown closer, communicate more effectively and better handle challenges together.
“BLOOM has reminded me that parenting is a learning process, no matter how much experience we have,” Melissa said. “We don’t have to agree on everything to work toward the same goal. At the end of the day, we love these boys and want them to grow up feeling loved, understood, supported, and confident in who they are.”
It’s easy to get caught up in daily responsibilities and forget to take care of yourself. The FRC provides dedicated time for personal growth within an encouraging community that provides advice, understanding and meaningful connections.
Melissa says you don’t have to have it all figured out, and no matter your walk of life, there’s a place for you here.
“Sometimes the hardest part is just walking through the door, but that one small step could open the door to something really meaningful in your life,” Melissa said.
To get involved with the Family Resource Center, email frcnavigator@ymcaokc.org to connect with a family resource navigator
