Hope Harbor Counseling Center ribbon-cutting
Hope Harbor Counseling Center Ribbon Cutting. Lisa Brotherton-Barnes
Hope Harbor Counseling Center celebrated its grand opening at 540 Maple Valley Dr. on July 24 with a ribbon-cutting celebration sponsored by the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Melinda Fambrough is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a degree in Clinical Counseling who offers counseling and mental health services to children, teens, adults, families, couples, and parents. She is also a Registered Play Therapist, Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
She expressed her appreciation to the business and community leaders, family and friends, Chamber ambassadors, and other well-wishers who had gathered to show their support for the counseling center’s new location following a move from Columbia Street.
“What started out as a seemingly unattainable dream has turned into this milestone we are celebrating today. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of our new office has been years in the making and started with a desire to help people find hope in their darkest seasons,” she said. “As much as I would like for my story to reflect consistent faith and perseverance, it’s not quite that simple. It took years and many difficult seasons to get here today. During my time pursuing a bachelor’s degree, I was confident that I would become a teacher. However, in my final semester, I felt a strong conviction that this path was not my purpose or what God intended for me.”
She said she spent the next few years searching and praying, seeking God’s will for her life.
“I finally submitted to the still small voice I heard, telling me to pursue mental health. Even though I believed God was calling me into this field, I still had doubts about my capabilities. But as I stepped out on faith, God provided for me every step of the way, growing my confidence, skills, and compassion for others. I now understand that God puts people where He needs them and has allowed me to plant seeds of hope for others along my way. Jeremiah 29:11 states, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
That verse was one she held close to her heart, and it became Hope Harbor’s mission statement, embodying her desire to bring hope to others.
“Without a doubt, we would not be here today celebrating this milestone without the unwavering love, support, and effort of my husband, Tom. He has been right beside me on this journey, through every obstacle, telling me I can do it, building me up, and loving me when I wasn’t the most lovable. He has always given more than he should and has never complained. I recognize that without him, we would not be here today. Thank you for being you and supporting my dreams. While I may be the one giving the speech today, this milestone belongs to both of us,” she said.
“I would also like to thank my children, Luke, Gracelyn, and Zeke. They have been so supportive, helpful, and loving throughout this process and have been the light for me when times seemed dark. They always build me up and bring joy into my life. I would also like to recognize my grandbaby, Matthew. He makes my heart overflow with love and brings so much happiness to our home.”
The counseling center can provide services to children and adults, offers Telehealth appointments, and is currently accepting new clients. Hope Harbor provides support to those struggling with grief, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, abuse and neglect, anxiety, depression, ADHD, among other services/supports.
For more information or to book an appointment, call 573-631-9091.
Lisa Brotherton-Barnes is a Daily Journal and Farmington Press staff writer. She can be reached at lbarnes@dailyjournalonline.com.
