“My name is Melissa Gonzalez. I came to Dalton with my family in October of 1991 from Augusta after my dad completed 11 years of service with the Army. I was 5 years old. I was a part of Dalton Public Schools and attended Roan School, Brookwood, Fort Hill, and Dalton High School. After graduating from high school, I began my post-secondary opportunity by receiving support through Cross Plains Community Partner. Cross Plains Community Partner is a local non-profit organization whose vision is to provide support that empowers people to pursue a personal quality of life. It was at Cross Plains where I made new friends and found people that cared about me. They played a vital role in me being able to pursue my interests and get involved in our community.
I enjoy going to the Creative Arts Guild to learn to paint and do crafts. I exercise at the Mack Gaston Community Center and at CrossFit 1101. I like to visit the Dalton Public Library for storytelling and internet surfing. I have been a volunteer at Hamilton Medical Center, a horse ranch, the Northwest Georgia Humane Society, the Salvation Army, local nursing homes, Chattanooga’s Riverbend Festival, and Rock Bridge Community Church. I have been involved with United Way campaigns, the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce Chamber Connections, and I am part of the Georgia Learning Community board. I am a member of the Hispanic church Iglesias Bautista Nueva Vida where I like to volunteer with their Vacation Bible School.
I love my friends and I love the Greater Dalton area because I always feel welcome wherever I go.”