Meet Melanie Sigward — Peer Support

Melanie brings deep compassion, lived experience, and a powerful message of hope to her work at SWIRE. Her journey from addiction and loss to freedom and purpose reminds us that recovery is possible, and connection changes everything.

“My name is Melanie Sigward . I am 46 years old I’m a wife, a mother of four, and a Mel Mel to 3 beautiful grandchildren. I have been sober for seven years, and today I have peace, a sound mind and I’m truly free. I battled with mental illness, domestic violence, addiction and IV meth use for over 20 years. I know what it feels like to be hopeless, afraid, full of shame and defeated, to think you’re going crazy — to hurt everyone you love, to sit in a jail cell wondering how you got there again, to lose everything: your kids, your home, and even yourself. After being arrested yet again, I was sick, broken and I had no fight left in me. On August 4, 2018, God saved my life, I surrendered — and my life was changed forever. I had people surround me, love on me, and show me how to live again. People that understood, that had been where I was, and had found a better way. People that were willing to do life with me.

Today I am a peer recovery coach because I believe every person has a purpose, and I believe in second chances. When I got sober I was full of fear and my biggest question was, “Now what?” I had no idea what to do or what came next. I know how vital it is to have someone walk beside you — someone you can trust, who understands because they have been there. I want people to know they are worth it, that recovery is possible and that they are not alone. I would not be here without those who took a chance on me, those who helped save my life. I am blessed with the opportunity to give back — and to be that person for someone else.”