Ashley’s Story
Ashley and her 7-year old daughter are new residents to Homeward Bound as of February 2017 and became enrolled in our Staff Logic Employment Center, staffed by AWEE career specialists, on March 21, 2017. Ashley began the program with a few barriers which included child care, financial issues, lack of experience and skills, and background offenses which caused her to become incarcerated. She was released in 2015, and has not looked back since.
Although faced with challenges, Ashley right away displayed that she was eager to achieve success no matter how long it took. She periodically visited the employment center to touch basis with the Career Advisor on her days off work. Eventually she returned to complete her “Center Expectations Check List” which included the Holland Codes Assessment, Individual Employment Plan, Resume Development, Legal History Overview, and Mock Interviewing, all within the same week!
At this point in time, Ashley mentioned that she felt uncomfortable at her current place of employment due to an immediate supervisor being verbally and mentally abusive. She resigned from the position anad aggressively began her job search while visiting the employment center and while at home. Over this short period of time, Ashley has shown great determination and commitment to reaching her goals. One specific long-term goal was working as a Mentor or Peer Support Specialist in order to “give back,” a goal we’re proud to say nd she achieved within weeks of completing her IEP with her Career Advisor.
On April 24, 2017, Ashley began working as a Peer Support Specialist for Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI). She is employed on a full time basis with benefits, and is currently still in training. She visits the employment center from time to time to provide updates, talks about life’s challenges, or ask general questions. Ashley continues to remain positive, and understands that personal self-development is vital to success. In addition to work, Ashley attends a 12-step sober recovery program once a week at The Salvation Army. She is also a preschool teacher at North Phoenix Baptist Church, which she attends on Sundays.
Ashley is a success because she exemplifies transformation from the inside, out. She credits her faith and past experiences for bringing her to where she is today, and strongly believes in giving back to the community.