Our Stories Matter: Ashley
SINCE I WAS 15
I have been in violent relationships and in coping with that, I became an addict.
I am a single mom of 2 toddlers and have a 21-year-old son in South Texas.
I joined the GG Rise with Grace program in 2022. I was a participant in Family Drug Court offered in Denton County for CPS cases. If there are any kind of situations that can break a person, mine was one of them. I had to make a decision to keep my life and one worth living at that.
ONE OF THE FIRST BIG MOMENTS...
in my last violent relationship was my car. I had a nice 2014 car with all the bells and whistles that was my only place to sleep at that time. My boyfriend in a few quick weeks and rages destroyed that car with all my belongings in it. I will spare the details because it was not a pretty situation and now I was 100% homeless.
IN AUGUST OF 2023...
I reached 2 years clean and in May of this year marked 2 years of being a DV survivor. I graduated Rise with Grace in July, and this has not been an easy road.
WITH GIVING GRACE…
I was linked with a life coach that was truly amazing. She has been a blessing and a friend to have on this journey. After MATERNITY leave last year, GG helped me with childcare to return to work while I was on a waitlist. I caught up on RENT as much as I could and fell short, GG helped me with the difference. My caseworker and life coach helped me go over FINANCES and BUDGETING. I now have a checking account and emergency savings. We have accomplished all the goals I set for myself, including getting an apartment and a better job. They always remind me of the great job I am doing and was recently able to get individual counseling and start trauma work because of them. I had a hand me down vehicle about midway through this and I was trying to make it last while I saved. It kept breaking down, had no AC and GG helped me get connected with a mechanic and replace some things. Unfortunately, without much avail, GG allowed me on a car donation list about a year ago. We have done cooking class with free crockpots. We have done a cleaning tips class with free cleaning supplies and group counseling where I have met people with all kinds of success stories.
YEARS AGO...
I would have never imagined being where I have been or starting over at this age. Last week, GG got me and my kids into a nice used car. I cried to think there are still people who believe in us. My kids have AC, a heater and don't have to worry about breaking down.
I AM NOT SURE...
Where I would be without GG mentally or emotionally. Today I am a person of community, a loving mother, a trusting friend, a DV survivor, a recovered addict and have faith. I can do what I am meant to do as a walking testimony and able to point people in the right direction for resources.
Speech from Giving Grace’s Night of Hope event 11/04/2023.