Asking for help is never easy, but it is a skill Ashley Newburn has developed well since becoming involved with Our House. Ashley found herself homeless while living in Florida after leaving a bad relationship and decided to move back to her home state of Arkansas in 2018. Growing up, Ashley had always been used to an independent lifestyle, learning early how to cook and care for her younger brothers. Being so used to standing on her own two feet, moving in with family members in Little Rock took a heavy toll on Ashley and her children—Jacolby, Caleb, and Graigh—as they started their lives over.
Ashley found herself struggling both mentally and in getting connected to resources that could help her family. At the recommendation of a family member, Ashley reached out to Our House’s homeless prevention program, CAFSI. After getting enrolled, Ashley’s kids started in our Children’s Programs, and Ashley received assistance finding housing, employment, food, and other resources. More than anything though, Ashley found the emotional support she needed as a single mom, especially during the pandemic, to get her family back on their feet. Ashley heavily invested her time in parenting classes and support groups and was able to utilize Our House’s mental health services to get herself to a healthy, stable place to best support her family. Ashley’s children were also able to work with our Children’s Therapist to learn early the techniques and skills they need for a good mental health foundation.
Ashley has now been stably housed and employed for the last year, graduated from the CAFSI program, and is working on applying to nursing school. Coming to Our House gave Ashley the clarity and support system she needed to find her career passion and discover the life she wanted to lead. Now, Ashley is never afraid to ask for the help she needs to give her children the best possible future.
Thank you for Arvest Bank and Arkansas 529 for their generous contributions to the educational future of Ashley’s children!
