Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ashley Lind.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dr. Lind. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have had a passion for children’s issues since I was very young. I participated in a peer support program in my school which introduced me to the importance of being a change agent for those who are struggling. Like most people early in their careers, I started out with the intention to change to world with a hope to make it a better place. I’m happy to say that 27 years later, I am still as passionate about changing the world as I was back then. Each person and every effort makes a difference.
My career started at the Covenant House in New Orleans and I knew immediately I was committed to helping at-risk youth for a lifetime. My desire to do more… know more… and to help more propelled me to pursue a Masters and a Ph.D. in Counseling. I have enjoyed every step of this journey. Working at Promise House is like the icing on the cake. I can see the great work being done and the impact to our community on a grand scale. It is so rewarding to work amongst such talented and diverse individuals. Each person brings a unique element necessary for successful client outcomes. I am very proud to be part of this organization as well as this cause.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As with any thing that is worthwhile the struggles are the opportunities to evaluate areas for growth and become stronger and better at your job. Of course, there have been difficulties along the way and at each point there is a choice about how the challenge should be tackled. Like most, there have been days that I thought I couldn’t succeed.
The important part of each challenge is to learn from the struggle and strategize a better outcome. On the days that you think that you’d like to give up, all you have to do is spend a moment with the clients and you know that you can be strong enough to improve…just like the clients improve in the face of great adversity. It’s been an amazing journey over all with more beautiful and prideful moments than setbacks for sure. I have been very fortunate to have had great mentors, supervisors and employees. They have been a great support and I learn from them every day. I hope to continue to grow and learn as long as I am involved in this work. My goal is to anticipate areas for improvement prior to having to confront major challenges.
Please tell us about Promise House.
Promise House is an organization dedicated to ensuring that all North Texas-area homeless youth have a safe and nurturing place to call home. Our programming includes free emergency shelter, crisis intervention, transitional housing, pregnant and parenting teen support, counseling, street outreach and education services. By connecting at-risk youth with the resources and encouragement they need to become healthy, self-sufficient adults, we work to prevent chronic homelessness in North Texas.
I am especially excited because we are rapidly expanding our services to more at-risk youth. In 2017, we opened two new four-bed group homes for LGBT youth and those who have recently aged out of foster care. The new group homes offer the same services that our traditional Transitional Living Program does – shelter, food, medical care, counseling, education assistance, career planning, life skills, case management, and more – plus specialized resources for LGBT youth and those who have aged out of foster care. These two groups are especially vulnerable and represent a large portion of homeless youth aged 16-21.
Do you feel like our city is a good place for businesses like yours? If someone was just starting out, would you recommend them starting out here? If not, what can our city do to improve?
The DFW metroplex is a very philanthropic area. There are so many individuals, corporations and foundations that believe that children are our future. They believe in the possibility of hitting rock bottom and rising above adversity. Promise House has been surrounded by supporters from every walk of life. The community plays an enormous role in advocating for our youth and engaging on numerous levels. Other nonprofits that provide supportive services to our clients are collaborative and engage in team work to achieve a greater benefit. I would absolutely recommend starting out in the DFW metroplex. New comers who are enthusiastic about making a difference are embraced by the more established professionals. It is an environment conducive to making the world a better place.
Contact Info:
- Address: 224 W. Page Ave.
- Website: https://promisehouse.org/
- Phone: 2149418578
Image Credit:
Promise House
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
