Send us Fan Mail What happens when a young person who has experienced trauma and instability finally finds a place where people refuse to give up on them? In this episode of Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation, host Hillary Kirkendall sits down with Ashlee, a former Wedgwood resident, to hear her powerful story of resilience, healing, and hope. Growing up in an unsafe and unstable home, Ashlee made the difficult decision to ask for help at a young age. She entered the foster care system at 12 years old and experienced 11 different homes and six schools in just two years before eventually coming to Wedgwood. At first, Ashlee was angry, guarded, and resistant to the structure around her. But the staff at Wedgwood continued to show up, believe in her, and provide the stability she had been searching for. Over time, she learned coping skills, established routines, set goals, and began building the foundation she needed for life beyond Wedgwood. Today, Ashlee looks back on those experiences as a turning point in her life. She shares how the lessons she learned helped her continue moving forward, become the first in her family to graduate, pursue her goals, raise her own family, and ultimately break a cycle she once feared would continue. Ashlee's story is an honest reminder that healing doesn't mean life becomes perfect. Trauma can leave a lasting impact, but with support, perseverance, and people who refuse to give up, a different future is possible. Whether you've experienced hardship yourself, work with young people, support Wedgwood's mission, or simply need a reminder to keep going, Ashlee's story offers a powerful message of hope: mistakes don't have to define your future, there are people who want to help, and tomorrow brings another opportunity to move forward. LINKS & INFO: • Wedgwood's Website • Learn More About Coffee Break Conversation • Learn How You Can Support Kids & Families at Wedgwood Support the show Don't forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes!
