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By Bonnie DeCaro-Monahan, Development Director
As a former medical assistant, Ashley was accustomed to being the caregiver and helper. “I was always putting others before myself,” she admitted. In 2021, Ashley sustained an injury at work that changed her life. Even after surgery, she is still not able to cook, cut food, or wash dishes.
Slowly, she learned that it’s okay to ask for help. As a single mom of an 11-year-old and 6-year-old, Ashley’s role completely shifted following the accident, with her kids filling the role of caregiver.
This time has allowed Ashley to broaden her perspective on life. “You never know when you’re going to have a difficult situation, how you’re going to make ends meet, and if you’ll be able to reach out to your community services.”
Being on the receiving end has been surprising for her. She shared, “Being able to receive and feel like there are people who actually do still care in this world and not just turn their back and say that’s your own problem…being in this situation has really opened my eyes to people and things they must struggle with. People don’t know because they’ve never actually been in that situation.”
Since state L&I insurance only provides 60% of her normal wages, Ashley meets her family’s needs by knitting together SNAP benefits and resources through the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. She accesses our grocery market when she’s able to get there, but often takes the approach of “let’s see what I can do on my own until it becomes an urgent need.”
She has been especially grateful for our Holiday Gifts program, explaining how difficult it is not having enough money to buy Christmas presents for her kids. She explained, “When you’re telling your kids to believe in something and then Santa did not show up to fill their stockings, how must that make them feel? And then worrying…$50 actually makes a huge difference. Just to see that smile on their face in the morning. For a moment I can forget about my stress and worries and just focus on my kids and seeing their happy faces.”
Having this experience has given Ashley a desire to give back to the community. Keeping her limitations due to her injury in mind, Ashley has gone back to school to explore a career in human services. Pulling from her childhood experiences, she’s chosen to focus on youth development and substance abuse.
Ashley's story is featured in our 2023 Impact Report. Read the full report here!