Celebration of Youth Award Winner

Congratulations to Ashley Holcomb, a current intern at Erin's House, who recently received a YMCA Celebration of Youth Award.

Ashley came to Erin's House in 1995 after two of her brothers died in a house fire when she was just four years old. Her dad, Butch, brought her and her siblings to Erin's House to help them through their grieving process. Just two short years later, Ashley's mom died. Ashley continued in programming and her time at Erin's House helped her through a very traumatic and sad time in her life. Ashley will tell you, "even though I was only 4 years old when I first started coming to Erin's House- I knew which night we went and was always excited to go. Even though I was little, I knew it was important and it felt good to be there."

At the early age of 12, Ashley joined her dad volunteering at Erin's House as House Parents. This is a group of dedicated individuals who provide the hospitality during our 5 Bi-weekly Program Nights. She went through Facilitator Training in 2006, and for the past three years has worked with the 3 to 5, and 6 to 9, year old children in their peer support group. Her empathetic listening and compassionate support gives other children the hope to go on living. When you ask Ashley why she volunteers at Erin's House, she shares, "It is my turn to give back, it's my chance to say thank you to all of the people who helped me when I was in programming."

We all know how busy the teenage years can be… school, homework, extracurricular activities, spending time with friends. Although Ashley is a very typical teenager, she is also very socially-minded and hardworking. She devotes her time to Erin's House: volunteer facilitating 8-hours per month, volunteer intern 10-hours per week; and also works at a local nursing home. She has taken on these responsibilities with happiness, intelligence, and without complaint. Living in a single parent family, she also helps significantly with the caring for her younger sister.

Ashley's story is a true reflection of the importance of grief work in children. Her dad attributes much of Ashley's success to the time she spent at Erin's House. We have always recognized Ashley's commitment to our community, and especially to Erin's House; we are proud that the YMCA appreciates her character as well.

The awards event, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, recognized six local junior and/or senior high school students who demonstrate outstanding volunteer effort and exemplify the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Ashley will receive a $1,500 cash award to the college of her choice, a commemorative award and a one-year YMCA student membership.

Congratulations Ashley—we are proud of you! Thanks for all you do for our families.