Empowering Youth Through Education and Community Support

In the heart of Springfield Gardens, Queens, there shines a beacon of hope for the community’s youth, and her name is Ashley McAuley. Ashley, currently serving as a Fair Futures Coach, Housing Specialist, and Service Provider at Martin De Porres, is more than just a professional; she’s a dedicated member of her community with a heart of gold. We had the privilege of sitting down with Ashley to learn more about her inspirational journey and the back-to-school supplies fundraiser that’s been making waves in Springfield Gardens.

Interview with Ashley McAuley:

Ashley’s inspiration to initiate the back-to-school supplies fundraiser sprang from a profound desire to assist her community. Being a Queens native, she understands the power of community support and firmly believes that “it takes a village to get things done.” Let’s take a look at what she had to say at the end of a successful drive:

Q: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind initiating the back-to-school supplies community drive? What motivated you to take this initiative?

Ashley: The motivation came from wanting to help my community. I am a Queens native. I feel like it takes a village to get things done. Oftentimes people are afraid to ask for help especially in minority communities. So I’d rather the help be accessible so that you don’t shy away from asking. 

One might find it surprising that Ashley identifies as a shy person, given her community-driven initiative. She candidly shares that her passion for the cause was her driving force:

Q: As a self-confessed shy person, what helped you get past that social anxiety and in front of this community? What strategies did you use to force yourself out of your comfort zone?

Ashley: I think for me it was more than me. The fundraiser wasn’t about me and it was about the bigger picture. It was about being able to ensure that the youth would have a great start to their school year by making things easier. It also allowed them to have a choice in the things they felt that they needed as opposed to people telling them what was needed. I was kind of able to suppress being shy and the anxiety of doing this thing because It was for a greater cause.

Q: In your opinion, why is it essential for individuals and communities to support and uplift those who may be facing economic hardships?

Ashley: To me, it’s essential because again. People shy away from asking for help. And sometimes you really need it and sometimes you may not even realize that you need the help so i think it is important to show up in the community and be present. Sometimes people don’t even thank you, but you can see the gratitude in the small moments.

Q: Would you say that you were able to see some of those small moments, as a member of the community?

Ashley: Although I am a member of the queens community I currently live in Long island so it’s not like i’m known to the community. Having the mindset of me giving and not receiving made it a lot easier. Even if people were grouchy, I know it’s not about me and I don’t know what you’re going through. I think just the people showing up was enough for me, I don’t need a thank you. Just them showing up was enough. 

Q: Were there any unexpected lessons or experiences that you gained from this fundraiser? Did it teach you anything new about your community or yourself?

Ashley: I learned that I personally can’t put too much focus on what I didn’t have. I needed to appreciate the things that I have. I needed to change my focus. When I first started the fundraiser I was very discouraged because I felt like I didn’t have support. I didn’t let that stop me and I did a lot of outreach. Things add up and although you don’t see it, once everything comes together it is so good to see all the moving parts operating as a whole.  It was initially disappointing because I thought I had more support than it turned out that I ended up having. I appreciated my co-worker Simone deeply. I appreciated her presence, she helped me stay grounded and she was very encouraging during the process. I think that it’s important especially in the community to show up. 

Q: Were there any special moments that happened during the giving process?

Ashley: There was a kid there and when it started he ran up to me and gave me a hug and he was like ‘when is it starting!?’ and he was like 6 and his grandmother came up to me and told me that his mother had recently passed and how hard it had been for them since then and we all started getting really emotional. She thanked me for just being there and that moment really stuck out to me. 

Q: Empowerment through Youth education and agency seems to be a central theme of your initiative. How do you envision this empowerment impacting the lives of the students who received these supplies?

Ashley: I think it makes it one less thing to worry about. The world is going through a lot of changes and stress and if I can make one thing easier for you I will. The initiative came behind wanting to be there and wanting to be supportive. And although people don’t verbally always express gratitude you can see it there. 

Q: If you could time-travel backward, with one piece of advice for yourself, what would it be and why?

Ashley: You can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t let doubt and discouragement stop you from accomplishing your goal and Just keep being you and keep going. Everything will fall into place. I feel like a lot of times when it comes to doubt and feeling discouraged we stop certain things we start. I feel like we don’t see things through because it’s not going the way we want. I feel like I’m able to continue and push through to the finish line. The doubt was only for a moment it wasn’t the whole thing.

A Message of Encouragement

As we conclude our interview with Ashley McAuley, she leaves us with an inspiring message: “If you want to start a project, do it. Don’t worry about what other people may say, don’t worry about what other people are doing. Just do it because it’s something you want to do. Go through with it all the way to the end. Finish it. You might surprise yourself.”

Ashley’s dedication and determination have not only surprised herself but have also warmed the hearts of Springfield Gardens residents. Her back-to-school supplies fundraiser is a shining example of the impact one person can make when they put their community first. In her actions, we find inspiration and a powerful reminder that, together, we can create a brighter future for all.