Ashley Musgrave is a Changemaker

Tell me a little bit about yourself 

My name is Ashley Musgrave, my pronouns are she/her. I am a mother of five children. I have recently been taking a lot of programs and training involving mental health,domestic violence, and trauma. 

With my own life experiences, I wanted to learn more about the effects of these things  in hopes of helping people in my community. There is a lot of stigma surrounding mental health and people don’t want to seek help because they fear judgment  instead of support when seeking help. My hope is to bring those supports in as a reality for people in my community, not a luxury.

What makes you jump out of bed in the morning

Definitely my kids. 

How did you hear about this program?

Through Vickey, who works at Community Cares Youth Outreach, I did a few peer support groups through them – and volunteer with CCYO on a regular basis.

Tell me a little bit about your project 

It started well, because I am stuck with trauma. I have experienced trauma, both individually and generationally. I worked hard to break the circles that trauma created in my family. It began when I started going through healing myself, and realizing how many people deal with the effects of trauma in our community. Some don’t even know what they are carrying! Others, even when they are aware of the weight of it, are faced with the reality that there is nowhere for them to go to get support. 

People don’t get traumatized with the hurt, they get traumatized because they are alone with the hurt. With that mindset, I wanted to create a space for people to learn from one another. 

So I designed  a community support group which gives space for people to talk about their life experiences. I wanted it to be a place that offers support, resources and a safe space for people to talk about their experiences with trauma. 

When you think of the word Changemaker, does anyone you know come to mind?

Even the word, it inspires me when I hear it. I think of a positive person who is making an impact in their  community, bringing encouragement, services and support to those around them.

What do you love about the Northside? 

I love everything about the Northside, I have been born and raised here. There is so much history and the people are incredible. 

What are your hopes for the Northside?

I would love to see it open back up and have more community events which get people together. 

What is your best tip for making the world a better place?

Always be kind.

Give us a snapshot of an ordinary moment in your life that brings you great joy?

When I’m relaxing with my kids, they are just carrying on and saying funny things. I get such joy seeing how happy and at peace they are.