The My Ashleah Foundation is essential in the fight against drug and alcohol addiction. Through their extensive collaborative outreach efforts, I have observed the profound impact they have on our community and the surrounding communities. It is with great honor that I endorse the My Ashleah Foundation.
Jeff Letcher
Commander Artesia PD
I really appreciated the help, support and love I received during my Grief Share experience. I learned that taking time to heal and to be connected to others was the best way for me to heal. It allowed me to deal with feelings that I thought I had already dealt with.
Thank you to Mark & Lorraine and the My Ashleah Foundation for helping me and my family in our grief journey.
To whom it may concern,
I have been amazed and blessed to watch the “My Ashleah Foundation & Grief Care” grow out of the ashes of loss, despair and grief of such a beautiful young women “Ashleah”.
When their journey first started I happened to notice an event happening at a local church. I know it was God that told me to stop. I met Ashleah’s Dad and quickly knew why I was there, he looked at me and said “you know all about DWI’s don’t you”! I was totally stunned! Long story short that conversation made me realize I had a voice!
This amazing family chose to bring awareness and hope to other families of DWI victims and survivors!
They have continued their journey wholeheartedly! With my whole heart I endorse the “My Ashleah Foundation and Grief Care” that My Ashleah provides at no cost to anyone!
As they continue their journey wherever and whenever, they will share hope and healing that is and will continue to impact our world!
Nancy Husselman
SE New Mexico DWI Coordinator
The My Ashleah Foundation is instrumental in so many areas of our battle with Drug and Alcohol addiction. We have done numerous outreaches with them and have seen firsthand the impact they are making not only on their community but in other communities, it is with great privilege to endorse the My Ashleah foundation.
Mark Cage
Eddy County Undersheriff
The My Ashleah Foundation was birthed from a grieving family, who promised their daughter/sister that she would not just be another number or statistic. The family foundation has grown into an amazing outreach source. Please remember that sharing their vision to end DWI deaths and supporting their cause, the foundation will continue to help others.
Darla Reed
Roosevelt County DWI Coordinator
Portales, New Mexico
August 12, 2024
To Whom It May Concern, It is with great enthusiasm that I endorse The My Ashleah Foundation. As the Director of the Eddy County DWI Program, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible work this organization does.
The My Ashleah Foundation has been a beacon of hope in fighting against DWI to help prevent further tragedies. Their commitment to making a difference is not just evident in the outcomes they achieve, but also in the compassionate way they approach their work. The My Ashleah Foundation is instrumental is so many areas of our battle with DWI and their unwavering faith has helped bring our community together in such a powerful way. It was exactly what we needed to start believing in a better future with hope.
I wholeheartedly support the My Ashleah Foundation and encourage anyone looking to make a meaningful impact to consider joining in their mission. Together, we can help My Ashleah Foundation continue their vital work and reach even more communities in need.
Sincerely,
Debra Hampton, MS, MAC, LADAC, CADS
Eddy County DWI Program Director
Letter of Support for MyAshleah Foundation
I am writing to express my heartfelt support for the My Ashleah Foundation. Ashleah Richards a remarkable individual whose impact on the world is deeply felt. Her legacy centers around educating students about the critical issue of drinking and driving, a message that resonates with urgency and importance.
Mark, Lorraine, and their family have dedicated themselves to ensuring that Ashleah’s story lives on through educational initiatives. They have done an extraordinary job of carrying forward her mission, which is fundamentally about transforming the mindset of individuals, particularly young people. Our collective goal is to encourage everyone to make the responsible choice of refraining from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Ashleah had a profound influence on countless lives, leaving an indelible mark with her passion, love, and dedication to sports. Her enthusiasm and commitment to helping others serve as a guiding light for us all. By educating our youth and sharing her story, we continue to honor her memory and inspire change in our communities.
At our school, many students may not have known Ashleah personally, but through the lessons and narratives we share, they come to understand her spirit and feel a connection to her journey. This connection fosters a sense of responsibility and awareness that can lead to more informed choices among young people.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly support the MyAshleah Foundation and its mission to spread awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. By continuing to share Ashleah’s story, we not only keep her memory alive but also work towards a future where her message can save lives.
Kind regards,
April Ortiz
Don Cecilio/Union Elementary Principal
Finding Redemption: Jasper’s Journey from Trauma to Triumph
In a world where stories of resilience and redemption often go untold, Jasper’s testimony stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. His journey, marked by profound trauma and eventual healing, offers valuable insights into the power of faith, perseverance, and self-discovery. This blog post delves into Jasper’s story, highlighting key moments and lessons that can inspire us all.
A Beginning Marked by Adversity
Jasper’s life began under challenging circumstances. Born to a teenage mother who was a victim of rape, he was initially placed in foster care. However, his grandparents intervened, convincing his mother to bring him home. Growing up without a father figure and learning about his conception at a young age, Jasper felt like an outsider in his own family. This sense of being a “bastard child,” as he describes it, planted deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
The Impact of Family Dynamics
Jasper’s childhood was further complicated by a tumultuous family dynamic. His mother, a single parent for much of his early life, juggled work and night school to provide for her children. During this time, Jasper experienced a traumatic incident with his brother, which left him feeling helpless and shocked by the brutality of others. This event, along with the absence of a father figure, contributed to a growing sense of worthlessness.
A Life-Altering Accident
In 2010, Jasper’s life took another dramatic turn. While commuting on his motorcycle, he was involved in a severe accident that left him physically and emotionally scarred. The crash, caused by a collision with a dog on a dark highway, resulted in multiple injuries and a long road to physical recovery. However, the mental and emotional aftermath of the accident proved to be even more challenging.
The Struggle with Mental Health
Years after the accident, Jasper began experiencing panic attacks and depression. The trauma of the crash, coupled with the pressures of family life and work, led him to seek solace in unhealthy coping mechanisms. Despite trying various treatments and therapies, Jasper struggled to find relief from the mental anguish that plagued him.
A Turning Point: Embracing Faith and Healing
The turning point in Jasper’s journey came with the passing of his mother in 2019. Her death, while devastating, prompted a profound introspection and a renewed commitment to healing. Jasper realized that the identities he had carried—bastard, helpless, worthless, and now orphan—were not his true self. Through faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he began to dismantle these false identities and embrace his worth as a child of God.
The Power of Therapy and Community
Jasper’s healing journey was supported by therapy, particularly Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which helped him process the trauma and reduce panic attacks. He also found strength in community and the power of speaking his truth. As his wife Ashley wisely noted, “Speaking it out loud takes the power away from it.” This insight underscores the importance of sharing our stories and seeking support from others.
A Message of Hope and Redemption
Jasper’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. His journey from trauma to triumph serves as a reminder that we are not defined by our past or the labels others place on us. Instead, we have the power to rewrite our narratives and embrace our true identities as beloved children of God.
Conclusion
Jasper’s testimony is a powerful example of how faith, perseverance, and community can lead to healing and redemption. His journey encourages us to confront our own struggles, seek support, and embrace the transformative power of grace. As we reflect on Jasper’s story, may we find inspiration to overcome our own challenges and live lives of purpose and hope.
If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma or mental health issues, remember that help is available. Reach out to a trusted friend, therapist, or faith community for support. Together, we can find healing and hope in the midst of life’s challenges.
By
https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Drunk-driver-goes-free-family-carries-on-8394248.php
Though they have forgiven Jimmy Scott Barnhill for causing the accident that killed their daughter Ashleah Richards in 2009, Mark, Ashleah’s father, did admit it stung when he found out last week that Barnhill had been granted parole after serving only three years in prison.
“It stung. I mean we forgive him, but we just feel the justice system let us down,” said Mark, who added he received a handwritten letter from Barnhill informing him that he had been freed and was moving back home to Midland.
In October 2009, Barnhill, 53, was reported to be intoxicated when he was driving south in the northbound lanes of I-27, eventually colliding with a 2006 Nissan Xterrra SUV driven by Richards just outside of Hale Center.
Richards, 21, had offered to be the designated driver and was bringing back four friends from Lubbock.
Richards, who was a former Wayland Baptist University volleyball player, was pronounced dead at the scene while the others escaped with injuries.
Charged with intoxication manslaughter, Barnhill was sentenced to 10 years in prison and was levied the maximum fine of $10,000. In one of the intoxication assault charges, Barnhill received 10 years probation to run concurrent with the 10-year prison sentence. On a second intoxication assault charge, he received 10 years of probation, which will begin when the first probation period ends.
But Barnhill’s stint in prison was short as he was released in mid-July.
“Nobody told me anything until I got the letter from him,” said Richards.
The father said receiving the letter was tough to swallow, especially after Barnhill included a line that stated that Ashleah would have wanted him to be released.
“I just kind of lost it,” said Richards.
Richards said the letter was so heartbreaking that he held on to it for a day before showing it to his wife Lorraine and Ashleah’s sister.
Despite the decision, the Richards say they still forgive Barnhill and pray that his life has changed.
“All we can do is give it to God and we have to trust Him. Everything is in His hands,” said Richards.
Since their daughter’s death, both Mark and Lorraine have continued to keep the memory of Ashleah alive by raising awareness of the deadly effects of drinking and driving.
For the past several years the couple has traveled to schools and outreach programs spreading the message to prevent tragedies like the one which stole their daughter.
But along with speaking about drinking and driving, the couple has been working to share Ashleah’s loving and caring spirit, which is helping to turn many lives around.
“We’ve spoken to thousands of people, and countless lives have been affected by her story,” said Richards.
Richards described Ashleah as a very loving person willing to do anything to help someone in need.
Even before the tragic accident, Richards said, Ashleah had called before she left for Lubbock to inform them that she would be the designated driver.
“She just told me, I feel I have to go to make sure they get back safely,” said Richards.
Through their website myashleah.org, the Richards say they are dedicated to preventing drunken driving tragedies and also offer comfort to others who have suffered loss or injury due to DWI accidents. The couple also wants to positively affect those suffering from the effects of alcohol addiction.
And the Richards message of hope is spreading as they say they can see how Ashleah’s story is affecting those who hear it.
“It’s helping to save people,” said Richards, who described an encounter with a 17-year-old girl during one of their programs.
“After the presentation she came up and gave me a letter. And when I opened it I saw it was a letter she was going to give her parents. It was a suicide letter,” said Richards.
Richards said the faith-based message and the example of Ashleah’s life had given her hope.
“Nobody had ever told her she was special, no one had ever told her that she had a purpose,” said Richards. “We were able to save a life through Ashleah’s.”
Now, the Richards want to take Ashleah’s story to the big screen. They are working with Los Angeles producers to make a feature film about their daughter’s life.
The film, entitled “Dreaming of Ashleah,” is described as a heartfelt story of a family shattered by grief only to discover the light that can emanate from the darkest of places.
The production start date was slated for summer 2014.
