Great Grace

If you’ve been in the Saving Grace family for a year or more, you probably remember Ash. This amazing young woman—with her bright smile, spunky fashion sense, and electric guitar—made quite an impression on this community in the spring of 2020. Many of you even gave generously to help fund a driver’s education scholarship for her last summer!

Like many of the girls who come to live at Saving Grace, Ash experienced so many incredible “firsts” as she took steps toward independence in the SG program. This was the first time she would have a bedroom of her very own, the first time she would attend summer camp, AND the first time she’d be allowed to make decisions for herself—just to name a few.

At Saving Grace, we believe that empowering girls to create lasting generational change requires plenty of space to make decisions—big and small—with direction and guidance to help her achieve her personal goals. This means that “Grace” gets to practice adulting in a space where it’s safe to fail and try again—always keeping our relationship with her separate from the consequences of any decision she’s made—good or bad.

That’s why when Ash decided to leave the program abruptly earlier this year, our team—along with her incredible mentors and SG housemates—lovingly supported her transition and continued to sister her from afar.

“It took leaving for me to realize that people at Saving Grace actually loved me enough to miss me. People in the past have forgotten about me when I left. The continued contact from SG staff, mentors, and residents blew me away. I realized that I was really loved here.” shares Ash.

Just a few months ago, Ash reapplied to the program and was welcomed home with open—and excited—arms! “I knew immediately it was a mistake that I left, but I didn't know how to emotionally navigate coming back.” says Ash. “My decision to leave was influenced by people I trusted. I knew them longer than I’d known anyone at SG.” she shares. “Through this situation, I’ve learned that just because you have known someone a long time doesn't mean you should trust them and doesn't mean they are the same person behind closed doors.”

[Ash with her Saving Grace Mentor, Christina.]

“The situation I was in after leaving Saving Grace just got worse and worse. At the same time, everyone at SG just kept loving and encouraging me. That’s what gave me the courage to leave the situation I was in and reapply to the program. I’m so thankful to be back!” says Ash.

“I think it’s important for people to know that sometimes girls decide to leave the program when it might be best for them to stay. We’re so thankful when we get to welcome one of them back.” shares Program Coach, Tracie. “Since returning, Ash has really blossomed and is working to become the best version of herself. She has taken every piece of advice and every opportunity offered to her in the Pink Shirt Phase, and has officially moved up to Freshman Phase in the program! She’s excited to start college so she can have a career that will allow her to successfully live on her own.” says Tracie.

How beautiful is the love of God, that He would allow each of US to run back into His arms in this same way, friends? That’s GREAT GRACE!

YOU have made this homecoming possible for Ash—and other young women who’ve needed to begin again—through your faithful support of Saving Grace! We can’t thank you enough!!!

Ash is super excited to attend college at Full Sail University beginning this summer, and hopes to eventually obtain a BA in Computer Animation. After graduating, she aspires to work as a freelancer in Animation and possibly Tattoo Artistry. Her favorite hobby is participating in cosplay, and she is a true creative in every way!

The E in our Saving Grace B.R.A.V.E. Values stands for EFFECTIVE, and we want to give Ash a shout-out for living this out in such an inspiring way! Not only has she kept a positive attitude, but she is also committed to learning & growing—and thinking long term!

We are SO PROUD of Ash for moving up to Freshman Phase, and we know you are too! We would love to share your congratulations with her! Leave a high five and a word of encouragement for her in the comments on our social media post, OR email us at admin@savinggracenwa.org to send your love!

Thank you for being a LIGHT for “Grace!”