Taking care of the young and old alike

Each Tuesday and Thursday, Ashly helps to serve dinner to residents and occasional guests at The Woods at Cedar Run. For the past three years, she has worked at the senior living community.

Although mainly in charge of the hot beverages, Ashly’s ability to convince the residents to try the “delicious chocolate pie” — clearing off three trays, instead of the usual single tray — impressed her supervisor. Now she occasionally helps to serve dessert.

Ashly shares details about some of the “special orders” she handles, such as the one resident who does not want coffee until her dinner plate is on the table or the gentleman who requests hot chocolate on hot days.

In addition to her work outside the home, Ashly also helps take care of her two nephews, one a newborn, and the other a 2-year-old. She frequently goes bowling with friends and is active with her church, where she enjoys singing in front of the congregation. For courage to perform, she says she thinks “about heaven and little Gideon, my brother who died, and my grandfather, and two of my friends” who she feels can hear her singing and are pleased.

Ashly receives services through the Person/Family Directed Supports (P/FDS) waiver. She receives help from her employment specialist at S. Wilson Pollock-Center for Industrial Training (CIT) through The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties (CPARC)