Meet Ashley Stephens! Ashley is from the Kirksville, MO Corps where she is a member of her corps Women’s Ministry group. She is currently enrolled in Soldiership classes. Here is Ashley’s story:

“There was a lot negatively going on in my personal life before my husband and I started going to the Salvation Army. From the moment we walked in the door we felt like we were at home, around family and that all we had to do was just be us. I was invited to go to Lt. Amanda Hoscheit’s house for a Women’s Ministry group meeting and I felt an overwhelming love. I was just invited in as if I was family. For the first time, I opened up about a lot of things that I don’t share with anyone. But this was a safe place. There was no judgment.

From there I started going to every meeting as well as church and other groups. I am now currently enrolled in classes to become a Salvation Army Soldier and I have a dream to become the Young Peoples’ Sergeant Major in the future. I never imagined that I would be where I am today but I am so blessed that I am and Thankful that God is taking me through trials and tribulations so that way I have testimonies and teachings that could help others someday. I have grown, my husband has grown and so have my children because of The Salvation Army. God Bless you all!”