THE APRIL ADVOCATE OF THE MONTH IS:
ASHTON RIDEOUT
We are honored to recognize Ashton Rideout as our April Advocate of the Month. Ashton became an advocate in 2024 and is serving on her second case. She is an outstanding advocate whose impact will make a lasting difference. Ashton tirelessly advocates for the two children assigned to her, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests remain front and center.
Connection is the heart of advocacy and Ashton shows up with her WHOLE heart. From her very first visit, establishing a connection with her children was a priority. She learned about their likes and dislikes, their hopes and fears, and she demonstrated to them that she is a person they can trust with their feelings. After discovering some of their interests, Ashton went to the second visit bearing gifts—a Bible for one and a book about fishing for the other. During this same visit, the children showed her their animals and explained that they are learning how to care for them. They also showed her the garden they tend and the wooden boxes they are building for it. Before the visit ended, the children asked her if she would make cupcakes with them the next time she came. Once cleared with the caregiver, Ashton emphatically agreed! What precious memories they are making with this special volunteer who is quickly becoming a friend.
Ashton is also proving to be a source of support and encouragement, and a wealth of information, for the caregivers. They are quickly coming to depend on her to understand the processes of the child welfare system and to navigate this often-confusing journey they are on. They know that she is a phone call away, and if she doesn’t know the answer to a question, she will find it. Furthermore, they know that they can depend on her to lend a listening ear or to be a shoulder to cry on.
Beyond the children and their familial caregivers, Ashton understands the importance of building a relationship with the parents. While sometimes a difficult undertaking, she has reached out with compassion and grace. As a result, the children’s mother has been open to communicating with her and has expressed appreciation for her support.
Ashton’s dedication goes beyond minimum expectations. She certainly embodies the phrase “going the extra mile.” We are excited to watch these relationships blossom into a beautiful portrait of hope, healing, and brighter possibilities for the future.