Independence, dignity, and community come together at Ashby Family LEAD & Engagement

Connection is as essential as food and shelter, isolation is a social determinant of health

As a small foundation, it can be rare to have “new to us” grantees. So when we do, we are always excited to welcome them into the NWHF family and ensure our peers and friends know about them too.

Meet the Ashby Family LEAD & Engagement Services, located in Vancouver, Washington. Ashby exists to support individuals with visible and invisible disabilities through programs, resources, and advocacy that foster independence, dignity, and authentic community connection. They serve families in Clark and Cowlitz County. Their creation is the result of their lived experience as African American leaders, in their community invisible disabilities are isolating due to feelings of shame.  

But Co-executive Directors Michael Cruse and Dr. Michele Cruse envision a future where disability is normalized, not hidden; where everyone has equal access to opportunities, resources, and relationships that enrich daily life; where thriving, not just surviving, is possible for all.

Ashby is a part of our Advancing Disability Justice initiative; since their founding they  have chosen to center disability justice not as a trend, but as a truth. This means acknowledging that disability does not exist in isolation. It intersects with race, gender, poverty, and systemic inequities. It means recognizing the leadership of those most impacted. It means building systems that don’t just accommodate people, but actively remove barriers. And they are committed to supporting others on their disability justice journey and teaching their community how to be inclusive. Read on to learn about the various programs at Ashby:

AFLES’ programs

Co-designed and facilitated with community members who share lived experience with the populations Ashby serves. These affinity groups—such as Melanated & Mature, Let’s Talk Black Men, We See You Sista Circle, and Let’s Get Into it—are all led or co-led by disabled Black individuals or caregivers. These groups are not only culturally resonant but also leadership incubators that surface new voices and shift power toward community ownership. 

Their Benefit, Resource & Navigation Hub (BRCHub)

This cornerstone program is staffed by trained navigators, many of whom are BIPOC individuals with disabilities or caregivers, and who understand firsthand the difficulty of accessing resources like SSI/SSDI, SNAP, Medicaid, or housing support. Likewise, materials and workshops are culturally tailored and co-developed with Black community members and legal advocates to ensure they speak directly to our constituents’ realities. 

LEAD & Mentorship Program

Key to Ashby’s programming is a pathway to growth, belonging, and personal discovery for participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Each cohort is guided through a culturally inclusive curriculum designed to build life skills, foster peer connections, and expand access to community opportunities. Topics covered include health and wellness, time management, financial education, career exploration, and educational pathways. The program also includes Peer Mentorship; individuals with IDD serve as trained mentors, offering lived experience, guidance, and encouragement.

Get involved with Ashby! Mark your calendars for August 14 and August 15 for Ashby’s 2nd annual: We Are One! A Celebration of Culture, Disability Justice, & Social Impact in Vancouver. 

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Thank you Ashby for your years of service in the community, it is an honor to invest in your work and growth!