AFPNCOH Member Spotlight
Rev. Ashley Steele
Executive Director
Urban Mission
www.urbanmission.org

AFPNCOH member Reverend Ashley Steele has served as executive director of Urban Mission in Steubenville for the past two years. She is passionate about the organization’s mission and helping families break the cycle of poverty. We recently took some time to get to know Ashley:

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing life change. Just recently we had a family come to the Urban Mission homeless. Through a collaborative effort, we found the couple permanent housing, provided them with transportation and food, and helped them find a job. This doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, we all take the time to celebrate!

Tell us about a memorable donor experience. In our May newsletter I shared a story about a woman named who visits our Unity Kitchen quite frequently. She approached me one day telling me about a young girl who she witnessed stuffing food from the kitchen into her bag. She knew the girl’s mother had come upon hard times and that things were tight. The young girl’s clothes were dirty, her shoes were old, and she was apparently quite hungry. “Rev. Ashley, I have a proposal,” Debbie said with great confidence. “If the Urban Mission could help this mom purchase clothes and shoes, and provide some extra food for her daughter, I’ll donate $10 to the Urban Mission for the next four months.” “Oh Debbie! That is a wonderful idea, but is that something you can afford to do?” “Sure,” she said; “I’m a mini philanthropist.” After I shared this story in our newsletter, I had a number of people sign up to be a “mini-philanthropist” with the Urban Mission – some matching Debbie’s gifts, and some giving above and beyond.

What is the best piece of career advice you've received and who gave it to you? I was told by a pastor friend of mine that everyone should have their own “Board of Directors” – a group of individuals that can help you make decisions about your life, your career, etc…

What has been your most noteworthy professional accomplishment so far? The Urban Mission has been in existence since 1959 and I am the first female to serve as Executive Director.

What is the most thoughtful gift you've ever received? In college, a classmate of mine gave me a beautiful piece of art he had made in one of his classes. I always kept the gift as I thought it was beautiful. Ten years later, I married this same classmate and thankfully, still have the art piece he made me.

What are you currently reading? I am reading “Detroit – An American Autopsy” by Charlie LeDuff, “The World is Not Ours to Save” by Tyler Wigg-Stevenson and “Dirty God” by Johnnie Moore. I recently read, “Asking” by Jerold Panas. (A recommendation by my mentor, Larry Becker)

Why is AFP important to you? I value how intentional AFP is in connecting fundraisers to each other. It helps to know there are others out there doing the same type of work. I also appreciate the subject matter related to fundraising. I am also enjoying the mentoring relationship I have with Larry Becker from Golden Rule Consulting.

Know someone who would be a great “member to spotlight?” Email us at info@afpncoh.org with your recommendation.