Five Questions: Ashley Ramsdell

Q: How did you get from Prima Donna to Boys & Girls Town?

A: I had the store downtown, and I was in the process of moving the store when I realized I was actually happier not doing it. After some time off, I was able to re-evaluate, and I decided I didn’t want to continue down that path.

I had always been interested in nonprofit work, so I came over here and fell in love with this position immediately. I just wanted something that was more rewarding. (Retail) didn’t provide me the kind of motivation that this job does personally.

Q: What does your new job entail?

A: I’m responsible for fund-raising activities in this region, with the help of the development team. That includes working to secure individual, corporate, government and foundation support. There’s also special events coordination, grant writing and coordinating volunteer programs.

Q: What do funds go toward, and how much do you hope to raise?

A: Only 65 percent of our funding comes from the state; we’re responsible for raising the remaining amount. One of the biggest things we put our money into is our Ozarks Family Resource Center. It’s an emergency shelter that we provide for abused and neglected children. They come here at any hour of the day or night. We also don’t separate siblings here; if there’s no foster family that’s willing to take on a group of siblings, we take care of them here until we’re able to find placement for the whole family. We’re constantly looking for support for that program. We hope to raise, on the Springfield campus, $500,000 this year.

Q: What drew you to Boys & Girls Town in particular?

A: It was a combination of the mission and the team here. I feel like the team is 100 percent motivated for the right reasons. They’re great people, completely competent, and I know that they do make a difference. Last year, about 87 percent of the kids who left here were able to find placement. The Ozarks Family Resource Center and the residential facilities are amazing. I love the mission here, the team is great, the kids are great, and I love my position.

Q: Tell me about your family and your hobbies.

A: Free time? That’s an interesting idea.

I have a daughter named Aspen, who’s in the fourth grade at McBride Elementary. In our free time, we like to play outside and read. We like to ride bikes a lot on the greenways trails as well. I’m also a (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteer.[[In-content Ad]]