LEAD &Mentorship Program
For every person who’s been overlooked, underestimated, or isolated, LEAD offers something different: connection, confidence, and the chance to be part of something that sees the whole you.
LEAD &Mentorship Program
For every person who’s been overlooked, underestimated, or isolated, LEAD offers something different: connection, confidence, and the chance to be part of something that sees the whole you.
What Is the LEAD & Mentorship Program?
Ashby Family LEAD & Engagement Services (AFLES) is a Disability-led Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing holistic, culturally responsive care to individuals with physical, emotional, intellectual, and developmental disabilities across Clark and Cowlitz Counties.
Founded in 2022, AFLES created the LEAD & Mentorship Program as a cornerstone of its mission to offer real opportunities for growth not just inside a classroom, but out in the community where confidence, independence, and social connection are built.
LEAD stands for
Each word represents a core pillar of the program: gaining knowledge, experiencing the world, accessing real-life resources, and demonstrating growth in daily life.
A young man beams with joy while holding up his Ashby Family LEAD & Mentorship Program certificate. His wide smile and confident posture celebrate a moment of earned achievement and personal growth.
How the LEAD & Mentorship Program Works
The LEAD & Mentorship Program is divided into two powerful phases:
Workshop Phase at the Activity Center
Participants begin in a structured, inclusive classroom environment led by trained staff and peer mentors. These sessions cover essential topics for navigating life and society with confidence.
Community Integration Phase
After building their skills, participants head out into the community to put those lessons into action. It could be shopping at the farmer’s market, visiting a college campus, or preparing a healthy meal in a shared kitchen. Each experience is supported, meaningful, and designed for real-world success.
Culturally Inclusive Curriculum
The LEAD curriculum was developed with a strong foundation in equity, access, and cultural responsiveness. It includes:
Cultural & Social Identity Wheel
Exploring personal identity and cultural understanding.
Health & Wellness
Emphasizing self-care, physical activity, and healthy habits.
Time Management
Building routines and self-directed structure.
Financial Education
Budgeting, saving, and navigating financial institutions.
Career Exploration
Understanding the world of work and different career paths.
Educational Exploration
Touring schools, learning about accommodations, and imagining a future in higher education.
Life Skills in Action
LEAD Program participants apply their learning through real activities in their own communities.
Cooking & Nutrition
Prepare meals together at the Fourth Plain Forward Community Commons, reinforcing health education and independence.
Outdoor Wellness Activities
Join nature walks, go fishing, and explore the natural world as a way to stay grounded and active.
Community Shopping & Budgeting
Visit the Vancouver Farmers Market to practice smart purchasing, negotiation, and food selection.
College Campus Visits
Explore Washington State University Vancouver and Clark College, learn about classroom accommodations, and discover what it’s like to be a student.
Financial Literacy & Independence
In partnership with iQ Credit Union, participants learn how to budget, open savings accounts, and manage their money with confidence.
Local Outings
From coffee shops and grocery stores to holiday bazaars and community events, every outing is a learning opportunity for connection, safety, and growth.
A group of Ashby Family participants, including teens and adults, gathers by a peaceful lake under the trees. Some are seated in camping chairs while others stand and hold fishing rods, receiving hands-on guidance in a relaxed, nature-filled setting.
Peer Mentorship & Employment Opportunities
One of the most impactful aspects of the LEAD Program is the Peer Mentorship component.
Paid Mentor Roles
Individuals with visible and invisible disabilities are hired and trained as peer mentors, supporting their peers in both classroom sessions and community activities. Mentors are paid $20 per hour, providing not just purpose and confidence but real employment experience.
Mentorship Training
All mentors are trained in leadership, communication, and inclusion. Many start out as participants and grow into leadership roles, strengthening the community from within.
Connection Through Support
Peer mentors foster a deeper sense of community, reduce social isolation, and model what’s possible for others.
A group of staff and community members pose for a cheerful group photo outdoors under a tree. Some wear blue Ashby Family shirts, and one person wears gloves, suggesting recent volunteer work. The setting is casual and full of camaraderie.
How LEAD Changes Lives
So far since its inception, the LEAD & Mentorship Program has:
- Graduated 118 individuals across 12 cohorts
- Trained and employed 9 peer mentors with IDD
- Supported participants to lift their voice, build their confidence, make connections
- Fostered friendships, community engagement, and independence
- Taught participants how to access vital resources, from food to education
- Introduced concepts of boundaries, equity, and disability inclusion
Every participant brings their own goals, voice, and vision for the future. LEAD is here to help make it possible.
Four individuals stand inside an art gallery, looking at the camera. Two of them wear jackets and glasses, and paintings hang behind them on white walls. The atmosphere feels reflective and social, highlighting access to cultural outings.
Transportation Support
Getting to and from the program, and around the community, shouldn’t be a barrier. Thanks to dedicated funding, AFLES has a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to make participation easier for all.
- 153 rides provided (and counting)
- Transportation used for medical appointments, school visits, grocery shopping, social outings, and LEAD Program attendance
- Locations include: Vancouver Mall, Klineline Park, Farmers Markets, WSU, Clark College, Salvation Army, and more
Ashby Family is currently seeking funding for a larger vehicle to support and expand transportation access to even more participants.
Born From Silence, Built On Connection
The LEAD Program was proudly funded by the Dan Thompson Memorial Fund for its first two years. Today, it operates on a fee-for-service model.
- Participants may use state waivers to cover program costs
- AFLES continues to write and submit grants to support individuals without funding
- The goal: No one is turned away due to inability to pay
Every participant brings their own goals, voice, and vision for the future. LEAD is here to help make it possible.
An instructor leans over to assist individuals gathered around a table. The group includes people with disabilities. The room is decorated with community flyers, maps, and colorful art, and the participants are engaged in a hands-on learning activity.
Need Financial Assistance?
We believe finances should never stand in the way of personal growth. For those in need of help covering the cost of the program, AFLES offers funding options through our Benefit Resource & Connection Hub (BRCH).
- Apply for community engagement scholarships (currently unavailable - fundraising to replenish)
- Access emergency grants (currently unavailable - fundraising to replenish)
- Connect with a benefits navigator for guidance
How to Enroll in the LEAD & Mentorship Program
We’d love to walk this path with you. Here’s where to begin.
1
Complete an intake form
2
Meet with our team to discuss your goals and support needs
3
Identify funding options (waivers, BRCH grants, or private pay)
4
Get matched with a cohort and start your LEAD experience
Your Journey Matters. Let’s Begin It Together.
Whether you’re here for yourself, a loved one, or to walk alongside us in this work, you’re welcome here. Let’s take the next step together.
