The following is this week’s I AM, YOU ARE, WE ARE Honorees by Erin Gregory
Ashlyn and Ethan quickly realized they overlooked the beauty and potential greatness of Danville. “We realized that it is on us as citizens to pour our hearts, creativity, and a bit of risk out to make Danville grow into a place we are proud of.” When they came back to the Danville area, they realized they wanted to pour into the community to be a part of the change. Ashlyn became very involved in the Danville Noon Kiwanis and the Hope Center. Ethan says, “The Hope Center has been a place near and dear to our hearts, and we have served in many different capacities.” The Hope Center focuses on uplifting and helping families and children in Fair Oaks.
One of the beautiful things that the Masseys have chosen is fostering children. Currently they are fostering three amazing children ages 6, 4, and 2. Since COVID, the rise in children needing placements has gone up drastically, but the number of foster homes has not risen, and unfortunately, Illinois is one of the highest states for children being within the system for over 3 years. Ashlyn says, “Every child deserves a loving and safe family, and a healthy environment to grow and learn in. We have never been more filled with purpose, love, and a relentless desire to give these children homes.”
We live in a world that needs improvement and restoration, and this is the key motivator for Ashlyn and Ethan. Ashlyn has been working towards making Danville place that employees and taxpayers alike can be proud of. Ashlyn began at the city in 2019 and since has been able to implement a multi-year budget and capital improvement plan. She has helped the city improve by $24.5 million since she began. While working to restore greatness to Danville, the Masseys are also working to restore broken families while fostering children.
These things have made them more aware of the amazing community that Danville offers, and they recognize that it is a place with endless opportunity to make a lasting difference. They are incredibly grateful to call this place home because of the opportunities and the people that encourage, support, and give them their friendship. While Ashlyn and Ethan are thankful for their community, we are equally as thankful to them for the good work, service, and passion they pour into Danville.
If you have someone you would like to share,
visit https://forms.gle/deCPiQ1cxn1pDLhZ9
or contact Ashton Greer, City of Danville agreer@cityofdanville.org or
Nicole Van Hyfte, Vermilion Advantage nvanhyfte@vermilionadvantage.com.
