1. What do you do at The Magdalen House, and what does a “typical” day look like for you?
A typical day in First Step looks like phone screens for potential new women, and having direct contact with our current ladies, hopeful being an example of what recovery and being recovered can look like. It’s all out of love here.
2. What is your favorite line in the Big Book and why?
“He clamors for this or that, claiming he cannot master alcohol until his material needs are cared for. Nonsense. Some of us have taken very hard knocks to learn this truth: Job or no job – wife or no wife – we simply do not stop drinking so long as we place dependence upon other people ahead of dependence on God. Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house.”
Page 98, Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
This paragraph was instilled into me by my first sponsor years ago in early sobriety. Providing hope and reiterating we can get well regardless of any AND all external factors, circumstances and situations. As long as my dependence and trust is within my High Power while I work the steps as honestly, thoroughly and to the best of my ability.
3. What’s something you’ve witnessed at The Magdalen House that inspires or moves you?
It is such an incredible honor to watch new women come into the house broken and desperate, then within a few days they learn there is a solution, life comes back in their eyes, they know there is truly a solution.
4. How has working at The Magdalen House impacted your life?
I feel I will never be able to completely repay the debt to those who first shared the solution with me, who helped saved my life, who helped place Gods hand in mine. However, I am able to be here for the next woman today. To do as those that have come before me have done and for that, I’m truly grateful.
5. What are some of your hobbies, or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending most of my free time with my blue eyed boy, my Miniature Australian Shepherd, Tex, fostering pups that are searching for their forever homes and spending time outdoors hiking or camping.
6. What’s something that we may not know about you?
I had a pet raccoon in college at Stephen F Austin named Geoffrey, who loved all things cheese.
About Ashleigh Castleberry
Ashleigh was introduced to The Magdalen House and quickly became involved per sponsor direction, starting with volunteering consistently. Once she was given the opportunity to stay overnight with the women in the First Step program, she realized it was such an incredible way to give back to the little Dallas house that helped save her life. For Ashleigh, it is a privilege and honor to be able to witness the daily transformation and growth of the women in First Step during and after their stay. It’s all out of love. She is truly grateful for The Magdalen House for providing the foundation to her recovery and tools to live a life of freedom.
She also adores her blue eyed Australian Shepherd, Tex – they are her world.
