We recently connected with Ashly Key and have shared our conversation below.
Ashly, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
How did I find my purpose? One thing I can say is it took quite a few years to figure out who I was, what I love to do, and the impact I would like to make in someones life.
When I was young, I had multiple examples in my life who taught me that happiness not only comes from home, but it also comes from serving others. I did not grasp this concept until I was introduces to The Rotary Club of Whitecourt in Alberta Canada. The more I got involved with this club, the more I realized that what I was being taught as a child was actually true.
My life as an adult has been in constant transition. My husbands job has moved us every three or four years to different places, and through these moves, I was able to get more and more involved in the communities I lived in and had the opportunity to learn from community leaders, and organizations. As I grow these connections I had multiple opportunities to grow as a person, build my professional connections, and find my passion.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the Founder and President of The Sodality Foundation, a 501(c)3 non profit organization in the State of New Mexico. The Sodality Foundation is an organization that I have thought about for many many years, and now have the opportunity to make it a reality.
The idea for The Sodality Foundation began years ago, inspired by watching my brother navigate the lasting impact of the traumatic situations he faced as a Police Officer. While his stories are his own to share, witnessing his experience opened my eyes to a broader issue: First Responders—especially those in smaller communities across our nation—often lack the critical mental health resources they need to process what they endure every day. Access to mental health providers, training, and peer support groups is not always readily available or easy to attain.
At the time, I was living in Carlsbad, a small community in southeastern New Mexico. I began reaching out to local departments to better understand the needs of our First Responders. Through that process, I learned of a need within the Carlsbad, New Mexico Fire Department. At the time, the department was working to establish a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team, but they lacked the available funding to train seven team members. The purpose of CISM is to mitigate the impact of an event, accelerate the recovery process, and assesses the need for additional or alternative services.
Determined to make a difference, I, along with a dedicated group of community members, rallied support through community relationships and raised $60,000. This funding enabled seven Fire Department employees—including two individuals who now serve on The Sodality Foundation’s Board of Directors—to receive CISM training. Additionally, it provided Advanced Peer Support training for the Department.
Since its inception, the Carlsbad Fire Department’s CISM Team has made a profound impact, not only within their own community but also across New Mexico, offering support to First Responders in other cities following traumatic events. The success of this initiative ignited a broader vision—to extend mental health and peer support funding to First Responders throughout the state.
After we finalized this initiative, I became the Executive Director of Carlsbad MainStreet, but the drive to impact our First Responders lives stayed with me. A few years passed, and the drive to continue this work grew in me until one day, my husband said “Make it Happen”. I was lucky to have individuals in my life who also shared the same passion in supporting our local heroes, and together we formed The Sodality Foundation.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe that the qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge I have that have helped make this possible are:
People skills/Relationship Building – I love to build relationships, and these relationships have created opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
Sales experience – Fundraising and building relationships is a form of sales. In order to make The Sodality Foundation successful I need to sell myself, the foundation, and the initatives we are working to achieve.
Volunteering and gaining knowledge of Non Profit Organizations – Volunteering is so important to me. It makes me a better person and helps me to be part of the many communities I have lived in. Through volunteering with organizations, and sitting on Board of Directors, I grew my knowledge of managing a non profit, and this knowledge allowed me to become an Executive Director, and then a Founder of The Sodality Foundation.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
The Sodality Foundation is actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with individuals, organizations, and businesses who share our commitment to safeguarding the mental well-being of First Responders.
We are especially interested in collaborating with:
– Mental health professionals and organizations who can provide training, counseling, or peer support services
– Public safety agencies and departments looking to expand or improve access to mental wellness resources
– Foundations, donors, and corporate sponsors who want to make a tangible impact in the lives of First Responders
– Community leaders and advocates who can help us expand awareness and reach underserved areas, especially in rural communities
We would love to connect with individuals who feel called to be part of this important mission. Please reach out to us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.thesodalityfoundation.com to learn more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesodalityfoundation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesodalityfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575172131176
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
