Capturing Love and Healing: The Power of Photography in Grief with Ashley Jones
Welcome to the latest episode of the Nonprofit Connect podcast, brought to you by Rogue Creatives, made to connect with and learn from people in the nonprofit hemisphere.
Our guest this week is Ashley Jones, founder and CEO at Love Not Lost, a nonprofit on a mission to revolutionize the way we heal in grief. From losing her daughter to a terminal illness to growing Love Not Lost, Ashley has a lot of experience with death and grief. She’s learned how to process, heal, and grow through the pain and wants to help others do the same. She’s a TEDx speaker on “How we heal in grief” and has been featured by various media outlets, including the BBC. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise on various topics, including healing in grief and trauma, finding gratitude amidst tragedy, creating cultures of caring in the corporate world, and the transformative power of self-care.
We'll cover Ashley's personal experience and the healing power of the photos taken during difficult times. We also delve into misconceptions about nonprofit expenses, the significance of donor engagement, and the need for intentional community building in creating impactful organizations. We highlight the role of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of making a difference in the nonprofit landscape.
The Transformative Power of Professional Portraits in the Healing Process
The focal point of the conversation with Ashley Jones revolves around the tragic journey of losing her 21-month-old daughter to Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a terminal condition that profoundly shattered her world. Yet, amidst the rawness of loss, she discovered a flicker of hope in the power of photography through a simple gift – a professional portrait session for her and her daughter.
These photos became more than mere memories; they were a safe haven in the storm of grief. Witnessing the transformative power of these images ignited a spark within Ashley. She knew if these photos could heal her, they could heal others. With a defiant spirit, she started volunteering her photography skills to families facing terminal diagnoses.
Hence, Love Not Lost was born. This non-profit organization provides professional portrait sessions to families facing terminal diagnoses, offering a gift of light and hope in the face of despair.
The challenges of starting and growing a nonprofit
Building a nonprofit isn't a walk in the park. It comes with financial hurdles, public misconceptions, and the constant pressure of making a difference.
Ashley shares her struggles with how inflation tightened wallets, making donations scarce, and the struggle to obtain grants. However, even though funding became a constant chase, she didn't falter. She encourages others to push through the obstacles through empathy, which will be a success.
The role of transparency and communication in building trust in the nonprofit world
Trust is the foundation of great relationships. This adage rings especially true in nonprofits, where the journey of creating meaningful change hinges on the support and belief of donors, beneficiaries, and volunteers. But how do we, as nonprofits, cultivate this cornerstone of trust? Ashley, a champion of transparency and communication, provides valuable insights:
Transparency. Donors want to know their contributions are making a real difference, and nonprofits have a responsibility to demonstrate this effectively.
Open communication. Regular updates, Q&A sessions, and interactive platforms ensure stakeholders understand the challenges, strategies, and decisions shaping the organization's journey.
The Power of Connection with oneself and Others
Ashley reminds us of a vital truth: Connecting with oneself is the foundation for authentic connection with the world around us. She outlines how journaling, spending time in nature, or simply taking mindful breaths allows us to be more present, compassionate, and capable of helping others.
And what greater joy is there than to find fulfillment in serving others? When we step outside ourselves and lend a hand, a listening ear, or a compassionate heart, we experience a deep sense of satisfaction that resonates within our very core.
Listen to the Whole Episode
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