ASHLAND — Advocates for Families’ mission is to enrich its community.
That mission is strived for by empowering children, teens and families through advocacy, education and the promotion of responsible decision-making. It’s a mission the non-profit organization has been pursuing for more than four decades.
Advocates for Families, founded in 1985, reached its 40th anniversary back on Nov. 7, 2025 and celebrated the milestone Friday night at the John C. Myers Convocation Center at Ashland University.
The evening included a proclamation, presented by Ashland City Councilman Dan Lawson, a brief history of the non-profit organization’s origins and evolution, remarks from past executive directors and recognitions of employees who have devoted more than a decade of service to AFF.
Executive Director Gregg Ashbrook II, who joined AFF in 2020 as a mentor, wraparound facilitator and 3E group facilitator, said one of the non-profit’s biggest treasures is its staff.
Ashbrook was elevated to executive director in September 2025.
“They carry such passion and dedication to work with kids, adults and families in the community. They really strive to push for change and to inspire hope,” Ashbrook said.
What programs does AFF offer?
AFF offers several programs to Ashland County residents, including Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Parent Support Services, 3E Groups (Educate, Enrich and Empower), Youth Intervention Services, Wraparound Services and Dads.
Below are brief descriptions of each program, courtesy of the AFF website.
- CASA (which services both Ashland and Knox counties): Volunteers help children who are in the juvenile court system due to abuse, neglect or dependency find safe, permanent homes.
- Parent Support Services: Through individual and group opportunities, parents are provided tools to do the best job they can to raise their children to become confident, caring, responsible and productive. Support is also provided for divorcing parents through a three-hour seminar in partnership with the Domestic Relations Court.
- 3E Groups: A dynamic and fun program that challenges teens to take responsibility for their life and provides a comprehensive set of practical tools for releasing stress, mastering emotions and raising self-awareness. Empowerment groups are gender specific. Respect groups for teen males are also offered.
- Youth Intervention Services: A mentoring program to come alongside teens who need encouragement. This program offers many different opportunities for teens to see a world beyond themselves.
- Wraparound Services: A process which develops and carries out plans for children, individuals and their families who have very complex needs. Families who have used traditional services may find Wraparound helpful in meeting the family’s identified needs.
- Dads: A gathering honoring the ancient tradition of discovering strength, laughter and purpose through shared experiences. Whether individuals are embarking on this journey for the first time or continuing their path, AFF welcomes them to join this movement within the community and inspire dads to thrive.
Ashbrook described the ability to meet the needs of community members as a blessing.
“I think a lot of it comes down to the culture — the culture that so many people have fed into this agency and have just carried it,” he said. “Even today, there are so many people that when a job needs done, they step up and say, ‘How can I help? What can I do?’
“I think that’s who we are. That’s how we really keep pushing our messages forward,” Ashbrook said.
Advocates for Families’ main office is located at 270 Sandusky St. in Ashland. The non-profit’s CASA office in Knox County is located at 116 E. High St. in Mount Vernon.
Below are photos from Friday night’s celebration on the campus of Ashland University.
