ASHLYNN'S PEER SUPPORT DELIVERED!
"Thank you so much for all of this mail. I truly love all of you new friends across the world. I truly haven't felt this special in a while. I'm so happy for what I got and how you all spent your time working on the letters, art and just thinking in general. I hope you know you are not alone either and you all stay strong, stay sweet, and don't let anyone change you or your personality. I love you all a lot." ~ Ashlynn
Ashlynn received her Friend Mail in January 2024, including an incredible video of support from the Putnam Academy collaboration of trades, and the first schoolwide batch of mail from JAPAN! This Florida girl with a "heart of gold" was forced to leave home and state to find safety after bystander video of a school bathroom assault by her bullies went viral. Ashlynn is already planning to send support to upcoming Recipients, validating the impact and inspiration of peer support - and the beauty and empathy of this 12-year-old!
Watch Ashlynn's Delivery Story including her THANK YOU!
~ Ashlynn's Story ~
Florida girl with "heart of gold" forced to leave home and state to find safety after bystander video of school bathroom assault goes viral.
FRIEND MAIL DUE DATE FOR ASHLYNN EXTENDED ONE WEEK TO DECEMBER 13TH, 2023!
12-year-old Ashlynn from Florida is "super empathetic, sassy, gentle and kind," says her mom, and she "never wants to be mean" to anyone. The adorable 7th Grader loves to sing and act, and wants to be a professional actress when she grows up. Her creative talents extend to a great joy of painting with acrylics as a form of self-expression, and she often gifts her masterpieces to loved ones. Ashlynn follows and creates "make-up" tutorials on social media. She loves to swim, and to read - Twilight is one of her favorite book series. Ashlynn gives lots of care and cuddles to her dogs, Rusty and Gracie!!
According to Ashlynn's mom, the bullying began early in 6th Grade with kids making fun of Ashlynn's beautiful red hair, calling her "ugly" and other hurtful, untrue words targeting her appearance and purposely "tearing her apart" every day. For months, Ashlyn told her mom she was "not happy there" and often felt sick in her stomach due to the cruelty she endured at school. Bullies threatened that she "will be dragged," making her afraid to even walk down the halls.
Kind, empathetic and brave - Ashlynn is a hero! 🥰
Ashlynn's mom repeatedly advocated for her daughter with school administration, but despite separating the main bully from Ashlynn's classes, and rumors and direct reporting by students that the "ginger is going to be jumped," this bully still managed to intentionally follow Ashlynn to the girls' bathroom. There, the classmate "beat her down" while bystander children did absolutely nothing to stop it and instead took video. Ashlynn left the bathroom bruised and crying to find an adult.
The bystander video of this attack went viral among the students. Knowing the administration was not able to keep her safe, Ashlynn switched schools in the district. But when the viral bullying video was shared by students at her new school, the bullying began again, igniting name calling and threats. Ashlynn and her mom made the decision to send this super empathetic and gentle girl out-of-state to extended family living in the midwest where she finished 6th Grade online at their local school. Home in Florida for the 7th Grade, Ashlynn is often overwhelmed by symptoms of the PTSD caused by the bullying, including daily panic attacks. She is attending a specialized school at a center for traumatized children.
Watch a YOUTUBE INTRODUCTION OF ASHLYNN'S STORY by our On-Air Teen Ambassador, Brielle Diaz Withers!
AMBASSADORS, OUR HEARTS BREAK FOR ASHLYNN! JOIN WITH THE BAFP TO FLOOD HER WITH PEER SUPPORT, HOPE AND INSPIRATION AS SHE WORKS HARD AT HER NEW SCHOOL TO OVERCOME THE DEVASTATION OF BULLYING.
The consequences of ongoing verbal, social and physical assaults on such a little child takes a huge hit on self-worth, safety, educational achievement and mental health - and it effects the whole family, including financially. By STANDING UP for Ashlynn and reaching out with friendship, hope and inspirational peer support, you WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. SHOW ASHLYNN THE PEER SUPPORT SHE DESERVES! Let's overpower the purposeful cruelty with purposeful kindness.
EVERY LETTER IS A GIFT!
THE MORE SUPPORT, THE GREATER THE IMPACT!
"CHANGE ONE LIFE AND YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. IT'S IN YOUR HANDS!"
DUE DATE FOR ASHLYNN'S "FRIEND MAIL" EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 13TH!
Friend Mail must arrive in our NY office for review by the Due Date to be included in the main surprise delivery - just in tie for the holidays!
Mail "PHYSICAL" letters to:
Be A Friend Project
P.O. Box 30
Beacon, NY 12508
Email letters, videos, scans & Google Drive links, send to:
jennifer@beafriendproject.org
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