Barrow domestic violence treatment leader honored

Congratulations to Ashley Bridwell, MS, LMSW, who was honored at the YWCA’s 22nd Annual Tribute to Leadership event, where she received a 2016 Advocacy Award for her involvement with the Barrow domestic violence program. The annual award honors individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women.

Ashley had identified a three-way link between homelessness, domestic violence and TBI  nearly four years ago, and then collaborated with Javier Cárdenas, MD, director of Barrow Concussion and Brain Injury Center, to coordinate services needed to treat this vulnerable population. The program has served hundreds of homeless adults and children in Phoenix since launching in 2014. Services—including medical care and assistance finding a home and job—are provided free of charge, thanks to generous funding from the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation and the Board of Visitors.

Ashley is social worker and rehab program coordinator at Barrow Outpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation Center and Barrow Concussion and Brain Injury Center. She has received and fulfilled numerous requests to speak about the Barrow program at meetings and conferences since it launched two years ago. Most recently she presented a national webinar—about brain injuries associated with domestic violence victims—for the Office of Victims Assistance of the FBI.