Daily Inspiration: Meet Melvin Ashley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melvin Ashley.

Hi Melvin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
1996 joined church in Compton, found myself stuck in destructive cycle doing the same thing every day. Never grew up in church, but believed in God. During this time of my life I was single and vocational occupation Diesel Mechanic, traveling weekly, often praying that there has to be more to life than what I was experiencing, that same year I met my beautiful wife Angela Ashley and joined the church. The next year 1997 we were married, that’s been 28 years ago. After joining church (Actually I was tricked into joining) but never quit going.

After I found myself involved with a Church, my response to God was I couldn’t do this Church thang, if He was not real. 29 years later I can truly say God is Real… The following years I grew within the church and in the mind of Christ, I began to change internally, went to church regularly and attended classes but I began to struggle why we only helped those inside the Church, but never those outside the Church. 2001 I was inspired to start Bible study inside the Nickerson Gardens (Projects).

This I struggled with several months, because when I was 19, I was robbed inside the Nickerson Gardens, now 20yrs. later God you want my to good back, “yea right”. Eventually I surrendered and started Bible study September 11, 2001 (The day of 911). Months of planning, prayer and outreach took place, but I was determined not to quit.

Since that first day in 2001, things stared to change, I thought of myself as Robin Hood, I would fund raise from the Church and give to the poor. My first fund raiser consisted of donating 40 turkeys and gifts certificates to the residents of Nickerson Gardens.

Over the years opportunities and different individuals came across my path, and the support was overwhelming. Started my nonprofit in 2003 and my first Church in 2005 in the Watts area.

During the past 29 years my life and the life’s of others have truly been changed. At the age of 45 I retired dedicating my time to Helping Other People Excel H.O.P.E We have established partnerships stretching from Watts to Beverly Hills and throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, Through our community and partnerships assistance we have helped Thousands of Individuals and Families with life’s essentials and distributed over 100,000lbs. of food, have hosted annual community events, health fairs, and numerous personal development classes offering Mental Health, Parenting, and Domestic Violence supportive services.

Currently serving as Pastor of CORNERSTONE CHRIST CHRISTIAN CENTER located at 7615 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, been married for 28 years with one daughter and one granddaughter, traveled the world and enjoying meeting different people. Author of my first book FEAR IMPRISONMENT. Personal passions giving, helping, reading, meditating, traveling, writing, exercising teaching and learning.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No…Very first obstacles faced were self inflicted, doubt, fear and not measuring up to my own preconceived expectations. Another hurdle was thinking everyone was happy and wanted to share, big mistake.. Getting people to work together and being the cheerleader / motivator for everyone. Showing up when no else shows up, encouraging myself along the way knowing my labor is not in vain. Dismissing the naysayers.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
HELPING OTHER PEOPLE EXCEL H.O.P.E provides family and community supportive services, small business and nonprofit consultation, sponsor community annual events, youth activities, Domestic Violence Program, Counseling Services, Shelter and Housing Referrals, Documentation Assistance, Weekly Food Distribution Program and Housing Essentials Assistance. H.O.P.E specializes in building meaningful collaborative partnerships, benefiting those individuals and families in need. H.O.P.E also specializes in finding value in everyone despite past, present circumsatances. H.O.P.E is known for finding solutions to life’s most challenging situations, H.O.P.E is not something we just talk about , but something we deliver everyday through service. The thing that we’re the most proud of and yet humbled by is LONGEVITY & CONSISTENCY… Established 2003, we have and contiune to help others regardless of race, religion, ethnic background or sexual preference. I don’t think we’re doing anything different from other organizations, If anything makes us different or sets us apart would be “INCLUSIVE” H.O.P.E represents the community not just in name, but faces. H.O.P.E represents every color, every person, every face we have a place for anyone and everyone under H.O.P.E That’s what makes us unique…

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
CONTACT US : [email protected] / Office (323) 567-8524. Cell (310) 753-8560

Website: helpingotherpeopleexcel.org

Visit Or Write us @ 7615 S Western Ave. Los Angeles, Ca. 90047

H.O.P.E would like to offer diferent training and programs to community members, if you’re interested or have specialize training please contact us.

We take all household donations, food / clothing assistance and any financial assistance. All donations are tax deductible.

Contact Info:

• Website: Email : [email protected]
• Instagram: Office Number (323) 567-8524
• Facebook: Cell Number (310) 753-8560
• Twitter: Address : 7615 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, Ca. 90047
• Youtube: Website : helpingotherpeopleexcel.org