Ashjunaria Townsend’s story is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of second chances, community support, and the will to create a better future. Once trapped in a cycle of instability, crime, and incarceration, she has now transformed her life through determination and the support of the C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Program—a partnership between the Visionz Group and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC).
Before entering the program, Ashjunaria’s life was defined by daily struggles for survival. “I was in and out of jail, constantly fighting, stealing and doing whatever I had to just to get by,” she shares. With no clear path forward and no access to positive role models or guidance, she lived in survival mode, making choices rooted in pain and instability.
That all began to shift when she made the brave decision to join the C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Program. Short for "Choosing Honorable Options, Increasing Chances to Establish Success", the program provides justice-involved individuals with the tools and support needed to rebuild their lives. The focus on emotional intelligence, soft skills, accountability, and personal development gave Ashjunaria the structure she never had.
“I never really took time to think about why I did the things I did,” Ashjunaria reflects. “The C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Program helped me understand myself, my triggers, my behavior, and more importantly, my potential.”
Through intensive workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and a network of supportive peers, Ashjunaria began to develop critical life skills: communication, conflict resolution, time management, and setting and achieving goals. For the first time, she started to envision a life beyond survival.
Motivated by her personal growth, she enrolled at the University of Phoenix, where she pursued a degree in Cybersecurity, earning her Associate’s Degree marked a major turning point. It wasn’t just about academic achievement; it was a symbol of reclaiming her life and future.
Now, Ashjunaria has her sights set on public service. She is actively applying for an internship with U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ office, where she hopes to use her lived experience and technical knowledge to influence digital policy and make a difference in her community.
Ashjunaria’s journey is more than just one individual’s success; it’s a powerful example of what becomes possible when people are given the right tools, opportunities, and support. Her transformation speaks volumes about the impact of programs like C.H.O.I.C.E.S. in the city of Detroit.
“I’m no longer surviving,” she says. “I’m building something real. And this is just the beginning.”
