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The Next Big Project

“On a sunny spring morning, Carol Owen is bursting with enthusiasm as she talks about the next big project at Friendship House,” opens the Brantford Expositor article. Carol is the director at Friendship House, established in 1997. She and her team of volunteers provide a range of programs including a children’s breakfast club, after school activities, clothing closet and food bank, computer and exercise classes. Bible studies, courses to help boost computer skills and exercise classes are also provided at the Grey Street home. Snacks are prepared for students at several local schools and there is a cooking class for Grade 7 and 8 students.

Carol’s newest project is a community garden. “It's just so exciting," she exclaims. "We're going to grow vegetables, fruit and we'll have a section for herbs. Then we're going to use the vegetables for meals and help people learn about good nutrition. So much of what happens to people's health can be traced to nutrition and we want them to learn how to eat well."

"All we're trying to do is give people a little bit of a boost, to show them they are important and that they are loved," Owen said. "That's what we're all about. That's our mission here."

Her work and boundless enthusiasm to help others prompted Jean Emmott, a teacher at one of the local schools, to nomination Carol for The Expositor 2009 Citizen of the Year award. The honour is presented annually by The Expositor to a citizen who has contributed a great deal to the community.

"I have witnessed the excitement of kids involved in the children's programs, the benefits of the snack lunches and the sense of accomplishment of the cooking classes," Emmott said in her nomination letter. "Without doubt, Carol has demonstrated leadership in trying to improve the lifestyle choices of those around the Grey Street area."

In addition to her role as Director at Friendship House, Carol is a busy wife and mother of three children, and is active at Paris Baptist Church as a deacon, youth group leader, librarian and assists with pastoral care.

2010-06-29