Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Owen
Hi Carrie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Steve and Debbie Harbin founded Anchor of Hope Foundation in 2007. Their youngest son, Jacob, is the inspiration for this organization. At age three, Jacob was diagnosed with autism. Debbie and Steve have spent years working with Jacob, seeing doctors and therapists. They know first-hand the difficulties, disappointments, and discouragements in raising a special needs child. Yet they also greatly value the unique joy and blessings Jacob brings to their family. They do not have all the answers, but their desire is to help other families facing disability along the path they have, and still are traveling.
As for me…
I am in my 7th year as executive director for Anchor of Hope. I graduated from UGA with a bachelor’s in Family & Consurmer Sciences with a major in Child & Family Development. I then worked for UGA Research/Psychology for about 10 years. After a brief time working for CHOA, and as a Montessori teacher in Atlanta, GA; I moved back to my hometown of Barnesville, GA to help my parents on their large farm. I had a brother and sister that were both handicapped. I saw the challenges it presented, and being my sister was only 1 year younger than me and my brother 4 years younger, I walked that difficult path with them. I saw my parents struggle to find resources, understanding, and care. Therefore, my heart always led me to want to help families like ours. Through being a member of the 2017 Leadership Monroe class, I met an Anchor of Hope Board member whoknew my passion for families with disabilities. My story helped our class focus on the Field of Dreams project. We completed that field project at the Monroe County Rec Department, which now serves as the Monroe Champions ball field. Monroe Champions is a youth baseball league for male and female athletes with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The board member knew Anchor of Hope was looking for a full time ED, and that’s how it all started. I’ve always said “God let me right to this organization”. I am now able to use my passion and skills to help countless families not only in Georgia, but families looking for resources across the U.S.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not! There were many challenges along the way with laws, insurance policies, waivers, available resources, education standards all changing constantly. But, we have tried our best to keep up with the needs of families facing developmental disabilities in Georgia. COVID was a really difficult time with the loss of fundraising income, limitation to see families in person due to weaker immune systems and restricitions, and overall momentum being halted. But, we soldiered through. Thanks to dedicated supporters, grant opportunities, and God’s grace, we were able to make it to ther other side. We recently realized the need has moved past our respite program to individuals “aging” out of the system needing supportive employment and housing. Keeping our scholarship program in tact, we are now moving towards those goals.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Having been raised with a brother and sister with developmental disabilities, I believe that I am able to bring a level of understanding and compassion to my position. If Anchor of Hope cannot help a familiy due to location, service restrictions, or any other obstacles; I do my best to find that family any and all resources I can find to help guide them in the right direction and the right people. Even if it’s as simple as praying with that family, I will, I believe in taking the time to let them know they are heard and are not alone. I know that even though it may not seem like much, it is. These families are stretched to the limit emotionally, physcially, and financially. I know sometimes it means a lot to just listen, and encourage them to keep going. God will find a way.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Where do I even begin? Everyone I work with has the most giving hearts! Debbie & Steve Harbin, who founded Anchor of Hope, are an inspiration to me everyday as they continue to take care of their Autistic son, Jacob, who is now an adult. Their daughter, Juli Reynolds, who now serves as our board chair, is my “anchor”. She goes above and beyond for myself and Anchor of Hope’s mission and has been there every step of the way. Every former and current board member, every volunteer, every familly… they all lift me up & keep Anchor of Hope going. Our community is also a big supporter. Monroe county has truly stepped up to bring awareness to what we do, and help us reach our goals. But mainly, my parents are my inspiration. Johnny and Marianne Owen are the hardest working people I know, and they do it with grace and love. Raising 2 children with developmental disabilities can break a lot of families, but it just pushed them to work harder. We have since lost my sister, Johnette, and my brother Christopeher, but I know they are my guardian angels, and push me every day to do all I can for people and children like themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anchorofhopefoundation.org/
- Instagram: aohfoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anchorofhopefoundation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anchor-of-hope-foundation-inc-/
