She’s been selected by Girl Scouts of Historic Northeast Georgia the 2024 Gainesville Woman of Distinction.
The Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction award honors a woman who reflects the values in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and who serves as an excellent role model for girls. Owens is the founder of Randy and Friends, a faith-based nonprofit that provides adults with special needs opportunities to become independent and contributing members of society.
Owens never intended to begin nonprofits, but when her son, Randy, was hit by a car and suffered paralysis and a brain injury, it changed the trajectory of her life forever. After the accident, Owens became a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities. She recognized the need for more local resources for those with special needs, and she helped found several nonprofit organizations to serve the special needs community, including Sisu, Our Neighbor, Inc., The Next Chapter Book Store, and Randy and Friends. Owens is also a founder of Heritage Academy and My Sister’s Place, a homeless shelter in Gainesville that offers assistance to women and children in need.
Owens will be honored during the Gainesville Woman of Distinction luncheon on March 12, 2024 at the Chattahoochee Country Club. Individual tickets are $100 and sponsorship opportunities are available. Questions should be directed to LaDon Shaw, Chief Advancement Officer of Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, at 888-689-1912.