ENHANCE
Service
A Spiritual Journey BY BRIANNA STEPHENS
F
resh out of college with his teaching certificate, a wife, and young child, Owen Wright wasn’t sure what direction his career would take him. He had a passion for working with children, but he didn’t want to be a regular schoolteacher confined to four walls. After finishing a seasonal position with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Eastern Kentucky native found an opportunity to work with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) as an administrative assistant for what is now known as Family Advocacy. Thirty-one years later, Wright has worked in seven of CAP’s human service programs, going above and beyond the classroom to serve children and their families in Appalachia. He currently serves as director of human services for the Sandy Valley Region — Johnson, Martin, and Floyd Counties. Wright said he has seen the impact CAP has made in Appalachia through his roles managing and supervising a variety of CAP human service programs.
“CAP has been instrumental in providing hope to people,” Wright said. “When people are impoverished or are facing challenges, it affects them mentally, and their self-esteem is low. CAP’s help allows them to focus on their future without worrying about their obstacles.” Wright recalled a time when he had a hand in changing the life of
a child in foster care who came to Camp Shawnee, one of CAP’s youth camps which Wright managed for 18 summers. Despite taking part in the camp’s fun daily activities, staff could tell the boy was unhappy. The boy opened up about his struggles when Wright took the time to sit down and talk with him by the campfire. Wright learned both of the boy’s parents had passed away,
“We are constantly looking to see if CAP is doing what is needed in the communities it serves to make sure we are meeting needs as effectively as possible.” — Owen Wright
18 The Mountain SPIRIT
