Family Services Center held their annual appreciation luncheon Thursday to express their gratitude for support received from volunteers, media, and interns and to honor their volunteer of the year. Executive Director Doak Givan stated that the volunteers’ efforts may be realized years later, maybe even by some people who haven’t been born yet, and that their impact on lives will change generations.
Just as the luncheon’s theme, Leading by Example, Volunteer of the Year Bill Owings (pictured above) has served as a volunteer and has a spirit of a servant who is able to lead. According to Givan, Owings encourages the staff, has a “wonderful spirit” and is always helping people within the literacy and math programs.
Givan stated that Owings did not know what the Family Services Center’s function was in the community initially, but as he learned, he wanted to become a part of it.
Owings stated that he became involved with FSC when he realized that skilled people who had been working in trades for 20-30 years were not able to become certified because they couldn’t read.
“I thought to myself, somebody ought to do something about that,” said Owings who stated people should not complain about problems or bad situations, they should do something to help find a solution.
Owings stated that he has a “tool bag” that has skills like leadership, determination and the ability to be a team player, but that the tool bag lacked some items.
“I learned compassion for situational sensitivity and understanding of people who cannot perform,” said Owings, “and I added those to my tool bag.”
Owings explained his thoughts of success.
“When you have a tool bag, you do what you are supposed to with it, but when that day comes that you volunteer to do other than just what you are supposed to, then you are successful,” explained Owings. “I will continue to volunteer as long as my tool bag continues to grow and expand.”
Also recognized were the interns from Howard Payne who have served the Family Services Center over the past year.
Sierra Culpepper, Leah Gonzalez and Emily Lewis were described as “mature beyond their years” and “great role models” by Givan who stated their work as interns was phenomenal. The three are graduating in May and are going to be greatly missed, according to FSC staff.
Members of the media, KOXE, News Talk, Brownwood Bulletin and Brownwood News were recognized for their support in publicizing FSC’s events and programs. Special recognition was given to Candace Cooksey Fulton for 10 years of support.
The Family Services Center exists to strengthen individuals, children, and families through professional counseling, education, advocacy, supportive services and collaboration. Their programs include: Parenting Education, Counseling, Anger Management, Children and Divorce, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Access and Visitation, Battering Intervention and Prevention Program, Literacy, Volunteer Services along with Information and Referral Services.
