Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerry Owen.
Hi Kerry, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in England by loving and devoted parents. I have 5 brothers. In my late teens I began dating Matt, who I married at 19 years old. At 20 years old I was a wife and a mother. In my early 20’s, I began a catering business, delivering food to businesses. I did not know it then, but this was needed for my future charitable endeavors. At 26 years old, my husband and I adopted a baby boy from Wales and were now the parents of 2 sons.
That same year, my husband and I, along with our 2 boys, moved to New Zealand.
It was there, after having our third son, when I had a dream about children in New Zealand going hungry.
I had not seen any poverty or people going without basic necessities but my dream opened my eyes to the need.
After another dream, and another adoption (this time a baby girl!), I began ‘Feed the Need’ charity..
I started a food program, delivering free food to children going hungry at school. At that time NZ did not have a food in school program.
I had a third dream, where I saw myself in the government building of NZ. I eventually met the children, I had seen in my dreams. It was a special experience.
After years of serving food. I had another son. A total of 5 children. Often, my kids would come with me to serve those in need.
Eventually, I ended up working with a woman, who became the Prime Minister of NZ, and in time, introduced a food in school program. This was an answer to prayers.
My family moved to Utah, and shortly after was invited to an Investiture ceremony in a Government building in NZ because I had been awarded a Royal Honour for my services by Queen Elizabeth II. My third dream fulfilled.
For almost 8 years. I have been directing a non profit called Reach Out Today in Utah. Serving children living in poverty, vulnerable youth and struggling families. I also served at Vice chair on the SLC Salvation Army board. And continue to serve on the board of the charity I founded in NZ.
In Utah, I spearheaded a project to get more housing for youth aging out of foster care and experiencing homelessness, after many years, this came to fruition and a beautiful apartment complex was dedicated to serving that population of youth,
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not smooth! I have a chronic health condition which requires plasma infusions every 2 weeks. Plus having 5 children in tow is tricky.
In NZ, my husband and I used our life’s savings to do the charity work over there. My husband really struggled with that.
Neither Feed the Need or Reach out today, are paid work. It’s 100% volunteer work, which is physically and emotionally challenging.
Also, coming into the homes and communities of people from various cultures and race backgrounds has been difficult. Trying to communicate with the language barriers, learning the various customs and needs has been challenging. Often, I go into rough areas and feel vulnerable myself.
Trying to get funding for our programs is extremely difficult and often keeps me awake at night worrying.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is charity work I am the founder of Feed The Need charity in New Zealand and direct the non profit Reach Out Today in Utah.
I was voted as NZ Nexr Woman of the year for my work. And awarded a Royal honour from Queen Elizabeth II.
The real honour has been serving those in need and meeting the children I had seen in my dreams.
I spend much of time advocating for those I serve, meeting with the needy and serving the vulnerable.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The mountains in the backdrop of SLC are beautiful. The many days of sunshine here is a novelty coming from England 🙂
The homelessness in the city is something I struggle with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reachouttoday.org/
