The Girl Scouts Of Historic Georgia recently announced it has selected Marty Owens as its 2024 Gainesville Woman of Distinction.
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.
The award honors a woman who reflects the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and who serves as an excellent role model for girls.
"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," a release from the Girl Scouts said.
Owens became a strong advocate for those with disabilities following the accident.
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.
She will be honored during the Gainesville Woman of Distinction luncheon on March 12, 2024, at the Chattahoochee Country Club in Gainesville. Tickets can be purchased for $100 and sponsorship opportunities are available.
More information is available here.
