A Spiritual Journey

(above) Owen Wright, director in the Sandy Valley Region; Anita Seals, vice president of human services; and Mike Loiacono, director in the Cumberland Valley Region oversee CAP’s direct services to participants.

BY BRIANNA STEPHENS

Fresh 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, one recently. Even though he was in foster care, he wanted to stay with his family in the next county, but no one had asked him about staying with them.

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

After their conversation, Wright contacted social services on the boy’s behalf about his wish. The boy was excited when he was later removed from foster care and placed with his family. “CAP provided him a safe place to go. He opened up and trusted us, and we took the time to listen to him and help,” Wright said.

Wright embraced the shift to his current position after serving directly with participants for 21 years. He believed God was calling him to do something more in his role at CAP. As a director, Wright says he is excited to have the chance to use his experience to help staff develop additional programs, tools, and leadership skills to continue successfully serving the changing needs of Appalachia.

“We don’t ever keep doing what we’re doing because that is how we’ve always done it,” Wright said. “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.”

Wright has also personally felt the spiritual impact CAP has made to the region by sharing Christ’s love through service. “When I came to CAP, I wasn’t where I needed to be with the Lord,” he said. “After working for CAP for five years I dedicated my life to the Lord and was saved. I think it was all part of my spiritual journey of God leading me here.”

(above) Owen Wright (back row, center) has worked in seven of CAP’s human service programs over 31 years. (below) Owen Wright shares the history of Appalachia as Daniel Boone at Rev. Ralph Beiting's 75th birthday celebration.