OWENSBORO, Ky. (March 16, 2023)- Owensboro Women (Over 50) Living Socially (OWLS) makes a $15,000 donation for the Homelessness to Hope Capital Campaign to build a long-term housing facility in Owensboro, Kentucky. Last fall, The Empowerment Academy announced their first Adopt-A-Room campaign kick-off and the OWLS made it their priority to raise enough funds to sponsor a $15,000 room. The group hosted various fundraisers including BINGO, bakes sales and selling Christmas decorations to raise the monies needed to sponsor a room. More than 60 of the 3,200+ women in the social organization made cash donations ranging from $5 to $1,800.
“The ladies in this group says it all! Women coming together to enjoy life after 50 to give back to our community and help the Empowerment Academy to fulfill the dreams of teenagers. Their dream [Empowerment Academy] is our dream for a better life”, says OWLS Founder Pam Lewis.
Barbara Wells said, “I learned of the Empowerment Academy through the OWLS group and took a tour of the facility. This home will be so beneficial to the youth of Owensboro. I was so inspired to help this worthy endeavor that I set up a donation box at my monthly Bunco event.”
Construction is expected to be finished within six months of raising the remaining $400,000 needed to complete the project. The facility will have eighteen bedrooms, six bathrooms, a Teaching & Learning Kitchen, laundry rooms, dining area, library & study areas plus a house parent suite when complete.
Many other organizations, individuals, churches and companies sponsored rooms at the Empowerment Academy. Those groups include:
Photo: Standing from left to right:
Ethel Morris, Teresa Murphy Roberts, Linda Howard Young, Mary Ann Leucht
Pamela Harper Baird ( Admin), Pam Webster Lewis (Founder), Tammy Johnson, Marti Church
Sitting left to right:
Mary Kittinger (Admin), Barbara Wells, Mary Lou Evans
Not Pictured, Joanne Worth Barnard (Admin), Janet Havener Harry (Admin).
Also not Pictured, 50+ members that worked hard and generously donated
to benefit The Empowerment Academy.
Room Adoptions
Dining Room – Truist Grant $85,000
House Parent(s) Suite – Curdsville Baptist Church – $56,389.81
$15,000 Adopt-A-Room
- Atmos Energy
- Big Rivers
- Boardwalk Pipelines
- In Memory of Joe Bowen (by his family)
- In Memory of Dr. Bill Chandler (by the Quisenberry family)
- In Memory of Damien & Mary Katherine Elder
- First Christian Church in partnership with Century Christian Church
- German American Bank
- Don Moore Automotive Team
- Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline
- Wright Family
Special thanks to City of Owensboro and Daviess County Fiscal Court.
OWLS administrators indicated this is just the beginning of their partnership with Empowerment Academy as members have expressed interest in mentoring residents and providing additional support for at-risk youth.
About Empowerment Academy
The Empowerment Academy is a non-profit organization that empowers students to reach their educational potential by providing safe, long-term housing (24/7/365) with access to basic necessities and life skills training. The Empowerment Academy partners with local school districts to identify students who may not have access to a stable and safe place to live. The ultimate goal is to set students up with the tools they need to succeed on their journey of furthering their education and preparing them to enter the workforce.
If you or your group would like a tour, email info@empowermentacademy.us or contact any board member. Learn more at empowermentacademy.us.
