About Randy & Friends

Serving adults with special needs as they discover God’s plan for an abundant life

Our Story

After an incident at a young age that would lead to him fulfilling God’s greater purpose for his life, Randy Owens’ chances of survival were slim. Doctors questioned whether Randy could ever have a significant and meaningful future. But his mother never gave up faith that God had a full life in store for her son. 

Once Randy graduated from high school, he and his mother, Marty Owens, recognized a need to help individuals with special needs after graduation. So in 2012, Randy & Friends, Inc. began at Lakewood Baptist Church exploring God’s gifts, friendship and dreams for the future. 

The group started their meetings at Lakewood for some time then as the ministry grew, the meeting place for “The Rooster’s Perch” relocated next to the Gainesville Train Station.

The ministry has rapidly expanded into community job development and coaching to help our associates with special needs both internally within our enterprise companies and in the community with several local businesses in Hall County.

Our Mission

Randy and Friends is a Christian ministry providing adults with special needs opportunties to become independent and contributing members of society.

Meet Our Staff

Marty Owens

Founder

Marty is a visionary and the heart of Randy & Friends, as well as the founder of several non-profits serving those who need an advocate. 

She is the mother of Randy Owens as well as seven other children. She is the Governor appointed Board member on the State Use Council. She is the recipient of the Woman of the Year Award, and she is an active member of Lakewood Baptist Church and the Hall County Rotary. Marty represents the best of Gainesville.

Meet Our Honorary Board

Marty Owens

Randy Owens

Meet Our Executive Board

Alan Wallhausen

Chairperson

Caroline Dell

Charlie Brackett

Treasurer

Gary Ewing

Member at Large

Denise Jordan

Secretary

Meet Our Board

Kim Chastain

Patrick Fulbright

    April Lowry

Barb Angle

Chase Hyder

Abigail Carter

Robin Roush

Meet Our Advisory Board

Alana Rochester

Jana Hutson

  Cathy Drerup

 Ken Jackman

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