Kerri Foulks is no longer a social worker, but social work is still in her heart. Kerri started out at Columbus Area Community Mental Health, then became a child support officer, and then an MIS at the State of Ohio. Kerri left all of that behind in 2007 to help run Beany’s Auto Service Center, her family’s auto repair business. It was a risky move to leave the safety of a regular job, but Kerri was ready to take a chance and help out her family. Kerri has surprisingly loved the occupation transition and it has served as a way to support all of the volunteer work that she is involved in.
When Kerri finds the time, she volunteers with Star House. The OSU Star House is dedicated to providing homeless youth, ages 14-24, a safe respite from the streets where they are able to meet their basic needs and begin reconnecting with the larger social system. Kerri, along with her church, family, and business friends help with resource matching for Star House. Kerri also helps to organize a clothing and food drive for Star House in the spring.
Kerri also takes advantage of the contacts and resources she has at Beany’s to raise thousands of dollars with the Charity Oil Change Campaign. The money raised has gone to Reynoldsburg Helping Hands, A Job Up, Honor Flight, and other organizations. Kerri and Beany’s also host, in conjunction with Truro Township and Storage One, a coat drive for needy Reynoldsburg families.
Kerri is inspired by quirky and innovative solutions to problems. “I create opportunities to raise awareness and resources for charities in unconventional ways. I love when people are creative and surprise me with fun answers to big problems.” Some examples of Kerri’s “unconventional ways” are hosting, with the help of other local business women, a Tupperware party to benefit Canal Winchester Human Services – or hosting a “Royal Baby Shower” where all gifts, food, and money will be donated to Mom 2 Be Ministry. Kerri also volunteers and works with Combat Vets Motorcycle Association to take hygiene items to formerly homeless vets at Livingston Commons. “I love that I’ve found ways to help all different kinds of organizations over the last several years.”
With everything that Kerri is involved with she finds that pulling back periodically helps her to maintain balance in her life and helps clarify her purpose and mission. She also delegates and helps others celebrate their parts. “I’d love if everyone could see how much they truly have to offer and give of that freely. Volunteering is free; organizing a clothing or food drive is free; asking your friends to join you in making a difference is free!”
For more details about Star House, visit www.osustarhouse.com.