THE JOURNEY
The Journey of Compassion: Anthony Fortress Owaeghianye's Path to Becoming a Caring Support Worker
At Compassionate Care Group, we pride ourselves on the dedicated and compassionate support workers who make a profound difference in the lives of the individuals they care for. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on one of our incredible support workers, Anthony Fortress Owaeghianye, and share his inspirational journey into the world of caregiving.
A Humble Beginning
In 2012, Anthony's journey into caregiving began with a simple walk in his neighbourhood alongside a friend who worked for the local government. During this casual stroll, a conversation ignited a spark that would change the lives of many. They discussed the retired soldiers and seniors who often found themselves isolated and without any meaningful engagement. It was during this conversation that the idea of creating a space to engage, support these seniors was born.
Anthony's friend assisted in securing a space for their vision from their local government. The space started as a platform for a group of four seniors to share their stories, teach valuable skills like self-defence and survival techniques, and connect with their community. Anthony and his friend would even take them on outings, enabling them to experience the world outside their homes.
A Journey of Learning and Growth
At the outset, Anthony and his friend embarked on this mission with little knowledge of how to proceed. They sought the suggestions of the four seniors they initially engaged with and documented their opinions in order to plan engaging activities each week. Word quickly spread about the fun happening in the activity space, and within two months, their support group grew to 120 seniors.
Recognizing the need for more support, they reached out to schools, community leaders, and chiefs to encourage youths, aged 18 and above, to volunteer. As the crowd expanded, so did the need for funding. Thankfully, the local government recognized the impact of their work and provided a larger space and three vehicles to accommodate their growing group of seniors, including individuals with additional needs and autism.
What initially started as a fun engagement program evolved into a care facility with an added element of fun. The facility also became a sanctuary for individuals battling drug addiction and alcoholism who wanted to turn their lives around. Anthony's role extended beyond caregiving, as he became a life coach, helping people set realistic goals, teaching life skills, and building confidence.
University students began volunteering at the facility, using it for research and school projects. With its increasing size and budget, the government decided to take over the project, transforming it into a permanent establishment.
A Personal Journey of Care
Around the time that the facility became permanent and government-led, Anthony faced a personal challenge. He had started his own photography business and became the primary caregiver for his mother, who was diagnosed with dementia and other ailments. It was a painful experience as he watched his mother's memory slowly slip away. She often struggled to recognize him, calling him by his father's name. Anthony took on the role of a full-time caregiver, providing personal care and cherishing the moments he had with her, learning everything from her that he could. Anthony’s mother sadly passed away in October 2020.
A Return to Compassion
As Anthony balanced a career as a customer service agent and his photography business in the UK, he realized that something was missing in his life. Although his previous roles were centred around helping people, they lacked the personal engagement he craved. In search of interaction and learning from those he served, he decided to leave his customer service role and put his photography business on hold. Anthony joined Compassionate Care Group, and it was a decision he would never regret.
The transition back into the care and support system was a homecoming for Anthony. He found a supportive and nurturing environment at Compassionate Care Group, where he felt encouraged to ask questions and seek guidance from the team leads and managers. He experienced the profound sense of fulfilment that comes from making a difference in people's lives.
In Loving Memory of Anthony's Beloved Mother
At the conclusion of this heartwarming journey that Anthony has shared with us, we must take a moment to remember and honour his late mother. Her presence, her love, and the profound impact she had on Anthony's life cannot be overstated. Her memory lives on not only in Anthony's heart but in the compassionate care he extends to those in need.
In her memory, we are reminded of the enduring power of love and the profound impact it has on the lives of those we touch.
In conclusion, Anthony Fortress Owaeghianye's journey into caregiving is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and dedication. His story serves as an inspiration to all those who aspire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. At Compassionate Care Group, we are proud to have support workers like Anthony who embody our commitment to providing compassionate care to those in need.
