"Healing isn't linear" is one of Ally Owens's favorite quotes.

BYU-Idaho Alumni Ally Owens spends her days as the Public Awareness Coordinator at the Family Crisis Center in Rexburg, Idaho. 

Originally from Ellensburg, Washington, Owens came to Rexburg to study nursing.

“For a long time, I actually was thinking about being a nurse. I knew I wanted to help people," she said.

It was not until Owens had a conversation with a family member that she realized she wanted to help those who are suffering from addiction and abuse. 

She began this new career path at the St. Anthony's Youth Correctional Facility.

“A lot of the girls I worked with dealt with things that we deal with here [at the Family Crisis Center].” 

After a brief pause for reflection, Owens opened up about the heartache she witnessed.

“Every single one of them had pretty much dealt with [abuse] … it hurt me,” Owens confided. “I think you realize, you know, why kids end up the way they do when you see where they’re coming from, their background."

Even though Owens chose not to pursue a career in nursing, she still helps people heal from trauma.

"Healing isn't linear" is one of Ally Owens's favorite quotes. It applies to healing from abusive situations, something Owens encounters daily.

"It's not like one day you're healed from something. You can be years and years and years into it, and like, you're still not fully healed necessarily," she said.

During Owens’ two years working at the St. Anthony’s Youth Correctional Facility, she further aided survivors by finishing up her degree in social work. 

Owens then interned at the Family Crisis Center, and eventually got her dream opportunity to work for the nonprofit. 

“Even though we’ve been here since the '80s, I wish more people would know what we did,” Owens remarked. 

“To give hope” is the goal at the Family Crisis Center, and for Owens. BYUI is where Owens’s passion for others really developed. 

Since graduating, Owens's goal has been to “make a meaningful impact in areas such as mental health, domestic violence, child welfare and community outreach.”

Her goals align perfectly with the Family Crisis Center.

“Our mission is that we help abuse victims coming out of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or people even in those situations currently.”

Owens further described what the Family Crisis Center has offers to the community and survivors. 

“There’s a lot of movement in Rexburg … we wish more students knew this,” Owens conveyed. “If people ever need any help, I always say ‘just come in and ask’ … that’s what we’re here for.” 

For community members, the Family Crisis Center offers low-income housing resources, emergency housing, food bank access, counseling, mental health services, and addiction recovery services. 

“I genuinely believe that every single person knows someone who’s probably experiencing one of the three things that we work with. It’s just that people don’t always talk about it,” Owens said. “I feel like a lot of people do care, but people assume that [abuse] doesn’t happen here, which is strongly incorrect. Domestic violence and sexual assault are huge here, a lot more than people may think.” 

For survivors currently needing help from the Family Crisis Center, there are food boxes available two times a week, hygiene products once a month, access to the thrift store for certain items they need and a Deseret Industries voucher every few months to get essentials. 

“A lot of times in those situations, you feel so stuck,” Owens said.

To those who are suffering, there are after-hours advocates who are ready to answer a call, no matter the time. 

Throughout the day, advocates can be reached by calling, emailing or walking into the Family Crisis Center.  

Owens assured survivors they would find understanding, comfort, resources and a listening ear would meet any survivor at the Family Crisis Center.

Rexburg Family Crisis Center is located at 16 E Main St, Rexburg, ID 83440. Or, get in contact with local advocates at (208) 356-0065.