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By Mandy Haggerson
For the Clemmons Courier

Casey Price grew up in Ohio as the youngest of three girls. Separated by only two years of age, Price has always been close to her siblings. “I was very fortunate with the neighborhood my sisters and I grew up in because we always had someone to play with,” recalls Price. “In fact, one of my neighbors and best friend was the reason I moved to North Carolina. We have remained very close all these years later.”

Price’s childhood was filled with a love of for learning. “I loved books. I loved science, and I enjoyed being in school,” says Price. “Aside from learning how things worked scientifically, I spent my free time in gymnastics and in a diving program.”

Staying steadfast in a pursuit to advance her knowledge in science, Price chose a major at Ohio University that would complement her interests. “I got my degree in environmental science, and ultimately thought I would be teaching with it somehow,” recalls Price. “Once I earned my degree, I researched jobs that would coincide with my degree and give me the ability to teach. I came across AmeriCorps and was offered a position in Boston, Massachusetts.” Price realized quickly that she loved the teaching component as much as she expected, however, she wanted to live in an area with a smaller-town feel. After a year, Price went back to Columbus, Ohio, and did non-profit work in environmental education. “I loved being able to develop and facilitate a curriculum for fourth through sixth graders in their public school system. Being tasked with inception of the program that encouraged a hands-on approach to science was very meaningful to me,” explains Price.

After two years in the position, Price took a leap of faith and moved down to Charlotte. “Having visited that area prior to see my childhood best friend, I knew that I loved the state. Ohio can be very cold in the winters, and I wanted to do something new and different. I’m a firm believer in things working out like they are supposed to. Something told me that the move would be a good idea for me,” explains Price of her big move in 2003. Price had also ended a serious relationship that had never felt quite right. “I took some time before I considered dating seriously. I met Doug, my future husband, and he was very patient with me since I didn’t want to rush back into another serious relationship,” says a grateful Price. “When we found out that I was pregnant with our daughter, Georgia, in 2011, I moved to the Winston-Salem area where Doug had a job and was living.”

The community was exactly what Price had been looking for when she had moved to North Carolina in 2003. “When Georgia was born, I stayed home for six months before going back to work,” remembers Price. “I began working for Ruff Housing as the account manager in human resources. When I first started, there were about 35 employees. I enjoyed growing the program as the business expanded to 200 employees by the end of my 10^th year with the company.”

Like many parents, Price took an inventory on what was most important to her when she worked and spent time away from her daughter and her stepson, Hunter. “While I liked what I did professionally, I wanted to give back more. When Georgia was a baby, I had begun to volunteer with Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. I am passionate about the mission that no one should go hungry. As a mother, I can’t imagine having to worry about that for my own child. As a volunteer for over seven years, I was excited to see that there was a job opening for an assistant human resources manager position. It was my third time applying for the organization and was ecstatic when I got the job. I knew I’d be taking a pay cut, however, knowing I was doing something that I believed in outweighed the monetary side of the equation,” notes Price.

Price still enjoys the volunteerism with her daughter who shares her mom’s philanthropic calling. “Georgia and I help at SECU House to make meals for the family members. She and I also enjoy volunteering regularly with Helping Other People Eat (H.O.P.E.) to make produce bags, sandwiches and also delivering the meals. Georgia gets to see the impact she is making, and it has shown her how lucky she is,” explains Price. Price even spent her birthday volunteering at H.O.P.E. with her family. “When they asked what I wanted to do on my birthday, having my family with me to help someone in need sounded like the perfect way to celebrate the life that I have. I don’t take anything that has been given to me for granted. I have been very blessed,” reflects Price.