By Chad Frey
Newton Kansan
Carrie Holler graduated from Newton High School in the 1980s, leaving the area to go to college. It did not take her long to return to Newton,
I love it. I love this town. It is just a great place to be.
Upon her return she started attending First United Methodist Church, where she was invited to take over the youth ministry. She says she knew nothing about how to do that at the time, but
“My husband and I poured our heart and soul, furniture and house, everything into youth. From that we opened our world to taking care of people,” Holler said. “Not just for a season, but for a whole life. That chapter of my life ended with helping start The Table.”
The Table is a weekly meal open to anyone at The Porch each Wednesday.
Holler has been named one of three 2024 Newton Area Women of the Year.
“Shock, Speechless,” Holler said. “Overwhelming honor. … To learn that the women that I look up to nominated me. I am befuddled still. … I was completely surprised.”
According to her nomination form, it was her commitment to the community, and the people within, that led to her becoming woman of the year.
The Newton Area Women of the Year will be honored during a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 29 at the Prairy Mezzanine, the second floor of Prairy Market & Deli at 601. N. Main. Also honored this year will be Rachel Bachman and Andrea Braker.
“Carrie demonstrates a strong commitment to the Newton community and its people. She has dedicated a significant amount of her adult life to volunteering in various capacities, including serving as the Youth Director at First United Methodist Church and volunteering at Norm’s after school program. Most recently, she has taken on the role of director for “The Table” community meal initiative at So Shine Foundation,” wrote Crista Jayhay on her nomination form. “Through these roles, Carrie has actively engaged with and supported the youth and families in our community. She has invested considerable time and effort in building relationships with children, youth, and families.”
She has helped create collaboration for The Table with various agencies such as Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center, NMC Health, Health Ministries, Peace Connections and Laundry Love.
“Many other activities that I know she initiates is her neighborhood chili cook-off inviting other neighbors such as the Newton Fire/EMS station, participates Halloween Candy Walk, yearly downtown car show, yearly Christmas gathering with friends and family, and having others over to her house for weekly meals,” wrote Pam Waltner in a letter of support of Holler’s nomination. “… Carrie knows many in the community that she treats as her own. Takes meals to others and looks out for others needs no matter what is going on. She promotes Newton businesses and community events through social media and through conversations with many.
Holler had no idea where taking the spot of a youth pastor would take her all those years ago. In her childhood she did not attend church, making so much of what she would encounter an unknown.
She found inspiration, and a life mission.
“There is no greater reward than just giving your time and helping, loving other people,” Holler said. “The love that is returned is worth everything. The only way we are going to continue to have a great community is if others find out where they can help and where they can serve. Enjoy being involved in other things.”