A Legacy of Care: Meet Roxanne Zowtuk
Roxanne (centre) with her family.
When you meet Roxanne Zowtuk, it’s clear that ABC Head Start Society isn’t just a workplace for her. It’s a community she has helped shape for nearly two decades. Her journey has always aligned with ABC’s mission of raising families out of poverty and helping children harness their superpowers, conquer hardships, and live their best life.
A Journey of Growth
Roxanne first joined ABC Head Start Society in 2005 in an administrative role. She loved the people, the mission, and the sense that what happened at the agency truly mattered. Still, she knew she wanted to do more — to work directly with families and see that impact firsthand.
At the time, she often worked closely with ABC’s Family Engagement Team (the group of social workers who walk alongside parents and caregivers to strengthen family connections and provide critical supports). Their work ensures that every child’s progress in the classroom is reinforced at home through stronger, more resilient families.
“The leadership team was fabulous,” Roxanne says. “Everyone truly believed in the mission and values — and we lived by them. It felt like we were really making a difference for families who needed that extra support.”
That culture of care inspired Roxanne to take the next step. One day, while chatting with a Family Engagement Worker, she mentioned wanting to grow in her role. Her colleague encouraged her to pursue an after-degree in social work — a suggestion that would change her path entirely.
Roxanne enrolled in the University of Calgary’s virtual learning program while working full time and raising two children. The next two years were a whirlwind of evening classes, homework, and hockey practices, but also a time that reaffirmed her belief in the power of perseverance and family support.
“I had incredible mentors and a supportive family,” she says. “That experience made me even more passionate about helping other parents navigate their own challenges.”
Returning Home
After several years away, Roxanne returned to ABC in 2021 and found that, while much had evolved, the organization’s heart remained the same. Now serving as Family Engagement Lead, she supports and mentors the team of social workers who are often the first people families meet when they join the program.
Her philosophy is grounded in empathy and inclusion. “We can do amazing things in the classroom,” Roxanne explains, “but if a child goes home to a family that’s struggling, it’s hard to make real progress.”
Through intake, home visits, and ongoing support, Roxanne and her team ensure that every caregiver feels seen, heard, and equipped to thrive. The team leads ABC’s family-focused programs like Stay & Play, Family Connections, and Parenting Workshops — each designed to build relationships and reduce isolation. A ten-minute play session, a shared laugh at a family night, or a moment of encouragement during a difficult week can create a ripple that transforms both parent and child.
A Family Affair
For Roxanne, family has always been at the center of her work, both professionally and personally. Married to her husband Kevin and now a proud grandmother, she brings a lifetime of lived experience into her role. Over the years, her family has volunteered at ABC events, delivered Christmas hampers, and helped wherever they could.
“When you’re part of ABC, it becomes part of your family too,” Roxanne says. “It’s something we all believe in.”
That deep connection inspired the Zowtuks to take their commitment one step further,by creating a family endowment dedicated to ABC Head Start Society.
Leaving a Legacy
Roxanne first learned about endowments while working in administration, supporting leadership meetings with the Edmonton Community Foundation. Curious about how long-term giving could sustain ABC’s mission, she began asking questions and soon realized it was something her own family could do.
At the time, she was invited to join a small group of ABC staff who formed a committee called Nurturing ABC’s Future. The group received training on endowments and other ways to give, with the goal of sharing that knowledge across the organization. As Roxanne learned more, she felt inspired to lead by example.
Together, she and her husband Kevin established the Princess Taz Family Endowment Fund, named affectionately after their children’s nicknames. The fund was initially set up through the Edmonton Community Foundation, with proceeds directed to ABC each year. Recently, Roxanne and Kevin officially signed it over to ABC to ensure the support continues for generations to come.
“Legacy giving isn’t just for the wealthy,” Roxanne explains. “You can contribute a small amount each month, or include a gift in your will. Every bit grows. Every bit makes a difference.”
For Roxanne, the decision was about more than money, it was about values. It was about showing her children and grandchildren that community care doesn’t end when the workday does. It carries forward, creating opportunities for children who might otherwise be left behind.
The Ripple Effect
Families who once worked with Roxanne still remember her years later. They return with new children in the program, greeting her like an old friend. That continuity, of trust, of care, of shared history, is the essence of what ABC strives to create.
Roxanne’s journey is a reminder that legacy isn’t just what you leave behind. It’s what you build, moment by moment, in the lives you touch.
Thinking About Your Own Legacy?
You don’t need great wealth to make a lasting impact.
A legacy gift, whether through your will, life insurance, or an endowment, helps ensure children and families continue to receive the support they need for years to come.
To learn more about Legacy Giving at ABC Head Start Society, visit our Donation Page.
Or, in true Roxanne fashion, reach out to her directly. She’s always happy to share her journey.
About Heroes in Orbit
Heroes in Orbit is a storytelling series from ABC Head Start Society that celebrates the everyday champions who make our mission possible. From educators and family support staff to volunteers and community partners, these are the people who lift others up, go the extra mile, and embody the heart of ABC.