(Seguin) — Thriving Hearts Crisis Center has selected a new leader to help guide the organization in its support of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
Jana Evans is the newly named executive director and CEO for the crisis center formally known as the Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter. The shelter works to provide services across Guadalupe, Gonzales, Karnes and Wilson counties.
With more than 13 years of experience in public service and nonprofit programs, Evans will oversee both Thriving Hearts Crisis Center and its thrift store, The Cranny.
Evans says her commitment to service began early in her career in neighboring Comal County.
“My passion for non-profits started in Comal County while I worked for the Senior Citizen Foundation doing like the Meals on Wheels Program and working with the senior citizens and so that’s kind of where it all sparked my passion for serving my community,” said Evans.
Evans says she later moved into child advocacy work, gaining hands-on experience helping families navigate some of their most difficult moments — skills she now plans to bring directly to families seeking help at Thriving Hearts.
“I went from the Senior Center over to work with the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). I was working with them and being able to do forensic interviewing and family advocacy so I have experience from there that I will be able to bring to support with this crisis center,” said Evans.
For many residents, Evans is already a familiar face. Her years working with students and families in Seguin has provided her firsthand knowledge of the challenges families face in this area.
“I went and started working with Communities in Schools with the Seguin (ISD). So, I was able to help those children that had barriers to success as well as their families that were needing that additional help so I was able to be there at Seguin ISD and help those families be connected with resources and community partners that could help them. And then from there, I went with Seguin ISD when they started their ACE program. I grew up in La Vernia as well, so I grew up in Wilson County so I’m definitely familiar with the area,” said Evans.
Thriving Hearts Crisis Center leaders say that local knowledge, combined with her trauma-informed and collaborative leadership style, makes Evans a strong fit for the organization’s mission. Board President Sarah Ferguson says the entire community stands to benefit from Evans’ energy and commitment to service.
Evans says she now hopes to build on the organization’s long-standing reputation while widening its reach and strengthening partnerships throughout the region.
She says the ultimate goal is to ensure more survivors know help is available.
“My hope is to be able to make a bigger impact. We are well known in the Seguin and Guadalupe County area. I want to be able to expand our community partners and pull them in from all the different communities and be able to reach more of those that are in need because there are so many more that possibly don’t know about it. With this being such a sensitive topic for people, it’s harder for people – the fear factor of things and it’s a hard conversation to have with people and sometimes, I think it hurts sometimes for us to be able to get the word out and for those that need the support to know that we are here,” said Evans. “I want to be able to work on the relationships that are already here but also expand into (having) even more community partners.”
Evans comes on board replacing former executive director Manijeh “MJ” Huereca. She says even during the transition and up until her appointment, Thriving Hearts and The Cranny did not lose a beat in their operation thanks to the strong staff members who remain committed to operating the program 24/7
Now that she has taken over the reins, Evans says she looks forward to working closely with her team and those in the community.
“I’m very very grateful for the opportunity and the trust that the board is putting into me. I’m excited to be able to work with the community so I’m welcoming anyone to reach out to me. I would love to hear more about ways that they can collaborate together in order to support the organization and those that we serve. I’m excited to lead the team not only at Thriving Hearts Crisis Center but also The Cranny, the thrift store that we have. So, it’s very important for us to support the thrift store as well because those proceeds go here to help us with our services,” said Evans.
The family crisis center has provided free services to area survivors since 1983. Those needing help from abuse and violence are encouraged to call 830-372-2780. They can also go online to safeseguin.org.