For years as a state trooper, Manny Alaniz knew he was protecting lives. But he questioned whether he was really saving them.

After more than two decades in law enforcement, Alaniz somehow felt hollow, he admitted.

A different calling pushed Alaniz toward “a new life,” as he describes it, which eventually led him to Buckner where he now works to start Buckner services and outreach in the San Antonio area.

Alaniz spent more than 26 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety. His career ranged from patrol duties in Houston to investigative duties in Houston and San Antonio, where he conducted criminal investigations of major crimes and organized gangs. Finally, his career culminated in Austin as a law enforcement administrator, where he oversaw the polygraph, computer crimes intrusion unit, technical and training units, among other duties. 

Alaniz joined Buckner in October 2023 as director of the Buckner Family Hope Center® in San Antonio, aiming to build relationships in San Antonio and ultimately plant a new Family Hope Center.

Read more about Manny's journey to serve the vulnerable through Buckner San Antonio in the latest Buckner Today.