Throughout her time at Buckner and prior, working with Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. Community Center, Shawna Roy has been an important part of the Houston community.

"Buckner is very appreciative of the many contributions Shawna has made to the Buckner ministry," said Samela Macon, vice president of Buckner Children and Family Services. "Shawna has served with a spirit of passionate commitment throughout her tenure, and she will be deeply missed." 

Below, Roy states what she has been most thankful for and how she plans to continue to serve families and children in Houston as she continues on the next chapter of her personal and professional life. 

It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my resignation from my role as senior executive director of Southeast Texas with Buckner Children and Family Services, effective Oct. 31. 
 
As many of you know, my love for serving families began over 30 years ago when my family founded the Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. Community Center. In 2005 I began serving in a more formal capacity and worked to provide additional structure and processes for us to have a deeper impact in the community.

Since Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. joined Buckner in 2012, I have held several roles and am so grateful for the Buckner leaders who helped groom me along the way and especially those who trusted me to lead our Southeast Texas teams. It has been a true blessing to work alongside such dedicated, creative and compassionate people who truly have a heart to serve.
 
What I am most grateful for are the opportunities to see tremendous growth in so many children and families over the years. Through our hard work and dedication, thousands of lives have been changed.

• Children have excelled in school and overcome many of the challenges and trauma they faced in life.
• Teens have graduated high school and become first generation college students and graduates.
• Parents have learned to be better leaders and nurturers for their families.
• Men have learned to be fathers and how to contribute positively to their communities.
• Adults have earned their GEDs and found employment to better support their families.
• Families have received food, clothes, housing and resources during crisis and times of need.
• Individuals have learned about God and have grown in their faith.
• Long term relationships with other families have been formed.
• Participants come back to volunteer for those who are experiencing what they’ve been through.

These examples may seem small, but I am certain they are big wins for the families we serve. The trajectory of their lives is forever changed. I am so proud of having such a key role in the great work done in Houston. I am truly grateful to everyone who has supported me along this journey through giving of your time or resources, providing expertise, referring others to us and especially for your prayers. Thank you.
 
Although I am resigning from my current role, I do still strongly believe in the amazing work Buckner does, so I have committed to continued involvement with the Houston area programs through volunteering for special projects and serving on committees. As I move into the next season of my life and professional career, my ongoing prayer is that you will continue supporting Buckner, our staff and the families in the same ways you always have. You are a valuable part of the mission, and they need you.