Jacky with COTS’ very own Chef Janin Harmon
When Jacky Evan’s is serving at Mary’s Table, you’re going to get a lot more than just lunch. How about a few smiles to go with that salad? A sparkly apron and some sweet greetings to go with your green beans? And if you want it, how about a friendly chat? Bonus: Jacky’s from England and it’s fun to hear her talk.
“I’m really aware that we may be the only positive interaction people have in their day,” Jacky says, explaining why she’s sure to make eye contact with each guest and provide a few kind words.
That positivity starts the minute she puts on one of her custom aprons in the morning and starts to make lunch. That’s because, in addition to working with her regular crew, Jacky also works alongside our residents. “When I finish one thing, I pitch in to help someone else,” Jacky explains. “If I need help, someone jumps in to help me. We’re all in it together and I want everyone to have a good experience.”
Diana Morales was homeless when she first met Jacky. Sometimes, Jacky would serve her lunch. Sometimes, she and Jacky would work together in the kitchen. Now, as COTS Community Engagement Specialist, Diana supervises all our volunteers, including Jacky. “I’m grateful for the respect she gave me back then,” Diana says. “And there’s no difference in the way she treats me now and the way she treated me then.”
“The smallest act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life,” Jacky says. “I know that from my own life. I’m so very appreciative and happy when people are kind.”
Jacky started at COTS over six years ago, helping with our children’s program. She also pitched in with food sorting and found herself popping over to the prep kitchen to help out. Now, she and her Wednesday team have been together for years through thick and thin.
That means supporting each other through illness and loss, celebrating each other’s joys and achievements, learning each other’s stories, and making allowances for each other’s foibles. Jacky says, “We know each other very well at this point. Very well!” Recently, they took team captain Marge Popp out to celebrate her 95th birthday. “Marge made time for us between her volunteering and her jazzercise.”
Jacky and her husband, Novato dentist Lawson Evans, have been together for 16 years. Between them, they have four children. After a long career, including a stint as Pittsburg Steelers’ wide receiver Lynn Swann’s personal assistant, Jacky is happy to have the time to devote herself entirely to her family and her community. In addition to her work at COTS, she volunteers with MentorMe. “My husband really supports my volunteer work,” Jacky says. “He’s proud that we can give back this way as a family.”
Another way the family gives back is by postponing their own Thanksgiving dinner every year to come in and serve our clients. “We have our own get together a few weeks later,” Jacky says. “We call it ‘Thanxsmas.’”
We say “Thanxs much” to Jacky and the family that shares her with us.
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