TOPEKA (KSNT) – Our December honoree is well-known in the Topeka community for her previous work promoting the state of Kansas, and her current role spreading awareness about mental health while raising funds for local services. Here's this month's 'Everything Woman'.
Pam Evans moved Kansas as a toddler when her dad retired from the military. She enjoyed ballet and acrobatics as a child, but a love for horses would soon cause a shift.
"I asked long enough and bothered my parents long enough to where I got my first pony."
She quickly learned to ride well, and later competed at a high level after some incentive from her parents.
"They said if you ever qualify for the national hunt seat equation medal finals will find a way to go. My last year, I actually qualified and I got to go to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania."
Pam had an offer to train horses in Texas after high school, but she soon ended up at the University of Kansas as a business major. At some point, she switched to the journalism school.
"I always like the marketing side of things, and as I learned about the business communications program in the journalism school, it's just a different way to go about it…I found my niche and here we are."
The first job out of school was at Heartland Park in sales and marketing. She credits Billy Kentling with showing her the ropes.
"He explained you have to learn how to sell and work with people. It helped me get to where I am today."
Her next move was to the lottery office as a public information officer for a deeper dive into communications and marketing.
"For four years, I gave away millions of dollars to winners…there really are winners…lots of them. It was another great opportunity there."
Pam still felt there was more to learn, so she briefly took a job as marketing director for a local certified public accountant. After that, she found a long term home at the Department of Commerce.
"I got to do a lot of project management…everything from special events, to print pieces, to advertising you know to promote the state of Kansas as a great place to work, live and play.
Boy, did I learn a lot over those 14 years."
She found the meaningful and the variety of work extraordinary -- but she was wanting to do more. After doing some research on Family Service & Guidance Center (FSGC), she had to take a shot.
"It ended up being the best, the best timing, the best move, I ever could've made. When I walk out the door every night I know in one way, shape, or form I have helped individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges."
The biggest change in her 12 years at FSGC has come recently. Family Service & Guidance Center is now a certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic which is the federal gold standard.
"It's whole person care so not only are when folks come in for treatment, we are also working in the physical health side. Due to that new certification, we are hiring and bursting at the seams, and we will continue to do so just to meet the needs of folks here in northeast Kansas."
Another project that Pam has been heavily involved in is the planning and fundraising for the new Youth Crisis and Recovery Center that opened in October of 2023.
"24 beds…all specialized care for kids and teens who are in crisis and or dealing with mental health challenge and substance use."
What makes her most proud?
"It's just very rewarding for me, to know, I have a small part in and helping people get happier and find themselves in a better spot…It's all about the outcomes. That's the most rewarding piece of puzzle for me.
What about being our newest honoree?
"It is so humbling. I just commend all of the women that you've recognized before, and would recommend anyone in the community, if you run into someone who inspires you, who picks you up on a really rough day, it would mean the world to them to nominate. I know it did for me."
Pam calls Topeka a 'big, small town' full of people that have impressed and inspired her over the years. To learn more about Family Service & Guidance Center go to fsgctopeka.com. If you know a woman we should highlight in this segment, please go to ksnt.com and nominate them there. We feature these honorees during 27 News on the last Tuesday of each month.
